LIFE COMP0LIVE

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Transforming olive waste into new sustainable bio-composites: a greener future for industry

The European Union is the world’s leading producer, consumer and exporter of olive oil, with Spain (over 65%), Italy (18%), Greece (almost 9%) and Portugal (almost 7%) accounting for most of the production. In Andalucía alone, 1.5 million hectares - 30% of region’s arable land - are dedicated to olive cultivation. However, this thriving industry also generates vast amounts of pruning waste, traditionally used for energy production, composting and animal feed. This waste holds untapped potential: it can be repurposed into high-value biomaterials, bioplastics and bioactive compounds, opening new business opportunities and strengthening the circular economy in olive-growing regions.

From waste to value: a sustainable alternative to burning olive pruning waste

To tackle this environmental challenge, the LIFE COMP0LIVE project is pioneering a revolutionary approach: transforming olive pruning waste into bio-composites for industrial applications. These sustainable materials are designed for use in the automotive and furniture sectors, offering an alternative to fossil-based plastics, while reducing emissions from traditional pruning waste disposal.

Measurable Environmental and Industrial Impact

According to the business plan developed with LIFE C2M’s support, LIFE COMP0LIVE aims to achieve significant environmental and economic benefits by 2030, including:
 

• Utilising 800-1600 tonnes of olive pruning waste annually, repurposing what would otherwise be discarded.
   
• Reducing fossil-based plastic use by 800 tonnes/year by incorporating up to 40% olive fibre into composite materials.
   
• Developing four prototype demonstrators to showcase real-world application in the automotive and furniture sectors.
   
• Cutting CO2 emissions by over 1500 tonnes/year by reducing waste burning practices and replacing fossil-based materials.

Towards a greener future

By converting agricultural waste into high-value industrial materials, LIFE COMP0LIVE drives sustainable innovation in the bio-composite industry, reducing environmental impact while creating new economic opportunities. With continued support from the LIFE Programme and market-focused initiatives like C2M, the project is set to make a lasting impact, paving the way for a more resource-efficient, circular economy in Europe.

Quote from the Coordinating Beneficiary

Francisco Javier Navas Martos, project coordinator

“The way the LIFE Programme works was crucial to get to know the end user better. That was the key because it pushed us to be better, more practical, and more focused on solving the customer’s problem rather than just conducting research or publishing another innovative paper. Apart from that, at the end of the LIFE COMP0LIVE project, we had the opportunity to work with Green Assist who supported us in creating a business plan in order to scale up the business. That was very good, as now we have a solid business plan to scale up the business model and create a startup. That’s the plan." – Francisco Javier Navas Martos, Project Coordinator (LIFE COMP0LIVE)".