There are many ways to approach sustainability in the cosmetics industry, and one of the most effective is to start by focusing on local resources and finding innovative ways to elevate them.
Our journey began in the Oltrepò Pavese region, a scenic area nestled between Emilia and Piedmont, known for its rolling hills and renowned red grape vineyards. Embracing a circular economy model and an environmental respect, our aim was to harness by-products from the local wine industry, transforming grape processing waste into active ingredients for cosmetics. This novel approach unites two local industries, turning the waste of one into a valuable resource for the other.
This is how Grapeskincare® was born: a skincare line powered by resveratrol, an antioxidant-rich polyphenol that combats skin aging. It’s a project rooted in sustainability, designed and developed from concept to market launch by our expert in-house teams.
SOURCED RAW MATERIALS
In today’s cosmetics industry, with its shift toward a bio-circular economy, ingredient sourcing and resource efficiency are more critical than ever. To support this shift, we focused on retrieving bioactive compounds from grape pomace—the residues from wine production—to create a locally sourced raw material for cosmetics, introducing the first green skincare line in Oltrepò. From agrifood to skincare, our approach embodies a holistic vision of sustainability.
BIOACTIVE COMPOUND EXTRACTION AND OPTIMIZATION FOR COSMETICS
Our primary challenge was refining the extraction process to make bioactive compounds from grape by-products more compatible with cosmetic formulations. Thanks to our R&D team’s expertise and innovation-driven approach, Etichub developed a bioactive-rich complex with a unique profile for topical application. This specialized extraction method enables high-quality, easy-to-formulate ingredients that can bring effective anti-aging benefits to skincare.
CREATING A SAFE, EFFECTIVE, AND HIGH-QUALITY COSMETIC LINE FROM GRAPE POMACE
With an antioxidant-rich grape pomace extract at its core, Grapeskincare® delivers potent anti-aging benefits. Our dedicated cosmetologists formulated a cohesive skincare kit, including a cleansing mousse, cream, and serum, all packaged with eco-conscious materials that align with the project’s “zero-kilometer” philosophy. Comprehensive quality, safety, and efficacy testing prepared Grapeskincare® for its successful market debut.
MARKET LAUNCH AND INDUSTRY RECOGNITION
Our team-first, end-to-end development project debuted at the 2015 Cremona Bioenergy Expo, where Grapeskincare® received widespread interest and appreciation for its innovative approach to repurposing food industry by-products into valuable cosmetic resources.