Enhancing Circular Practices in Olive Oil Production: The Role of Green Finance

Abstract

The production process of extra virgin olive oil, which is a strategic asset of the Italian agrifood sector, can be innovated in its impact on the environment, according to a dual approach: (a) with a view to a circular economy, acting on the waste it produces, either correctly disposing of it or effectively reusing it, and (b) with a view to emissions, reducing the carbon footprint that it generates, starting from the supply chain. This dual approach, clearly contributing to the circular economy paradigm and the achievement of a zero-emission economy, requires the sector to make significant investments in technological innovation. To this end, this study highlights the importance of the financial resources that can be obtained either through financial intermediaries, in particular banks, now able to provide green loans with a positive environmental impact, or through the financial markets and the use of securities issues, such as green bonds.