COMP0LIVE’s path to startup success with LIFE C2M support

The LIFE COMP0LIVE project is pioneering a groundbreaking approach: transforming olive pruning waste into high-value bio-composites for industrial applications. By reusing this abundant agricultural by-product, the project reduces waste, emissions, and reliance on fossil-based plastics, while delivering real-world solutions for everyday items such as automotive parts and eyeglass frames.

From waste to useful products: the innovation behind COMP0LIVE

The innovation lies in applying olive tree pruning waste, currently discarded, as a reinforcement for plastic matrices. The process involves collecting the pruning, treating it, and obtaining a fibre that is compatible with polymer materials. The project developed techniques to enhance fibre compatibility, improving the final product’s properties.

Additionally, the research uncovered alternative applications. While producing fibre for automotive parts, the team discovered that approximately 50% of the raw material was too thin for this purpose. Instead of discarding it, they developed nanocellulose and cellulose acetate, which can be used in eyeglass frames, biodegradable packaging, and food applications.

COMP0LIVE draws attention from renowned industry players

COMP0LIVE has already worked with major industry players, including Ford, Caliplast (France), and Matricera Peña (Spain). After the end of the LIFE project, other companies have shown interest in helping COMP0LIVE scaling up production and exploring new applications.

Beyond launching a startup, the team is focusing on scaling fibre production and biocomposite manufacturing, improving polymer matrices, and ensuring recyclability at the end of a product’s life. Their goal is to develop continuous fibre solutions for a broad range of industries.

LIFE and C2M support: from research to market

The LIFE programme and C2M (Close-to-Market) support played a crucial role in making the project viable. According to Francisco Javier Navas Martos, Head of New Developments at ANDALTEC and Project Coordinator:

“The way the LIFE programme works was crucial to get to know the end user better. That was 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.”

Know more about this initiative in our project fiche.

How LIFE helps close-to-market projects

LIFE COMP0LIVE is one of the companies supported under LIFE’s close-to-market (C2M) activities.

C2M helps LIFE beneficiaries bring their innovative solutions into the market. A dedicated team with extensive business and financial experience supports close-to-market projects with business coaching, advisory on business plan development, presentation guidance and expert connection, among other activities.

Looking for support to develop your cleantech solution and bring it to the market? Check out our LIFE Close-to-market page.