OliWasTex

Who the project is aimed at

The textile industry, olive oil cooperatives and producers, industrial dyers, research centres and companies committed to sustainability and the circular economy, as well as consumers and brands interested in environmentally friendly textile products.

Project objective

To develop a process for extracting and applying natural dyes from olive pomace —a post-industrial waste product from olive oil production— for textile dyeing, promoting an environmentally friendly, affordable alternative aligned with new sustainability paradigms.

Project description

OliWasTex investigates the potential of olive pomace, a waste product rich in phenolic compounds, as an innovative source of natural textile dyes. This residue, which is usually used for composting or biomass production, has a high affinity for cationic fibres and can provide additional properties such as UV protection and antimicrobial effects.

The project aims to establish a simple process for extracting the colouring fraction from olive pomace and adapting it to existing textile dyeing processes, thereby contributing to a new range of sustainable products. This creates new opportunities for agricultural waste valorisation, support for the local economy and a reduction in the environmental impact of the textile sector. With this approach, OliWasTex responds to the growing demand for sustainable solutions and helps position the textile industry as an active contributor to the fight against climate change.

Funding: Agency for the Management of University and Research Grants