Green Assist: Transforming olive waste into sustainable materials

Andaltec, a Spanish leading technology centre in plastics and innovation, is taking a big step towards a circular and sustainable economy. Already collaborating with companies across more than 20 countries, Andaltec sought Green Assist’s support to overcome investment challenges. This initiative follows their partnership with the LIFE COMP0LIVE project aimed at scaling their sustainability efforts and reducing environmental impacts.Their long-term goal is to build a large-scale biorefinery that transforms olive pruning waste into sustainable biocomposites and other bio-based materials. These innovative materials provide a more eco-friendly option compared  to traditional plastics, which are typically derived from fossil fuels - a conclusion supported by a Life Cycle Assessment from the LIFE COMP0LIVE project.Leveraging its experience in European R&D projects and advanced pilot facilities, Andaltec is well-equipped to succeed. However, it faces key barriers to implementation. Scaling up production to handle large volumes of bio-based material requires substantial investment and robust technical planning. In addition, securing financing for the construction and operation of the biorefinery, along with developing efficient logistics for biomass inflow, remain critical challenges.That’s where Green Assist came in. From July to October 2024, an expert from Green Assist collaborated with Andaltec to shape their investment plan and logistics model, ensuring the project is...