Vegea has increased the production capacity of its grape-based material, GrapeSkin, as interest grows in alternatives to fossil-based and animal-derived materials. The development includes the addition of new production units and improved infrastructure, which will help increase manufacturing output and reduce delivery times for partner brands.

GrapeSkin is produced from by-products of the wine industry such as grape skins, seeds and stalks. The material is used in several sectors including fashion, interior design and automotive applications. Vegea stated that the expansion keeps the same material quality and bio-based composition while allowing production to grow at a larger scale.

Merlino said the industrial expansion represents a new stage for the company. According to him, the increased capacity and improved production continuity will allow Vegea to better support brands that are working toward circular material strategies.