Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Olive pips: From "waste" to value
Recover energy from the by-products of locally grown olive trees and create new innovative product
Since 1992, we manage to recover energy from the by-products of locally grown olive trees and offer a carbon-neutral fuel alternative for our industrial processes (produce quicklime for construction agricultural and environmental applications) and in addition we use our “waste” to create an innovative patented new by-product, olive barbecue briquettes, which is replacing the environmentally damaging (forest degradation and loss of biodiversity) production of wood charcoal.
Greece
Local
Kalamata
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
1992-09-01
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
Humanity is currently facing a triple planetary crisis, with three interconnected issues: climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. Energy demand is growing while the planet is heating up (IRP, 2024). The resolution of that apparent contradictory challenge lies in greater energy efficiency and an increase in renewable supply. The renewable sector has doubled in output between 2005 - 2022, but still only provides about 23% of total global energy demand (EEA, 2024). The further expansion should include consideration of carbon-neutral bioenergy fuels, such as the potential that lies in agricultural residues. Also, by destroying the forests, human activities like the production of wood charcoal are putting entire ecosystems in danger, creating natural imbalances. Biomass accounted for 56% of the overall EU's renewable gross final energy consumption in 2021. In the olive sector, the main residues, pip, flesh and skin of the olive fruit is about 30% of the total weight of the olive fruit. Our initiative reduces greenhouse gas emissions, preserves forests as carbon sinks, and mitigates illegal deforestation, which is crucial for protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. Additionally, repurposing agricultural by-products minimizes waste and reduces harmful pollutants, while promoting cleaner-burning alternatives to wood charcoal. By supporting sustainable agriculture and fostering local economic growth, our innovation exemplifies a circular economy approach with broad environmental and social benefits.
Sustainability
Innovation
Circular Bioeconomy
Biodiversity Conservation
Climate action
The key objectives of the project in terms of sustainability focus on reducing environmental impact, promoting resource efficiency, and fostering circular economy. These objectives have been met in the following ways:
- Carbon-Neutral Energy Production:
By recovering energy from olive pips, our project provides a carbon-neutral fuel alternative that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. This contributes to climate change mitigation while utilizing a renewable, locally sourced resource.
- Reduction of Deforestation and loss of the biodiversity:
The development of our olive barbecue briquettes as a replacement for wood charcoal addresses the issue of illegal and unsustainable logging, preserving forests as vital carbon sinks and protecting biodiversity.
- Waste Valorization:
Our project transforms agricultural by-products, such as olive pips, into valuable products, reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency. This circular approach ensures that no part of the olive harvest goes unused, aligning with sustainable circular production practices.
- Pollution Reduction:
By minimizing agricultural waste and providing cleaner-burning fuel alternatives, our project helps reduce air pollution, soil degradation, and water contamination often associated with traditional waste disposal methods and wood charcoal production.
- Sustainable Economic Development:
Our project supports local community by creating an innovative, eco-friendly product from regional agricultural resources. This generates economic opportunities as we also export our product and promotes sustainable livelihoods while reinforcing environmentally responsible practices.
By implementing these objectives, our project demonstrates a comprehensive approach to sustainability goals 3, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15 and 17.
- Carbon-Neutral Energy Production:
By recovering energy from olive pips, our project provides a carbon-neutral fuel alternative that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. This contributes to climate change mitigation while utilizing a renewable, locally sourced resource.
- Reduction of Deforestation and loss of the biodiversity:
The development of our olive barbecue briquettes as a replacement for wood charcoal addresses the issue of illegal and unsustainable logging, preserving forests as vital carbon sinks and protecting biodiversity.
- Waste Valorization:
Our project transforms agricultural by-products, such as olive pips, into valuable products, reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency. This circular approach ensures that no part of the olive harvest goes unused, aligning with sustainable circular production practices.
- Pollution Reduction:
By minimizing agricultural waste and providing cleaner-burning fuel alternatives, our project helps reduce air pollution, soil degradation, and water contamination often associated with traditional waste disposal methods and wood charcoal production.
- Sustainable Economic Development:
Our project supports local community by creating an innovative, eco-friendly product from regional agricultural resources. This generates economic opportunities as we also export our product and promotes sustainable livelihoods while reinforcing environmentally responsible practices.
By implementing these objectives, our project demonstrates a comprehensive approach to sustainability goals 3, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15 and 17.
The key objectives of our project in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people focus on sustainable design, cultural heritage, and user experience, which have been met in the following ways:
- Sustainable and Innovative Design:
Our project incorporates a circular design approach by repurposing olive pips into carbon-neutral fuel and also in barbecue briquettes. These two products are not only functional but also eco-friendly, aligning with the growing consumer preference for sustainable choices. The innovative design of the olive barbecue briquettes provides a high-quality, clean-burning alternative to traditional wood charcoal, offering a more pleasant and smoke-free cooking experience for users.
- Promoting Cultural Heritage:
Our project highlights and honors the cultural significance of olive farming in the Mediterranean region and especially in Kalamata city which is worldwide known for the production of olives and olive oil. By giving new life to olive by-products, it strengthens the connection between traditional agricultural practices and modern sustainability efforts, fostering a sense of pride and continuity for local communities.
- Enhanced User Experience:
Our olive barbecue briquettes are designed to improve the cooking experience through consistent performance, reduced emissions, and a natural aesthetic that resonates with eco-conscious consumers. Compared to wood charcoal, our olive barbecue briquettes have more advantages when used: no smell, no smoke, doesn’t spark, emits 30% less CO.
- Educational and Cultural Benefits:
Our project raises awareness about sustainability and the value of agricultural by-products, inspiring a shift toward environmentally responsible practices. By promoting this innovative use of olive by-products, it encourages a cultural appreciation for resourcefulness and environmental stewardship.
- Sustainable and Innovative Design:
Our project incorporates a circular design approach by repurposing olive pips into carbon-neutral fuel and also in barbecue briquettes. These two products are not only functional but also eco-friendly, aligning with the growing consumer preference for sustainable choices. The innovative design of the olive barbecue briquettes provides a high-quality, clean-burning alternative to traditional wood charcoal, offering a more pleasant and smoke-free cooking experience for users.
- Promoting Cultural Heritage:
Our project highlights and honors the cultural significance of olive farming in the Mediterranean region and especially in Kalamata city which is worldwide known for the production of olives and olive oil. By giving new life to olive by-products, it strengthens the connection between traditional agricultural practices and modern sustainability efforts, fostering a sense of pride and continuity for local communities.
- Enhanced User Experience:
Our olive barbecue briquettes are designed to improve the cooking experience through consistent performance, reduced emissions, and a natural aesthetic that resonates with eco-conscious consumers. Compared to wood charcoal, our olive barbecue briquettes have more advantages when used: no smell, no smoke, doesn’t spark, emits 30% less CO.
- Educational and Cultural Benefits:
Our project raises awareness about sustainability and the value of agricultural by-products, inspiring a shift toward environmentally responsible practices. By promoting this innovative use of olive by-products, it encourages a cultural appreciation for resourcefulness and environmental stewardship.
In terms of inclusion our project focus on accessibility, affordability, community involvement, and fostering equitable systems. These objectives have been met in the following ways:
- Accessibility and Affordability:
By transforming olive by-products into alternative fuels and barbecue briquettes, our project offers a cost-effective and locally sourced solution. This ensures that sustainable and eco-friendly fuel options are accessible to a wide range of users, including individuals and communities with limited financial resources. Affordable pricing helps democratize access to sustainable products, making environmentally responsible choices feasible for all.
- Community Empowerment:
Our project actively involves local communities in olive-growing regions by creating economic opportunities, such as employment in production and distribution. This empowers farmers and local workers, particularly in rural areas, fostering an inclusive model of economic growth that benefits a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
- Inclusive Governing Systems:
Apart from the members of management board, all stakeholders involved in the company’s environmental (ISO 14001:2015) and quality (ISO 9001:2015) management systems. We spend considerable time to explain, and discuss with all stakeholders the company’s environmental goals, hear their views and how they think we are going to achieve them. This ensures that the benefits of the initiative are equitably distributed and that diverse voices are considered in shaping its implementation and growth.
Our project exemplifies a circular economy model that integrates social inclusion with environmental sustainability. By showcasing how agricultural by-products can be repurposed into valuable resources, it challenges traditional, wasteful production systems and demonstrates a more equitable and regenerative approach to resource management.
- Accessibility and Affordability:
By transforming olive by-products into alternative fuels and barbecue briquettes, our project offers a cost-effective and locally sourced solution. This ensures that sustainable and eco-friendly fuel options are accessible to a wide range of users, including individuals and communities with limited financial resources. Affordable pricing helps democratize access to sustainable products, making environmentally responsible choices feasible for all.
- Community Empowerment:
Our project actively involves local communities in olive-growing regions by creating economic opportunities, such as employment in production and distribution. This empowers farmers and local workers, particularly in rural areas, fostering an inclusive model of economic growth that benefits a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
- Inclusive Governing Systems:
Apart from the members of management board, all stakeholders involved in the company’s environmental (ISO 14001:2015) and quality (ISO 9001:2015) management systems. We spend considerable time to explain, and discuss with all stakeholders the company’s environmental goals, hear their views and how they think we are going to achieve them. This ensures that the benefits of the initiative are equitably distributed and that diverse voices are considered in shaping its implementation and growth.
Our project exemplifies a circular economy model that integrates social inclusion with environmental sustainability. By showcasing how agricultural by-products can be repurposed into valuable resources, it challenges traditional, wasteful production systems and demonstrates a more equitable and regenerative approach to resource management.
The involvement of citizens and civil society has been integral to the project’s success. Their roles-ranging from producers and consumers to advocates and collaborators—have ensured that our project remains grounded in local needs while addressing global challenges.
Farmers and local olive producers directly benefit from the project by finding value in what was previously considered agricultural waste. They are involved in providing raw materials (olive pips) and, in many cases, in the early stages of processing, creating additional income streams. Citizens who use the olive barbecue briquettes or carbon-neutral fuel benefit from sustainable, affordable, and eco-friendly products. The feedback according to our ISO9001 and ISO14001 management systems from users has informed the design and functionality of the products, ensuring they meet the needs of diverse customers.
Many of our partners domestically and abroad (Germany, Romania, Australia, Canada) are directly involved in the supply chain and distribution of our olive barbecue briquettes and promoting and scaling the project, helping to connect stakeholders and advocate for our policy support.
Partnerships with schools, universities, community groups, or cooperatives have facilitated the dissemination of knowledge and resources, encouraging broader adoption of our project’s principles. In the ongoing process to make the environmental and innovative aspects of our product known to the public, our company very often participates to social events and exhibitions, where eco –friendly products and innovative environmental processes are presented and the participants have the chance to get involved in an open dialogue with the public and stakeholders.
By engaging citizens and civil society, our project has gained trust and acceptance, leading to higher adoption rates of the products and practices it promotes.
Farmers and local olive producers directly benefit from the project by finding value in what was previously considered agricultural waste. They are involved in providing raw materials (olive pips) and, in many cases, in the early stages of processing, creating additional income streams. Citizens who use the olive barbecue briquettes or carbon-neutral fuel benefit from sustainable, affordable, and eco-friendly products. The feedback according to our ISO9001 and ISO14001 management systems from users has informed the design and functionality of the products, ensuring they meet the needs of diverse customers.
Many of our partners domestically and abroad (Germany, Romania, Australia, Canada) are directly involved in the supply chain and distribution of our olive barbecue briquettes and promoting and scaling the project, helping to connect stakeholders and advocate for our policy support.
Partnerships with schools, universities, community groups, or cooperatives have facilitated the dissemination of knowledge and resources, encouraging broader adoption of our project’s principles. In the ongoing process to make the environmental and innovative aspects of our product known to the public, our company very often participates to social events and exhibitions, where eco –friendly products and innovative environmental processes are presented and the participants have the chance to get involved in an open dialogue with the public and stakeholders.
By engaging citizens and civil society, our project has gained trust and acceptance, leading to higher adoption rates of the products and practices it promotes.
Each group’s involvement (local, regional, national European) added unique value, ensuring the project’s sustainability, replicability, and alignment with global environmental and social goals. In local level, local farmers and olive growers provided the raw materials (olive pips) and were directly involved in the supply chain. Citizens participated as end-users of the olive barbecue briquettes, with their feedback helped refine the products to meet consumer needs, ensuring functionality and usability. Partnerships with schools, universities, community groups, or cooperatives helped mobilize communities, raise awareness about our project, and promote its adoption.
Collaboration with universities and research centers at the national level supported the development and optimization of the patented technology. Their technical expertise added value by ensuring the project’s innovations were efficient as we hold a European Patent from the European Patent Office with registration number EP2514805A1.
At European level there are several European references on official European circular economy websites. More specifically, it was distinguished as one of the top 30 methods that integrates the principles of the circular economy and protects the environment at the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2024 in Brussels and cite as an example of good practice in the application of the circular economy on the official website of the European Commission for circular economy as well as in other platforms on circular economy, innovation and energy. Their role emphasized scaling the project as part of Europe’s green transition.
Collaboration with universities and research centers at the national level supported the development and optimization of the patented technology. Their technical expertise added value by ensuring the project’s innovations were efficient as we hold a European Patent from the European Patent Office with registration number EP2514805A1.
At European level there are several European references on official European circular economy websites. More specifically, it was distinguished as one of the top 30 methods that integrates the principles of the circular economy and protects the environment at the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2024 in Brussels and cite as an example of good practice in the application of the circular economy on the official website of the European Commission for circular economy as well as in other platforms on circular economy, innovation and energy. Their role emphasized scaling the project as part of Europe’s green transition.
Our company established in 1968!
The circular economy is not a new concept. It is applied by nature and now we try to imitate it. Nature does not produce waste. By applying the principles of circular economy, we try not to produce waste, or if we do so, waste is going to be secondary raw material for the production of new products. A first key step for achieving the circular economy is the sustainable design of products. Products should be designed to be durable and easily repairable, refurbished, upgradeable, reusable, repurposed and at the end of their life must be recyclable. The circular economy also promotes the usage of products as a service, leasing and also bioeconomy. By creating closed loops, cyclical flows and cascades of the biological and technical nutrients, as well as using renewable energy sources, products, materials and components retain their highest possible value and quality as long as possible.
The production of our barbecue briquettes from biomass residues produced during the process of olive oil production is a successful example of the implementation of circular economy in olive oil sector. And this is what we do since 1992.
Of course, a fundamental requirement for achieving circular economy is not only to change the way we produce but also the way we consume. If everyone on the planet consumed resources at the rate of OECD and EU countries, we would need 3.3 planets to satisfy their consumption needs.
An immediate transformation of the way we live our daily lives is necessary to achieve circular economy and sustainable development. And this is what we are trying to do by promoting circular bioeconomy.
The circular economy is not a new concept. It is applied by nature and now we try to imitate it. Nature does not produce waste. By applying the principles of circular economy, we try not to produce waste, or if we do so, waste is going to be secondary raw material for the production of new products. A first key step for achieving the circular economy is the sustainable design of products. Products should be designed to be durable and easily repairable, refurbished, upgradeable, reusable, repurposed and at the end of their life must be recyclable. The circular economy also promotes the usage of products as a service, leasing and also bioeconomy. By creating closed loops, cyclical flows and cascades of the biological and technical nutrients, as well as using renewable energy sources, products, materials and components retain their highest possible value and quality as long as possible.
The production of our barbecue briquettes from biomass residues produced during the process of olive oil production is a successful example of the implementation of circular economy in olive oil sector. And this is what we do since 1992.
Of course, a fundamental requirement for achieving circular economy is not only to change the way we produce but also the way we consume. If everyone on the planet consumed resources at the rate of OECD and EU countries, we would need 3.3 planets to satisfy their consumption needs.
An immediate transformation of the way we live our daily lives is necessary to achieve circular economy and sustainable development. And this is what we are trying to do by promoting circular bioeconomy.
As referred to the World Bioenergy Association, the volume of crop residues generated worldwide could be as high as 17 billion tonnes/yr. If converted to energy, these materials could generate 123 EJ of energy, equivalent to 20% of worldwide supply. Crop residues include 3,5 million tonnes of olive pomace produced annually, a significant proportion of this is generated in Greece.
We manage to recover energy from the by-products of locally grown olive trees and offer a carbon-neutral fuel alternative for industrial processes and in addition we create a new by-product which is replacing wood charcoal.
Also, the role of the bio-based products as alternatives to fossil-fuel counterparts, and their importance in developing a sustainable economy based on renewable materials in Europe, has been recognized in the EU 2020 strategy and in the “Innovating for Sustainable Growth: A Bioeconomy for Europe” strategy.
Instead of using fossil fuels to produce our lime products products (quicklime & putty lime), we use biomass residues from olive oil sector.
In addition, our "waste" of our production process are up-cycling to a new product, our olive barbecue briquettes and in this way we replacing wood charcoal which are coming from logging trees.
The normal charcoal value chain involves the collection or cutting of wood at the source (e.g. forests, woodlands, shrublands, agroforestry systems and woodlots, or from wood processing operations), the carbonization of wood in kilns, the distribution and trade of charcoal, and consumption by households or enterprises. On 2019 the global charcoal production was more than 54 million tonnes. To achieve that we need twice to ten times of logging wood
Our project is a circular model business referred as resource recovery model, which is concerned with the after-use phase of products and its aim is to recover value from used products and feed back into the value chain.
We manage to recover energy from the by-products of locally grown olive trees and offer a carbon-neutral fuel alternative for industrial processes and in addition we create a new by-product which is replacing wood charcoal.
Also, the role of the bio-based products as alternatives to fossil-fuel counterparts, and their importance in developing a sustainable economy based on renewable materials in Europe, has been recognized in the EU 2020 strategy and in the “Innovating for Sustainable Growth: A Bioeconomy for Europe” strategy.
Instead of using fossil fuels to produce our lime products products (quicklime & putty lime), we use biomass residues from olive oil sector.
In addition, our "waste" of our production process are up-cycling to a new product, our olive barbecue briquettes and in this way we replacing wood charcoal which are coming from logging trees.
The normal charcoal value chain involves the collection or cutting of wood at the source (e.g. forests, woodlands, shrublands, agroforestry systems and woodlots, or from wood processing operations), the carbonization of wood in kilns, the distribution and trade of charcoal, and consumption by households or enterprises. On 2019 the global charcoal production was more than 54 million tonnes. To achieve that we need twice to ten times of logging wood
Our project is a circular model business referred as resource recovery model, which is concerned with the after-use phase of products and its aim is to recover value from used products and feed back into the value chain.
We are using natural resources without interfere to the life cycle of olive trees. Every year the olive trees provide us olives and by using the olive pips we produce first energy and then we up-cycling the combustion products. Our small family-owned business, called KLIMIS, based in Kalamata, uses locally available crushed olive pips as a carbon-neutral fuel, that are fired with crushed limestone to produce quicklime (calcium oxide), an important chemical with many agricultural, construction and environmental applications. The partially-combusted olive pips remaining in the kiln, are then collected and compacted in moulds to create a slow-burning barbecue briquettes. Compared to wood charcoal, our olive barbecue briquettes have more advantages when used: no smell, no smoke, doesn’t spark, emits 30% less CO.
We are following an internal industrial symbiosis process. Industrial symbiosis is the process by which wastes or by‐products of an industry or industrial process become the raw materials for another. In our case, we use biomass “waste” fuel as heating energy and the remnant of that fuel is used again to produce our barbecue briquettes.
We are following an internal industrial symbiosis process. Industrial symbiosis is the process by which wastes or by‐products of an industry or industrial process become the raw materials for another. In our case, we use biomass “waste” fuel as heating energy and the remnant of that fuel is used again to produce our barbecue briquettes.
According to Foresight Brief of United Nations Environment Programme (2022) with title: “Charcoal as a global commodity: is it sustainable?” innovation and policies aimed at producing charcoal from organic waste materials are urgently required to prevent further forest degradation and loss of biodiversity. Biomass accounted for 56% (i.e. 125 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe)) of the overall EU's renewable gross final energy consumption in 2021 (EEA, 2023). So, there is plenty amount of biomass that we can use it for energy purposes and for producing charcoal. The process of the incomplete combustion of our olive pips in our kiln is called pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is the heating process of an organic material, in the absence of oxygen. So, this technology can replicated and transferred to all kind of organic waste materials and make charcoal. In Indonesia there are already making barbecue briquettes from coconut shells.
Also, according to European Biomass Industry Association, there are 6 generic biomass processing technologies based on:direct combustion (for power), anaerobic digestion (for methane-rich gas), fermentation (of sugars for alcohols), oil exaction (for biodiesel), pyrolysis (for biochar, gas and oils), gasification (for carbon monoxide and hydrogen-rich syngas).
These technologies can be all used to replace fossil fuel and fossil fuel based products.
Also, according to European Biomass Industry Association, there are 6 generic biomass processing technologies based on:direct combustion (for power), anaerobic digestion (for methane-rich gas), fermentation (of sugars for alcohols), oil exaction (for biodiesel), pyrolysis (for biochar, gas and oils), gasification (for carbon monoxide and hydrogen-rich syngas).
These technologies can be all used to replace fossil fuel and fossil fuel based products.
Energy demand is growing while the planet is heating up. The resolution of that apparent contradictory challenge lies in greater energy efficiency and an increase in renewable supply. The further expansion should include consideration of carbon-neutral bioenergy fuels, such as the potential that lies in agricultural residues. Also, by destroying the forests, human activities like the production of wood charcoal are putting entire ecosystems in danger, creating natural imbalances.
According to FAO UN (2017), at the report “The charcoal transition”, an estimated 1 to 2,4 Gt CO2e of greenhouse gases are emitted annually in the production and use of fuelwood and charcoal, which is 2%–7% of global anthropogenic emissions. These emissions are due largely to unsustainable forest management and inefficient charcoal manufacture and woodfuel combustion.
FAO data indicate a clear trend of increasing global charcoal production – production increased by 19% in the ten years to 2015 and by 46% in the last 20 years.
Almost one million tonnes of charcoal are consumed in the European Union each year. Only a quarter of it is produced in the EU. The remaining three quarters, just under 750,000 tonnes, are imported – most of it from countries such as Ukraine, Nigeria, Russia, Indonesia or Paraguay, where corruption, illegal logging and forest destruction are widespread.
According to FAO UN. (2017), The charcoal transition, deforestation and forest degradation may both cause biodiversity loss because of the reduction of habitats and their fragmentation, as well as the loss of crucial ecosystem functions.
In the WWF DE 2020 Analysis of the EU Charcoal Market, charcoal production in Nigeria – according to the Nigerian Ministry of the Environment – is mostly illegal, and the possibility that child labour is used cannot be ruled out. Currently, it is estimated that 152 million children are engaged in child labour, with almost half, 72 million, working in hazardous child labour.
According to FAO UN (2017), at the report “The charcoal transition”, an estimated 1 to 2,4 Gt CO2e of greenhouse gases are emitted annually in the production and use of fuelwood and charcoal, which is 2%–7% of global anthropogenic emissions. These emissions are due largely to unsustainable forest management and inefficient charcoal manufacture and woodfuel combustion.
FAO data indicate a clear trend of increasing global charcoal production – production increased by 19% in the ten years to 2015 and by 46% in the last 20 years.
Almost one million tonnes of charcoal are consumed in the European Union each year. Only a quarter of it is produced in the EU. The remaining three quarters, just under 750,000 tonnes, are imported – most of it from countries such as Ukraine, Nigeria, Russia, Indonesia or Paraguay, where corruption, illegal logging and forest destruction are widespread.
According to FAO UN. (2017), The charcoal transition, deforestation and forest degradation may both cause biodiversity loss because of the reduction of habitats and their fragmentation, as well as the loss of crucial ecosystem functions.
In the WWF DE 2020 Analysis of the EU Charcoal Market, charcoal production in Nigeria – according to the Nigerian Ministry of the Environment – is mostly illegal, and the possibility that child labour is used cannot be ruled out. Currently, it is estimated that 152 million children are engaged in child labour, with almost half, 72 million, working in hazardous child labour.
We promote a circular bioeconomy product for more than 30 years, worldwide. We have created partnerships and new job positions by exporting our product to Germany, Romania, Canada & Australia and we invest to new products, like logs from olive pips.
Our company comply with the legal framework governing minimum wages in Greece and equal treatment, regardless of gender, religion or other discrimination. Also, we contributing to the social security of employees and securing paid leave in accordance with legal requirements. In the past, we have successful integrated in our company migrants from Afghanistan as workers and helped them to strength the conditions to participate in our society.
Biomass, like olive pips, when combusted, releases carbon dioxide which in turn is readily absorbed by plants—the source of biomass. Through this cycle, plants remove carbon from the atmosphere, and carbon is released back to the atmosphere when plants are burned. This balance makes biomass-derived carbon neutral.
Our European winning awards from DG Environment of European Commission on environmental performance below proves our environmental excellence even though we are a small business family:
- EMAS (Eco-Management & Audit Scheme) Awards 2009 in "Supply Chain including green procurement"
- EMAS(Eco-Management & Audit Scheme) Awards 2014 in "Effective eco-innovations supporting improvements in environmental performance"
- Runner-up in the European Business Awards for the Environment 2018-2019 in the category “The Management Award for Micro and Small Companies"
The method of producing charcoal from olive biomass residues, has been recognized at European level and there are several European references on official European circular economy websites. More specifically, it was distinguished as one of the top 30 methods that integrates the principles of the circular economy and protects the environment at the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2024.
Our company comply with the legal framework governing minimum wages in Greece and equal treatment, regardless of gender, religion or other discrimination. Also, we contributing to the social security of employees and securing paid leave in accordance with legal requirements. In the past, we have successful integrated in our company migrants from Afghanistan as workers and helped them to strength the conditions to participate in our society.
Biomass, like olive pips, when combusted, releases carbon dioxide which in turn is readily absorbed by plants—the source of biomass. Through this cycle, plants remove carbon from the atmosphere, and carbon is released back to the atmosphere when plants are burned. This balance makes biomass-derived carbon neutral.
Our European winning awards from DG Environment of European Commission on environmental performance below proves our environmental excellence even though we are a small business family:
- EMAS (Eco-Management & Audit Scheme) Awards 2009 in "Supply Chain including green procurement"
- EMAS(Eco-Management & Audit Scheme) Awards 2014 in "Effective eco-innovations supporting improvements in environmental performance"
- Runner-up in the European Business Awards for the Environment 2018-2019 in the category “The Management Award for Micro and Small Companies"
The method of producing charcoal from olive biomass residues, has been recognized at European level and there are several European references on official European circular economy websites. More specifically, it was distinguished as one of the top 30 methods that integrates the principles of the circular economy and protects the environment at the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2024.
