The residual biomass produced in the olive sector is the result of the large quantity of olive groves and olive oil manufacturers that generate byproducts with a potentially high energy content. Until now, the disposal and management of pruning residues and olive oil by-products has generally represented disposal problems which lead to environmental problems rather than opportunities for additional revenue. In this context, this study aimed to define a roadmap for studies in Turkey to untap the potential of olive grove residues and olive oil industry by-products and residues, (i.e., olive tree prunings, olive leaves, olive pomace) that could be used to produce high-added value products in an integrated biorefinery or in a bioenergy power plant. This paper presents a review on recent research on the valorization of olive by-products in line with the circular economy principles and the bioeconomy strategy and presents the literature which applies to design and management of olive biomass supply chains. Main objective is to provide a conceptual framework for developing and deploying an effective bioeconomy utilizing olive prunings and olive oil industry byproducts conducting a preliminary review of the olive oil chain residues in Europe and Turkey comparatively, assessment of technical potentials, biomass supply costs and allocation of biomass collection sites and energy production facilities with different supply chain scenarios. Biomass resource assessment, biomass feedstock supply chain design and management, and logistics optimization require multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches. They need to be carried out properly in order to execute efficient projects in energy generation from biomass and/or extracting bio-commodities in biorefineries. Turkish researchers have adequate research on valorization methods for olive based biomass resources, but their studies are limited on general biomass supply chain design and particularly no research has been conducted for olive biomass resources. Taking all the aforementioned into account, the author proposes to conduct further studies on a biomass energy project including design of a supply chain network for energy valorization of olive grove residues and olive oil industry by-products in line with the common practice and being inspired by the leading countries like Spain and Italy, which will both contribute to circular business concept development and renewable energy capacity increase.

Bioeconomy, which is based on the replacement of materials and energy production based on fossil resources with biomaterials and/or biofuels or energy generation from biomass resources, has an important place in the circular economy. Sustainable supply chains are essential to meet bioeconomy’s full potential. This study aimed to provide a theoretical framework to make use of the untapped biomass potential in Turkey. Study focused on the literature fit for purpose for the further studies to be executed for building a holistic approach on developing biomass and bioenergy projects, alternative concepts and business models utilizing agro-biomass resources and developing a conceptual framework for sustainable supply chains for a circular bioeconomy. Research clearly shows that many projects are executed within the scope of bioeconomy in Europe, mostly with a collaborative sense, and are supported by funding mechanisms in line with EU policies. In Turkey, more regulatory policies should be developed, awareness should be raised, and application-oriented innovation projects should be developed, involving all sector stakeholders.