Why does the design of this new EVOO packaging protect its gourmet quality?
A research group called Olicomp3D, comprised of Andaltec, the Universities of Jaén and Cádiz, the company Matersia, and the Sierra Mágina Designation of Origin, has achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of sustainable packaging . They have created an innovative material for packaging bottles of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) using olive pruning waste and olive pits. This new material is combined with a polymer base and manufactured using 3D printing, a technique known as large-format additive manufacturing.
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A project with sustainable roots
The Olicomp3D project aimed to add value to olive grove waste, a key sector in Andalusia. The idea was to transform pruning wood and olive pits, normally considered waste, into a valuable resource for creating packaging.
The Olicomp3D results were recently presented at Andaltec's headquarters. At the event, representatives from each of the collaborating entities highlighted the importance of this project, which has received funding from the Andalusian Regional Government's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Daniel Aguilera, manager of Andaltec, highlighted the consortium's interest in utilizing olive grove waste to produce eco-friendly packaging within the sector itself. Fran Navas, a researcher at Andaltec, explained that the project lasted two years and expressed hope that future working groups would continue exploring this line of research.
Jesús Sutil, manager of the Sierra Mágina Designation of Origin, for whose promotional bottle this packaging was designed, emphasized that this packaging goes beyond a simple design. For him, it represents a clear commitment to the circular economy and sustainability, integrating the values inherent to the land. These innovative cases have already been exhibited at important national trade fairs such as Salón Gourmet in Madrid, Salimat in Galicia, and Expoliva in Jaén.
From European research to new applications
The development of this new material originated in the European Life Compolive project, led by the University of Jaén and Andaltec. At that time, the use of olive grove waste as natural reinforcements in polymers was investigated, offering an alternative to synthetic reinforcements. These materials are attractive due to their lower density, lower cost, and inherent biodegradability, which facilitates their disposal.
The Life Compolive project focused on applications for the automotive and furniture sectors, demonstrating the technical feasibility of these developments. With Olicomp3D, the focus has shifted to the packaging sector, utilizing more modern manufacturing processes such as large-format additive manufacturing (FGF). It is important to note that other partners in the Operational Group, the University of Cádiz and the company Matersia SL, had already used this manufacturing system to produce plastic parts from cork waste.
Impact and key benefits
This project is fundamental for the olive sector. Its benefits are numerous:
- Environmental Impact ReductionBy reusing waste, the amount of waste generated by the olive grove is reduced.
- Recycling of waste: A new value is given to a material abundant in Andalusia that, otherwise, would not be used.
- Circular economy modelThe project creates a cycle where waste is transformed into new products, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.
- Increased competitivenessInnovative materials are generated from local resources, which can boost the competitiveness of the Andalusian economy.
Furthermore, Olicomp3D directly contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. By utilizing waste materials that currently release greenhouse gases and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the project promotes the production of sustainable goods and the creation of new business models in rural areas. It aligns specifically with SDGs such as decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.
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The project has been financed with European Agricultural Funds for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Junta de Andalucía, through the call for the Operation of Regional Operational Groups of the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP AGRI) of 2020.
Andaltec is a technology center founded in 2003, specializing in automotive lighting systems, food-contact plastics, prototyping, and sustainable plastic materials . It has a team of over 120 professionals and a 10.000-square-meter facility in Martos, providing services to companies in more than 20 countries.
Paper bottles for olive oil
The use of paper bottles for olive oil marks a milestone in the food industry, presenting itself as a revolutionary alternative that benefits both consumers and the environment.
This innovation, led by companies such as Enia Foods with its AEONS brand and Jordan Olive Oil, is based on Frugal Bottle technology, a container designed to transform the way we transport and preserve "liquid gold".
Unlike traditional containers, paper bottles for olive oil are made from 94% recycled cardboard and are up to five times lighter than glass, drastically reducing carbon emissions during logistics.
They improve the preservation of EVOO
Inside, they feature a foldable protective bag that prevents oxygen from entering as the product is used, eliminating the empty space that often causes oxidation in conventional bottles and thus preserving the antioxidants and polyphenols of the extra virgin olive oil for much longer. Furthermore, this format is extremely practical: it pours as easily as a glass bottle, but it is unbreakable and much easier to recycle, since the consumer only needs to separate the inner bag from the outer paper one.
Recognized with international awards such as the SIAL Innovation Grand Prix, these paper bottles for olive oil demonstrate that it is possible to evolve towards sustainability without sacrificing quality or food safety, complying with the strictest EU and FDA regulations.
By choosing paper bottles for olive oil , producers are not only responding to the demands of an increasingly environmentally conscious public, but also protecting the purity and flavor of the product better than traditional steel or plastic. This advancement represents a logical step for the agricultural sector, uniting the heritage of olive groves with 21st-century packaging solutions that minimize the environmental footprint.
Ultimately, paper bottles for olive oil don't change the essence of the oil, but they change everything around it, making the consumption of this healthy food an experience consistent with a responsible and modern lifestyle.
