GrapeSkin Plant-based Material

VEGEA is an Italian biomaterials company, described in its own news as founded in 2016 by chemist Francesco Merlino. It turns grape marc and other wine-industry by-products into a plant-based material that brands can use in place of animal and petroleum-based leather-like surfaces.

GrapeSkin is a biocompound made by mixing lignocellulose and oil into a homogeneous mix, with optional pigments, then applying it to a support. Thickness ranges from 0.3 mm to 2 mm with custom colours, textures and finishes. Applications are fashion, accessories, interiors, automotive and luxury packaging, and brand partners include Moleskine, Stella McCartney and H&M.

• Grape marc feedstock: uses skins and by-products from Italian vineyards.
• Biocompound: lignocellulose and oil mixed and applied onto a support.
• Thickness range: 0.3 mm to 2 mm to change softness, texture and performance.
• Customisation: colours, textures and finishes, including custom Pantone-based development.
• Testing: abrasion resistance, flex resistance and accelerated ageing tests.
• Multi-sector use: fashion, accessories, interiors, automotive and luxury packaging.

Footwear and bag manufacturers in Vietnam can sample GrapeSkin for brand-driven lines. Furniture exporters can test it for upholstery and interior surfaces. Notebook and luxury packaging makers can evaluate it as a cover material.

Feedstock is organic waste from the wine industry, supporting circular material strategies. Colour, texture, finish and thickness from 0.3 to 2 mm can be customised, including by Pantone reference. The material is tested for abrasion, flex resistance and accelerated ageing. The 2026 expansion is stated to bring higher output and shorter delivery times.

Fashion and accessories brands are seeking bio-based alternatives to synthetic and animal leather as buyers and regulators scrutinise materials. Vietnam is a major footwear, bag and furniture manufacturing base, so exporters serving European and US brands may be asked to source such materials.

Founded 2016 by Francesco Merlino per the company's April 2026 article; legal entity Vegea SRL, described as an Italian biomaterials company with production in Italy. GRS certification is mentioned in a company post. Brand projects listed in the news include Moleskine, Stella McCartney, Geox, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and H&M.