Vegea Expands Industrial Output of Wine-Waste Leather Alternative GrapeSkin

Italian biomaterials company Vegea has expanded its production of GrapeSkin, a bio-based coated textile made from winemaking by-products, to increase output and improve availability for brands. The material, derived from grape pomace, is utilized as an eco-friendly alternative to animal leather and petroleum-based synthetics in various industries including fashion, footwear, automotive, and packaging. The company works with wineries to intercept grape marc waste and process it into a biocompound applied to fabric backing.

Vegea has collaborated with international brands such as Calvin Klein, Diadora, and Bentley, with GrapeSkin also being used in a concept vehicle interior for the luxury brand. The expansion is aimed at meeting the demand for circular materials and reducing dependency on fossil-based inputs, positioning GrapeSkin as a sustainable option for the fashion industry. This development comes as Vegea celebrates its tenth year in operation, with the company's founder emphasizing the significance of this industrial expansion for supporting brands pursuing a circular materials strategy.