CENER pioneers breakthrough biotechnological solutions for olive leaf valorization

 OLEAF4VALUE brings together a consortium composed of 16 partners from 9 countries, including leading research institutions, technological centres and industrial players, among which is CENER (The National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain). The project is based on the concept of the Smart Dynamic Multi-Valorization-Route Biorefinery (SAMBIO), a first-of-its-kind approach designed to fully exploit the potential of olive leaves. The poject is coordinated by Natac.

With an annual production of around 4.5 million tons of olive leaves globally, mostly concentrated in southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin, this biomass has long been seen as a challenge for the olive oil industry. The leaves are typically left abandoned in the fields, burned for energy, or used as animal feed, missing out on their true potential as a source of bioactive compounds. OLEAF4VALUE seeks to change this by applying advanced green extraction and separation technologies, which allow the cascading valorization of olive leaves, producing this way a wide range of high-value products. These products, tailored to specific market needs, are intended for sectors such as food, feed, health, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, among others.

OLEAF4VALUE also focuses on ensuring sustainability and cost-effectiveness throughout the value chain. By developing innovative technologies, the project addresses not only the environmental challenge of managing olive leaves but also creates new economic opportunities for the agricultural sector. The project is expected to have a significant impact on bioeconomy stakeholders, especially in regions where olive cultivation is a major economic driver. With a budget of over 5.6 million euros, OLEAF4VALUE is setting new standards in the bio-based industry, showcasing how a traditionally discarded resource can be upcycled into valuable, market-ready products.

CENER’s achievements within the project

CENER has played a crucial role in the OLEAF4VALUE project, leveraging its expertise in biomass valorization to develop innovative solutions for the full exploitation of olive leaf biomass. The organization has focused on three main streams of work: the production of Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), potential extraction of Oleuropein from polyphenols and the development of natural antioxidants from lignin. Each of these areas represents a significant contribution to the project, addressing different market needs and opening up new avenues for commercialization.

1. Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS): CENER has successfully developed a novel pretreatment technology to extract XOS from the hemicellulose of olive leaves. XOS are prebiotic compounds known for their health benefits, particularly in promoting gut health. By hydrolyzing the hemicellulose, CENER has been able to isolate XOS, which can then be used in the production of prebiotics. These prebiotics have shown promising results in supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, making them a valuable ingredient in functional foods and nutraceuticals. CENER's work in this area not only contributes to the health sector but also demonstrates the potential of olive leaves as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds.
2. Polyphenols extraction: One of the most exciting results from CENER's work is the extraction of poliphenols, that are bioactive compounds with well-documented antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Oleuropein derived from Olive extracts has been the subject of extensive research due to its ability to support immune system and concretely the powerful to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and inhibit angiogenesis, the process by which tumours develop new blood vessels. CENER's technology has demonstrated its ability to increase the yield and purity of the antioxidants produced, including oleuropein as part of this product group, making it a highly attractive candidate for pharmaceutical applications, particularly in cancer treatments. CENER is paving the way for new therapeutic approaches that in the next future could combine selectively extracted techniques for crucial polyphenols as Oleuropein with immunotherapy, offering hope for more effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects. Next results are coming.
3. Natural antioxidants from lignin: In addition to its work with XOS and Oleuropein, CENER has applied its proprietary OHRIGINS technology for producing natural antioxidants from lignin, a complex polymer found in the cell walls of plants. Using OHRIGINS, CENER employs thermal oxidative depolymerization to break down lignin into smaller molecules with potent antioxidant activity. These natural antioxidants have the potential to replace synthetic antioxidants in products such as cosmetics, food preservatives, and health supplements.

OHRIGINS advantages: OHRIGINS offers a continuous, scalable process that allows high efficiency in lignin valorization. It delivers tailored antioxidant products with a customizable oxidation state, free of sulphur and ash, making it ideal for high-end applications. The technology also enables reagent recovery and integration into existing pulp and paper plants, providing a sustainable, cost-effective solution for industries seeking natural antioxidant alternatives.

By focusing on these three key streams, CENER is contributing to the creation of a circular bioeconomy, where all parts of the olive leaf are valorized. The organization's work is helping to close the loop in the olive oil industry, transforming waste into valuable products that benefit both the economy and the environment. Looking forward, CENER is committed to scaling up these technologies and exploring new market opportunities, particularly in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, where the demand for natural, plant-based ingredients is rapidly growing.