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Innovative Circular Business Models in the Olive Oil Sector for Sustainable Mediterranean Agrifood Systems

Author

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  • Mechthild Donner

    (INRAE—French National Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, UMR MOISA (Université Montpellier, INRAE, Cirad, Ciheam-Iamm, Institut Agro, IRD), 34060 Montpellier, France)

  • Ivana Radić

    (INRAE—French National Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, UMR MOISA (Université Montpellier, INRAE, Cirad, Ciheam-Iamm, Institut Agro, IRD), 34060 Montpellier, France)

Abstract

Considering the large amounts of harmful waste produced in the Mediterranean olive sector, entrepreneurial initiatives creating value from olive waste and by-products via circular bio-economy approaches are reviewed. These circular business models aim to enhance the functionality use of olive trees beyond traditional patterns for value creation. The study focuses on business drivers and value creation mechanisms, and specifically on conversion pathways of olive waste towards new value propositions. In total, 41 cases are analyzed mainly according to the Business Model Canvas components with NVivo, based on data gathered from an extensive online search mainly of company websites and reports, online articles, research project reports, professional websites, and newsletters. Results indicate that some innovative businesses have emerged specializing in the domain of olive waste valorization, driven by environmental concerns and mainly focusing on bioenergy production. However, the overall olive biomass potential yet seems to be under-valorized. A more radical and systemic change will be needed for effective implementation of circular business models contributing to sustainable development in the Mediterranean olive sector, with adequate subsidies, common regulations, more collective actions for creating economies of scale, and marketing strategies to increase consumer awareness for bio-based products.

Suggested Citation

  • Mechthild Donner & Ivana Radić, 2021. "Innovative Circular Business Models in the Olive Oil Sector for Sustainable Mediterranean Agrifood Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:5:p:2588-:d:507734
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    Cited by:

    1. Sarah Stempfle & Domenico Carlucci & Bernardo Corrado de Gennaro & Luigi Roselli & Giacomo Giannoccaro, 2021. "Available Pathways for Operationalizing Circular Economy into the Olive Oil Supply Chain: Mapping Evidence from a Scoping Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-22, August.
    2. Mechthild Donner & Ivana Radić & Yamna Erraach & Fatima El Hadad-Gauthier, 2022. "Implementation of Circular Business Models for Olive Oil Waste and By-Product Valorization," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-18, July.
    3. Zsuzsanna Győri & Yahya Khan & Krisztina Szegedi, 2021. "Business Model and Principles of a Values-Based Bank—Case Study of MagNet Hungarian Community Bank," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-27, August.
    4. Stephanie Lang & Giulia Minnucci & Matthias Mueller & Michael P. Schlaile, 2023. "The Role of Consumers in Business Model Innovations for a Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-19, June.
    5. Mechthild Donner & Ivana Radić & Yamna Erraach & Fatima El Hadad-Gauthier, 2022. "Implementation of circular business models for olive oil waste and by-product valorization," Post-Print hal-03756908, HAL.
    6. Nathalia Suchek & João J. Ferreira & Paula O. Fernandes, 2022. "A review of entrepreneurship and circular economy research: State of the art and future directions," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(5), pages 2256-2283, July.

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