OLIVE LEAF MULTI-PRODUCT CASCADE BASED BIOREFINERY: FROM AN UNDER-USED BIOMASS IN THE PRIMARY SECTOR TO TAILORMADE SOLUTIONS FOR HIGH ADDED VALUE INTERNATIONAL MARKET APPLICATIONS

Project Information

OLEAF4VALUE

Grant agreement ID: 101023256

DOI

10.3030/101023256

Project closed

EC signature date 22 April 2021

Start date 1 July 2021

End date 30 June 2024

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy

Total cost

€ 5 687 060,00

EU contribution

€ 4 530 243,00

Coordinated by

NATAC BIOTECH SL
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - OLEAF4VALUE (OLIVE LEAF MULTI-PRODUCT CASCADE BASED BIOREFINERY: FROM AN UNDER-USED BIOMASS IN THE PRIMARY SECTOR TO TAILORMADE SOLUTIONS FOR HIGH ADDED VALUE INTERNATIONAL MARKET APPLICATIONS)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The circular bioeconomy and the development and production of bio-based products have become essential in the transition from a fossil-based economy to a sustainable green revolution in Europe. The project successfully demonstrated the potential to rejuvenate underutilized bio-based side streams and residues, showcasing significant benefits. Cascading circular product design and aspects related to product use were previously underrepresented in the bio-based product market, and their full potential has now been addressed.

The olive oil industry—key in Southern Europe and along the Mediterranean coast (Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Slovenia, among others)—produce 4.5 million tons of olive leaves annually worldwide. This biomass posed a challenge for both farmers and the olive oil industry, as it needed to be removed from fields and mills. However, it contained high-value bioactive compounds with substantial market potential in sectors such as food, feed, chemicals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

The goal of OLEAF4VALUE was to establish the foundation for an intelligent value chain based on a groundbreaking concept: the Smart Dynamic Multi-Valorisation-Route Biorefinery (SAMBIO). This approach facilitated the cascade valorisation of olive leaf biomass according to its physicochemical composition, with specific pre-treatments enhancing target product yields. Advanced green extraction and isolation technologies were employed to separate all valuable fractions and compounds using a zero-waste approach. Enzymatic biotransformation, molecularly imprinted polymers and nanoencapsulation technologies were implemented to develop tailored prototypes that met market needs in high-value sectors such as food, feed, health, cosmetics, and chemicals. Large companies from these sectors within the consortium ensured a market-oriented approach throughout the project.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Since the start of the project, significant progress has been made in the valorization of olive leaves, developing five routes for extracting various bioproducts. Routes VR1 and VR2 were the most productive and scalable, producing high-value compounds such as polyphenols and triterpenes. The essential oil route (VR3) was discarded, but supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) was identified as a promising alternative technology. Route VR4, which involved fermenting leaves, generated products with different bioactivities, though it has not yet established a market. Route VR5 enabled the valorization of exhausted leaves, producing xylooligosaccharides (XOS).

Enzymatic methods were developed for the biotransformation of oleuropein and oleanolic acid, and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were created for the purification of extracts. Innovations also included micro/nanoencapsulation to improve the solubility and stability of compounds. Environmental and economic assessments indicated that energy efficiency and waste management were key areas for improving valorization processes. These achievements have laid a solid foundation for the potential commercialization of the bioproducts.

In terms of dissemination, audiovisual materials, including flyers, roll-ups, posters, and infographics, were produced and used at key events and digital platforms to increase the project's visibility. Social media presence, particularly on LinkedIn and X, achieved greater reach than targeted. Additionally, participation in conferences and scientific events solidified the project's presence, and training sessions for producers improved biomass management practices. These activities were designed to maximize the project's impact and ensure the adoption of its results in the market. Nine scientific papers have been published and new publicationas are still to come compiling the most relevant technical results from the project.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

State-of-the-art: The project advanced the understanding of how agronomic factors and pre-treatments affect the phytochemical potential of olive leaves. A portable Near Infrared (NIR) sensor was developed, and the Smart Dynamic Multi-Valorisation-Route Biorefinery (SAMBIO) concept was introduced, which enhanced biorefinery efficiency and optimized the use of olive leaves.

Socioeconomic impact: The project contributed to industry development by increasing the value of olive leaves, improving efficiency, and reducing costs. It created jobs and supported rural economies through fostering innovation.

Environmental impact: The project reduced the environmental impact of olive leaf incineration by developing the Smart Dynamic Multi-Valorisation-Route Biorefinery (SAMBIO) model, which advanced resource efficiency, minimized waste and emissions, and supported a circular economy.

Foundation for SUSTAINEXT’s Expanded Biorefinery Approach (New CBE Flagship): SUSTAINEXT builds on the O4V biorefining concept, aiming to revolutionize the botanical extracts industry with a zero-waste model. Funded by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and involving 21 partners, it will establish a versatile biorefinery in Extremadura, Spain, that uses medicinal plants and agro-industrial side streams to upcycle biomass into 46 new bio-based ingredients.

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