New generation of bioCOMPosites based on OLIVE fibers for industrial applications

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The EU is the leading producer, consumer and exporter of olive oil in the world. The main European olive producers are Spain (over 65%), Italy (18%), Greece (almost 9%) and Portugal (almost 77%). In Andaluca alone, 30% of the total arable land (1.5 million hectares) iscultivated with olive trees.

This cultivation results in more than 7 million tonnes of pruning residue annually. However, only a marginal amount is used for energy generation. Most pruning waste is burned, with subsequent emission of pollutants into the atmosphere.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the LIFE COMP0LIVE project is to develop a new generation of biocomposites based on olive pruning waste which can be used in the automotive and furniture sectors.

The project will contribute to implementing European policies on the environment by reducing the uncontrolled release of gases into theenvironment, reducing waste creation, incineration and landfill in line with the Directives on waste and the roadmap for a resource-efficient Europe, and replacing carbon/grass fibres with natural fibres used by the automotive and furniture sectors, in line with the European Strategy for plastics in a circular economy.

RESULTS

Expected results:

reuse around 21 tonnes/year of olive pruning waste collected during the implementation of the project, resulting in 15 tonnes/year of fibre produced;

35-45 tonnes/year reduction of fossil-based virgin plastic used in the automotive and furniture sectors by producing a composite with up to 35% olive fibre and based on either biopolymer PLA or recyclable PP;

at least three real prototype demonstrators built; and

CO2 emissions reduced by over 40 tonnes/year at the end of the project.