Behind every bottle of olive oil lies a lesser-known but valuable by-product: olive pomace. This pulpy residue—made up of skins, pits, and bits of olive flesh—was once considered little more than waste. Today, however, it’s being reimagined as a versatile resource that can power homes, enrich soils, and even support sustainable cosmetics.

In Croatia, most producers currently compost both wet and dry pomace, returning organic material to the soil and enriching future harvests. However, its potential as a source of bioenergy remains largely untapped, leaving room for further innovation and investment in circular economy solutions.

Greece is making promising strides. Around 60% of producers already repurpose pomace to extract remaining oil or convert it into biofuel. Yet, despite these efforts, broader adoption of innovative reuse methods is still needed to unlock its full potential.

In Italy, the circular mindset is well-rooted. Pomace is commonly used as both compost and biomass fuel, contributing to the country’s broader efforts to reduce agricultural waste and enhance energy sustainability.

Portugal is taking a strategic approach. With significant biofuel investments underway, the country is positioning itself to make better use of its olive by-products. Turning pomace into a reliable energy source could help reduce environmental impact while creating added value in rural areas.

But it’s Spain that stands out as a global frontrunner. Nearly 100% of olive pomace is reused, whether for energy, compost, or industrial applications. The country has built an entire infrastructure around by-product valorisation, making it a model of efficiency and innovation in the olive oil sector.

As demand grows for cleaner energy, regenerative agriculture, and natural products, olive pomace is proving to be far more than a waste product. It’s a hidden treasure—one that’s driving the olive oil industry closer to a truly circular economy.