The OLIWA project, “Repurposing OLIve WAste in circular economy solutions for feeds, additives, packaging, and biogas,” is a groundbreaking research and innovation initiative focused on converting olive by-products into valuable co-products. Emphasizing circular economy and zero-waste principles, this project aims to create sustainable value chains across six Mediterranean countries.
Coordinated by the University of Torino in Italy, OLIWA unites a diverse consortium of 25 leading partners from Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Algeria, and Tunisia. Notably, AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, contributes its expertise in sustainable materials and food and drink packaging solutions.
This project’s primary objective is to facilitate the sustainable repurposing of olive waste into co-products for animal feeds, functional ingredients, innovative packaging, and biogas. Through rigorous research and practical demonstrations, OLIWA will validate the feasibility and sustainability of these circular economy solutions, aiming to mitigate environmental impact while generating new economic opportunities.
The research will delve into innovative applications, including the use of olive by-products for insect rearing, producing high-quality insect meals for animal feed. Additionally, it will focus on developing natural olive extracts as feed additives and functional ingredients, as well as creating sustainable food and drink packaging materials derived from olive waste and insect-based components to enhance food preservation and minimize losses. Furthermore, the project will investigate biogas production from olive waste along with animal or insect manure as an alternative energy source.
AIMPLAS will play a pivotal role in the OLIWA project by analyzing the processability of olive waste-derived materials using conventional technologies such as extrusion, to produce rigid packaging prototypes. Prototypes, including beverage bottles and food trays, will be developed and their functionality validated. AIMPLAS will also research the heat-sealing capabilities of films made from olive waste to serve as lids for trays.
In line with its sustainability goals, OLIWA targets a minimum 25% reduction in food losses and waste, contributing to broader sustainability objectives and enhancing the resilience of the Mediterranean agri-food sector. Funded under the PRIMA Programme, this initiative represents a critical stride toward a more sustainable and innovative olive industry in the region, transforming agricultural waste into high-value applications while fostering a circular economic model.
