Grapes By-ProdUcts High-Value UPcycling
The GrapeUP project aims to investigate and develop new methodologies for extracting by-products with high cosmetic potential from grape pomace and remnants, to develop a traceable, bio-based raw material in the form of a cosmetic extract. The project focuses on selecting grape varieties and terroirs with the best properties for the cosmetic industry and developing green and sustainable extraction methodologies to obtain compounds of high economic interest, contributing to increasing the resilience of the wine sector through its economic diversification. The compounds obtained will be enriched and microencapsulated, resulting in an innovative cosmetic ingredient with high potential and cosmetic benefits. The goal is to create a value-added product for the cosmetic market, valorizing by-products of the wine industry that would otherwise be wasted, by developing and implementing innovative, more ecological and efficient techniques. Furthermore, the project includes the development of new traceability methodologies, industrial symbiosis, and environmental impact assessments of the product, allowing for the tracking of all stages and interactions with the product from its manufacture to its end of life. Associated with this traceability aspect will be methodologies for measuring environmental and social impact, which will allow for the evaluation of the impact of the entire product value chain. The integrated approach of GrapeUP combines technology, sustainability, and the circular economy, contributing to the creation of a differentiated product aligned with the demands of transparency and environmental responsibility. In order to ensure the achievement of the outlined objectives, an ambitious work plan has been structured that will run for 36 months and will be carried out by a consortium of entities, led by Mesosystem, an international reference in the field of medical cosmetics, which in the context of this project acts as the leading promoter of the consortium and technology adopter, and 5 ENESIIs recognized for their scientific excellence (FFUP; UTAD; REQUIMTE; INESTEC and IPT).