The by-products of olive oil mills (margins, pomace) pose a considerable environmental problem, more particularly in the Mediterranean regions where olive oil is produced in large quantities. In particular through the pollution of waterways, groundwater, etc.
Managing these by-products while remaining competitive is a particular challenge for the many small local producers. Mediterranean producers are also faced with fierce competition from producers in other countries.
The different solutions proposed so far have not been able to solve these environmental problems in view of the heavy investments involved in their treatment by conventional means.