OLinWASTE – Turning olive mill waste into sustainable value

Managing olive waste is a significant environmental and economic challenge for producers. OLinWASTE addresses this issue while creating new value and a more sustainable olive mill environment.

From waste to value

OLinWASTE uses a biorefinery approach to convert olive mill waste into biofertilisers, biopesticides, biopolymers and bioenergy. The work demonstrates how agricultural waste can be repurposed within a circular economy approach rather than being discarded, while also improving environmental conditions in production facilities.

OLinWASTE project goal

The goal is to establish an integrated zero-emission system for olive mill waste, focusing on reducing environmental impact, improving resource use and supporting a sustainable and healthy working environment. OLinWASTE aims to contribute to:

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, noise, odour, and soil pollution
• New bio-based products
• More resource-efficient processes

How it works

OLinWASTE will valorise waste streams, resulting in higher-value products, improved efficiency, and reduced or eliminated emissions. Decision-making is supported by lifecycle, risk, and techno-economic assessments that identify hotspots and screen out nonviable processes early in their development. Digital twins will be used to monitor and optimise material, energy and waste flows.

Social impact is explored

The project also addresses social impacts such as noise and odour, including noise mitigation measures that contribute to a more sustainable acoustic environment and reduced disturbance for workers.

Who are the OLinWASTE stakeholders?

OLinWASTE is relevant to olive oil producers and biogas operators, as well as actors in the bioeconomic, circular industries, and organisations working with waste, energy and sustainability. The lab-scale solutions will be assessed for feasibility at industrial scale, making the findings relevant beyond the theoretical stage.

Partners and collaboration

OLinWASTE brings together research organisations, industry and academia across Europe and is funded by the EU Horizon Programme via GA101181402. RISE contributes with heat recovery, noise mitigation, upscaling and integration. The work supports advancements in sustainable waste management and renewable energy solutions.

Want to know more? Visit the project website or read more on the EU project page.