A Sustainable Revolution: Bolaca’s Olive Oil Byproduct Recovery Facility

In the heart of the region’s olive oil industry stands Bolaca’s flagship recovery facility—a pioneering hub of innovation and sustainability. This facility, the largest of its kind in the region, processes 1,200 metric tons of olive oil byproducts daily, turning what was once considered waste into valuable resources and renewable energy. At the core of this operation is the recovery of black water, a byproduct of olive oil milling. Often referred to as one of the industry’s most challenging wastes, black water is laden with organic compounds and phenols that can devastate the environment if left untreated. When discharged into soil or water systems, it depletes oxygen, damages ecosystems, and renders agricultural land infertile. For many, black water is a problem. For Bolaca, it’s an opportunity. Through advanced recovery technologies, Bolaca neutralizes the harmful effects of black water, repurposing it into purified water for irrigation and nutrient-rich compounds used in fertilizers. But the transformation doesn’t stop there. The facility also produces Olive Pomace Oil, a versatile product used in various industries, and Olive Pomace, a biomass material utilized as a renewable energy source. Remarkably, this facility generates its own energy, operating entirely self-sufficiently. The biomass it processes fuels its energy needs, creating a circular system where waste powers the recovery of more waste. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact but also sets an example for sustainable practices in the olive oil industry. Bolaca’s facility isn’t just a recovery plant; it’s a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets responsibility. By transforming byproducts into valuable resources and energy, Bolaca is leading a sustainable revolution—one that ensures the olive oil industry can thrive while protecting the planet for generations to come. This is the Bolaca way: turning challenges into solutions and waste into opportunity, proving that sustainability is more than a goal—it’s a way of life.