Spain, as the world's leading olive oil producer, generates massive quantities of olive pits. This project focuses on upcycling these seeds into a high-density biomass fuel. Olive pits have a remarkably high energy density and low moisture content, making them a superior renewable alternative to fossil fuels. By utilizing this processing waste, the industry reduces its carbon footprint and provides a cost-effective energy source for local communities.
The olive pits are separated from the pulp during the oil extraction process. They undergo mechanical cleaning to remove residual organic matter and are then dried to a moisture content below 10%. The seeds are either used whole or compressed into standardized pellets. When combusted, they provide stable thermal energy with significantly lower ash content compared to traditional wood biomass.
Ford engineers are testing a new composite material made from shredded olive tree prunings. In the Mediterranean, massive amounts of wood are burnt every year after the harvest. By diverting this wood waste and mixing it with recycled plastics, Ford is creating durable, lightweight automotive components. This initiative reduces the use of virgin plastics and petroleum-based reinforcements, moving closer to a fully circular vehicle manufacturing process.
Agricultural prunings from olive trees are collected and mechanically shredded into fine fibers. These natural fibers are then "compounded" with recycled polypropylene pellets. The fiber-reinforced plastic is fed into high-pressure injection molding machines to create complex automotive parts. The resulting material is tested for durability, strength, and scent to ensure it meets strict automotive safety standards.
