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Olive Pit Powder

The first Olive Pit Powder prototypes for decorative cosmetics / Source: BioPowder
AfricaAsiaBeautyEuropeHypoallergenicNorth AmericaOceaniaOlive Pit PowderSouth AmericaUpcycledVegan

WHAT WE SAY:

Microplastics and food waste are taking their toll on our environment. So why not solve both problems with one product? Olive Pit Powder is a byproduct of the olive oil industry, manufactured to reduce waste and maximise natural resources. But it does not stop there. A multifunctional, natural plastic alternative, it can be used within beauty products as everything from an exfoliant to a colourant.

While many bio-based materials necessitate the cultivation of new crops, creating competition with the food chain, Olive Pit Powder unlocks the value in waste. It is a low-impact, high-value solution for plastic-free formulating to be aware of. We are just wondering what else Olive Pit Powder could be used for - could it be a solid?

Olive Pit Powder

WHAT IS OLIVE PIT POWDER?

  • Olive Pit Powder is a natural alternative to microplastics, suited to cosmetic applications as an exfoliant, texturiser, pigment carrier and antioxidant.
  • The raw materials are a byproduct of the olive oil industry, in turn helping to reduce global food waste. The particles are highly stable, offering minimal breakage and a high level of homogeneity with up to 98% micron range accuracy. The use of micronisation means there is no need for the addition of any chemicals in manufacturing, resulting in a pure product, which is safe for use for up to two years.
  • The granular nature of Olive Pit Powder makes it ideal for abrasive applications, such as scrubs and exfoliators for the face and body, and for micro-abrasion within toothpaste. It can also be used to replace synthetic base materials like xanthan gum and polymethylmethacrylate within makeup, including eyeshadow, face powder, foundation and lipstick.
  • The product is GMO-free, allergen-free, and vegan, halal and kosher-qualified.

KEY PROPERTIES:

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Upcycled
  • Vegan

INDUSTRY:

  • Beauty

AVAILABILITY:

Mass Market


DIVE DEEPER:

  • Olive Pit Powder is manufactured by BioPowder in southern Spain, located for its proximity to olive and fruit cultivation. The company produces a number of natural powders using raw materials, including walnut shells and peach pits, intended as alternatives to microbeads and microplastics.
  • Microplastics are persistent within the environment when released and resistant to degradation, yet up to 90% of some cosmetic products can be comprised of microplastic ingredients. By 2040, some 10 million tonnes of plastic waste could be in the form of microplastics, not taking into account the microplastics, which are continually eroded from existing plastic waste.
  • A third of all food is wasted every year, generating between 8-10% of global GHG emissions. Food waste includes inedible elements, such as pits, shells and stones. Currently, 19% of all fertiliser, 18% of all cropland, 21% of landfill volume and 21% of freshwater is used on food, which is produced but never eaten.
  • As an agricultural byproduct, Olive Pit Powder is a bio-based material, which does not pose competition for the food chain, as some raw materials, such as corn or oats can. Rather, it utilises what would otherwise have been wasted.
  • In producing olive oil, the kernel is crushed and then separated from the pulp. The byproduct is then cleaned, dried and screened according to particle size. Olive Pit Powder is customisable, offered in sizes from under 50 microns to over two millimetres.
  • The company claims that studies have proven desired abrasive effects can be achieved with up to 5% less material, requiring less volume of ingredient per product.
  • Further properties include enhancing gloss and luminosity within colour cosmetics, acting as a source of antioxidants and acting as a pigment carrier. It can also be used as a natural colorant, providing a light beige finish.
  • All raw materials are sourced in the European Union, within a 300 kilometre radius of manufacturing facilities. To further reduce the impact of its products, BioPowder ships in paper bags. The standard size is 25 kilograms, however the company offers smaller quantities for sampling, laboratory testing and industrial trials.
    Due to it being 100% natural, Olive Pit Powder is biodegradable. It is also ECOCERT-approved for use in certified natural cosmetics.
Different particle sizes / Source: BioPowder
Apricot stone, olive stone, argan shell, avocado stone and pistachio shell granules / Source: BioPowder

KEY FACTS:

98%

Particles have up to 98% micron range accuracy, meaning there is no need for added chemicals in manufacturing.

10 million

By 2040, 10 million tonnes of plastic waste could be in the form of microplastics.

300km

All raw materials are sourced within a 300 kilometre radius of the company's manufacturing facilities.


Key Questions to Ask:

Are you able to model demand and calculate the volumes you will need for production accordingly?

BioPowder works with high grade olives, which are available only during the harvesting season between October and February. This seasonal dependency means brands will either need to pre-order based on prospective demand or embrace the natural cycle of the food chain and create a seasonal product that is available only within the right season. Much like our food used to be.

Where do you manufacture your products?

Currently, Olive Pit Powder is manufactured in Europe and shipped worldwide. Shipping long distances will inherently increase the environmental footprint of your product. Plans are underway to expand manufacturing sites into the US and Asia to serve customers on a more local level.

Can you improve rather than substitute?

Fruit powders are an ideal replacement for liquid polymers and microplastics, but can you use them to offer further benefits? Fruit stones contain nutrients, such as B-vitamins, bio-proteins, polyphenolics and carbohydrates. How can you formulate to take advantage of these properties?

Can byproducts overcome supply chain strains?

The demand for natural materials is increasing, leading to price rises and shortages. Consider how using byproducts can expand your sourcing options and reduce reliance on high-demand ingredients.

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