The OLIWA project (Repurposing OLIve WAste in circular economy solutions for feeds, additives, packaging and biogas) is a research and innovation initiative with a strong focus on circular economy and zero-waste principles. It's just started and aims to establish sustainable value chains across six Mediterranean countries.

The main objective is to support the sustainable repurposing of olive waste into co-products for use in animal feeds, functional ingredients, packaging and biogas. Through extensive research and real-world demonstrations, OLIWA will validate the feasibility and sustainability of these circular solutions, aiming to reduce environmental impact while creating new economic opportunities.

• The animal feed dimension involves insects and the olive waste itself. Insects will be fed on olive by-products and then converted into high-quality animal feed. Natural olive extracts will also be used as feed additives.
• The project will explore deriving functional ingredients, i.e. ingredients which play an active role in improving the overall quality and/or processing of food, from natural olive extracts.
• It will investigate producing sustainable food packaging materials derived from olive waste and insect-based components to improve food preservation and reduce losses.
• Lastly, the project will look at the production of biogas from olive waste and animal or insect manure as an alternative energy source.

OLIWA also aims to achieve a minimum 25% reduction in food losses and waste, aligning with broader sustainability targets and contributing to the resilience of the Mediterranean agri-food sector. Funded under the EU's PRIMA Programme, the project is a significant step toward a more sustainable and innovative olive industry in the region: it seeks to turn agricultural waste into high-value applications and foster a circular economic model.