BIOREVALEAF

The main objective of the BIOREVALEAF Operational Group project is to comprehensively revalue olive leaves as a source of phytochemicals and nutrients with bioactive properties within a context of circular and sustainable bioeconomy, with the aim of obtaining functional oils enriched with these bioactive compounds.

The innovative nature of the project lies in the creation of a new model of circular and sustainable bioeconomy in the olive sector through the comprehensive utilization of one of the main by-products of this industry, the olive leaf, to obtain high-added-value bioactive compounds for application in the formulation of functional olive oils, using fermentation processes combined with green extraction techniques.

The expected results from the execution of this project include the comprehensive revaluation of one of the main by-products of the olive tree for direct application in the formulation of functional oils enriched with high-added-value compounds and the development of food ingredients with functional properties and technological characteristics of added value with potential to be used by the food industry for food formulation.

Furthermore, this operational group will strengthen links between the olive sector and research organizations, as the results obtained will allow for the revaluation of these olive by-products, enabling greater economic profitability. This will benefit both the olive sector, with the possibility of job creation through the development of small businesses, and the food sectors, thanks to the utilization of this low-cost plant source to obtain high-added-value ingredients. The results obtained will also contribute to the circular bioeconomy, giving a second life to olive residues produced by the olive oil industry that are generally discarded, which would also help reduce their environmental impact.