University Assignment: EMS Implementation in the Olive Oil Industry

This report examines the Environmental Management System (EMS) within the olive oil industry, focusing on the Australian agricultural sector's rapid growth and its associated environmental challenges. It discusses the generation of polluted water and solid waste from olive oil production, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. The report references key research papers that propose solutions like wastewater treatment methods (e.g., oil removal, evaporation, and sedimentation), solid waste management, and the use of biodegradable packaging. It highlights the potential benefits of adopting an EMS, including improved environmental outcomes and potential advantages in international trade through systems like ISO 14001. The report concludes by acknowledging the need for further research to assess the economic feasibility of the suggested practices.

Running head: EMS IN OLIVE OIL INDUSTRY
EMS In Olive Oil Industry
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1EMS IN OLIVE OIL INDUSTRY
Overview of EMS
Environmental Management System (EMS) is defined as a process of managing an
organization's environmental programs in a systematic and in planned way, which will in
return provide a comprehensive outcome for the betterment of an organization. Thus the
factors, which fall under the EMS are documentation, systematic planning, resources
development, proper implementation of the resources and stringent maintenance of policy
for environmental protection.
EMS in Olive Production: (Summary Of the Two Papers)
The olive oil industry is the fastest growing industry in the Australian agricultural
sector. However, the operation of olive–pomace and olive oil mills are directly related with
the generation of densely polluted water with solid waste. Therefore, it is crucial to regulate
the negative environmental impacts this particular sector and simultaneously improve its
sustainability and business image. According to the Valta et al. (2015), there must remain a
definitive approach in order to treat wastewater originating from the byproducts of oil
production (3phase and 2 phase centrifuge) like pomace, olive leaves, damaged olives, burner
ash and dust and sludge derived from the evaporation. The paper suggested by-product
valorization and use of the sludge as fertilizer. According to Rinaldi et al. (2014), there must
remain a energy efficient cooling process, prevention of the leakage of the coolant and use of
glass bottles in packaging during the production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It will overall curb
down the negative environmental impact of olive oil production.

2EMS IN OLIVE OIL INDUSTRY
Reflective Overview of EMS on Olive Oil Industry
Based on my knowledge gathered via reading several research papers on the EMA on
Olive Oil industry, I believe, adopting an EMS may provide several tangible and intangible
benefits in the Olive Oil industry. According to Valta et al. (2015), there scopes for
improvement in wastewater treatment. The steps of improvement can be achieved via oil
removal, neutralization, evaporation and sedimentation in open lagoons. Now these are all
basic steps however, since wastewater cast an alarming threat in hampering the environments
equilibrium, I believe some specific steps might also be undertaken alongside these basic
steps. These specific steps include solid waste management, proper utilization of sludge
produced from the evaporation ponds, valorization and proper pomace handling. Moreover,
as per my believe, plastic is another disturbing element in pollution. Use of heavy weighted
plastic bottles in olive oil packaging is creating a environmental mess due to the lack of
proper plastic disposal. In order to curb this situation, I think olive oil manufacturing agencies
must use lightweight glass bottles, which is bio-degradable (Rinaldi et al. 2014). Moreover,
refinement of the production line up of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil is also mandatory.

3EMS IN OLIVE OIL INDUSTRY
(Source: Rinaldi et al. 2014)
However, further researches are yet to be carried out in this field in order to ascertain
the economic feasibility and acceptability of the practices mentioned above. Furthermore,
Australia being a principal exporter of olive oil, the adoption of an internationally acclaimed
system such as ISO 14001 can be implemented as a tool to gain leniency in the overall
international trade. The benefits obtained from such procedures can later be used to gain the
support while implementing EMS in olive oil industry.

4EMS IN OLIVE OIL INDUSTRY
References:
Cecere, G., Corrocher, N., Gossart, C. and Ozman, M., 2014. Lock-in and path dependence:
an evolutionary approach to eco-innovations. Journal of Evolutionary Economics, 24(5),
pp.1037-1065.
Lehmann, J. and Joseph, S. eds., 2015. Biochar for environmental management: science,
technology and implementation. Routledge.
Rinaldi, S., Barbanera, M. and Lascaro, E., 2014. Assessment of carbon footprint and energy
performance of the extra virgin olive oil chain in Umbria, Italy. Science of The Total
Environment, 482, pp.71-79.
Valta, K., Aggeli, E., Papadaskalopoulou, C., Panaretou, V., Sotiropoulos, A., Malamis, D.,
Moustakas, K. and Haralambous, K.J., 2015. Adding value to olive oil production through
waste and wastewater treatment and valorisation: the case of Greece. Waste and Biomass
Valorization, 6(5), pp.913-925.