In 2026, Vegea celebrated its 10th anniversary and has completed a strategic
industrial expansion to increase the production capacity of GrapeSkin, the Italian biomaterial derived from by-products of the wine-making process (skins, seeds and stalks).
The expansion, which included upgraded infrastructure and new production units, has enabled higher output, more reliable availability, and shorter delivery times, supporting brands committed to circular‐economy practices and the reduction of fossil‐based materials.
A decade of circular innovation
Founded in 2016 by chemist Francesco Merlino, Vegea integrates design, green chemistry and circular‐economy principles to transform agricultural residues into high‐value biomaterials. GrapeSkin is characterized by significant vegetal and recycled content and contributes to reducing resource waste and emissions.
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Same sustainability. More capacity
Importantly, the expansion has preserved GrapeSkin’s material specifications and bio‐based profile, ensuring consistent quality standards across increased volumes.
Across the sustainability landscape, GrapeSkin has gained visibility through international projects highlighted by industry partners, including uses in collections and applications by brands such as Calvin Klein, Diadora, and Bentley.
“Our industrial expansion marks a new phase for Vegea: more capacity, more continuity, and stronger support for brands pursuing a circular materials strategy.” – Francesco Merlino, Founder
About Vegea
Vegea is an Italian biomaterials company founded in 2016 and specialized in converting agricultural by‐products into bio‐based materials. With GrapeSkin, Vegea combines agriculture, green chemistry and textile manufacturing within a circular‐economy framework, offering low‐impact alternatives for fashion, interiors and automotive.
