A new project in Cyprus is changing how we use waste from olive trees. They are turning old olive pits into a special material. This material is good for making nice furniture and decorating homes. A team of people is working on this idea called "Pit to Table". They are solving a big problem with olive waste. This new material is also a good choice instead of old materials we use now.
The "Pit to Table" idea started a few years ago. It became stronger in 2023. This happened because they joined a special program. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organized it. The Social Tech Lab helped manage it. This program helped the team make their idea better. After the program, they made early samples. They also checked if their new material could be sold.
The main idea of "Pit to Table" is called "Pit-board". It is a new material made from olive pits. Every year, making olive oil creates many olive pits. These pits are hard to store and throw away. "Pit to Table" collects these pits. They crush the pits very small. Then they mix them with a plant-based glue. This glue comes from cashew nut shells. The result is a strong board. It can be used for many things inside buildings.
The look of this material is very special. Other materials often hide what they are made from. But "Pit-board" shows the olive pits when you look at its sides. This reminds people that the material comes from nature. It makes furniture and walls look unique. The team says "Pit-board" is as good as real wood. It is a good choice for designers.
Making this material took time and teamwork. For the last year, "Pit to Table" has worked with a company in Cyprus. This company helps make the material even better. They make sure "Pit-board" is strong and good quality. The company works in Cyprus. They use the olive waste found there. This helps the local economy.
What "Pit to Table" is doing is important. They are using something thrown away. This helps the environment. It is also a good alternative to using new resources. More people want sustainable materials for homes. "Pit to Table" is helping to create a better future for our planet.