Andaltec is spearheading the European LIFE Comp0live project, which aims to valorise olive pruning waste and transform it into a raw material with the potential to be incorporated into polymeric matrices, improving their properties while also reducing the environmental impact by curbing CO2 emissions caused by practices such as burning pruning. The objective is to develop three new business models related to waste management within the new value chain of the olive sector, namely automotive fibres, outdoor furniture and home furniture. Furthermore, farmers can monetise waste products that currently do not generate income for them.
One of the most significant advances of this project is that, when this olive pruning fibre, suitably treated, is added to a polymeric matrix as reinforcement, it results in a composite material with significantly improved properties and a lower associated environmental impact. Furthermore, the material, when transformed using conventional plastic transformation technologies, enables the creation of innovative textures and designs, even when the polymeric matrices are recycled plastics.
Project consortium
The project consortium is integrated by Andaltec, Caliplast (France), Plasturgia (France), Ford-Werke GmbH (Germany), the University of Jaén, Citoliva and Matricería Peña (Spain).
