Okayama University and Nippon Olive develop B-Oribol from olive leaves

A long-term research collaboration between Okayama University and Nippon Olive has successfully utilized microbial transformation to convert olive leaf waste into a high-value cosmetic ingredient named B-Oribol.

The project focuses on upcycling agricultural byproducts that are typically discarded or composted. By using microorganisms to modify the biochemical profile of olive leaves, researchers have transformed the polyphenol oleuropein into a functional ingredient specifically designed for dermatological applications.

On September 10, 2026, the initiative was recognized with the Technology Prize 2026 from the Chugoku-Shikoku Regional Division of the Japanese Society of Agricultural Chemistry in Tottori.