Dr. Črtomir Tavzes, InnoRenew CoE researcher, took part in the morning television show “Dobro jutro” to present OLEAF4VALUE, the international research project led by Dr. Jakub Sandak, InnoRenew CoE researcher.

OLEAF4VALUE aims to develop a complete valorization system for the olive leaf and create a smart value chain based on Smart Dynamic Multi-Valorization-Route Biorefinery (SAMBIO), a newly developed 4.0 concept for the cascade valorization of olive leaf biomass according to its physicochemical composition, particularly modulated by specific pretreatments to produce target products.

“Olive leaves are an under-explored natural resource that is usually burned,” Dr. Sandak said.

“That is why we want to develop a new way to use and reuse olive waste. We will develop technology that will include information on the quality of the leaves in the orchard, as well as ways to transport them, extraction and purifying technologies for olive leaves.”

As a guest in the studio, Dr. Tavzes spoke about some of the project’s highlights.

“Researchers are now focusing on olive leaves, which are a very interesting part of the plant because, in addition to basic characteristics such as lignin and cellulose, which are also economically very important, a whole range of substances and chemicals are found in them,” Dr. Taves said.

“There is a lot to be extracted from the leaves, and we are working to get the most out of the plant while creating as little waste as possible.”

The OLEAF4VALUE project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Bio-Based Industries programme.

The full television show can be watched here (from 1:05:32 onwards).