An innovative approach that transforms grape waste into sustainable cosmetic ingredients, boosting competitiveness and scientific expertise within the Portuguese industry.
The GrapeUP project – Valorisation of Grape By-products for High-Value Products – is an innovative initiative at the intersection of sustainability, science and the cosmetics industry. Led by Mesosystem and co-funded by COMPETE 2030, this project focuses on utilising waste from the wine industry to create high value-added cosmetic ingredients.
As Bernardo Bastos, Head of Planning & Management at Mesosystem, explains, “The GrapeUP project embodies a highly distinctive approach at the intersection of biotechnology, sustainability and innovation applied to the advanced cosmetics industry.”
Valorisation of waste with cosmetic potential
GrapeUP focuses on using grape by-products, such as pomace and grape residues, traditionally considered waste, to extract bioactive compounds with applications in cosmetics. These compounds, such as polyphenols and resveratrol, possess antioxidant properties and offer advantages over synthetic ingredients, contributing to safer and more sustainable formulations.
In this context, Bernardo Bastos highlights that “By utilising by-products from the wine industry, namely grape marc and grape residues, the project aims to develop high-performance cosmetic ingredients based on bio-based active ingredients that are traceable and aligned with the most demanding international standards of quality and environmental responsibility.”
Science, technology and sustainability
The operation incorporates advanced methodologies, including green extraction processes, compound enrichment and microencapsulation, which enhance the stability and efficacy of the ingredients developed. At the same time, a digital traceability system is implemented to monitor the entire value chain, from the vineyard to the end consumer.
According to Bernardo Bastos, “The integration of green extraction methodologies, advanced processes for the enrichment and microencapsulation of bioactive compounds, as well as robust systems for traceability and the assessment of environmental and social impact, enables the company to develop distinctive ingredients with high potential for scalability and applicability in premium cosmetic formulations.”
Strategic impact for Mesosystem
For Mesosystem, GrapeUP represents more than just a research project: it is a strategic lever to strengthen its market position and diversify its portfolio with sustainable, science-based solutions.
As Bernardo Bastos emphasises, “By positioning itself as a leading promoter and adopter of technology, Mesosystem is using GrapeUP to reinforce its standing as a key player in medical and scientific cosmetics, incorporating proprietary solutions with high added value into its innovation pipeline.”
Furthermore, the project contributes to strengthening internal capabilities and consolidating partnerships with entities within the scientific and technological sector, which are fundamental to continuous innovation. In this regard, the spokesperson states that “This project thus constitutes a strategic lever for the diversification of Mesosystem’s portfolio, fostering the creation of new sustainable product lines with a strong scientific component and high appeal in international markets.”
The role of COMPETE 2030
Bernardo Bastos states that “The support provided by COMPETE 2030 has proved decisive in bringing this innovation agenda to fruition, by enabling the development of disruptive solutions and mitigating the risks associated with research and technological development.”
He concludes by highlighting the project’s broader impact: “This framework has enabled the acceleration of the translation of scientific knowledge into concrete industrial applications, contributing to the strengthening of Mesosystem’s competitiveness and to the establishment of Portugal as a centre of excellence in sustainable, science-based cosmetics.”
A commitment to the circular economy
GrapeUP embodies a circular economy approach by transforming waste into high-value resources, whilst promoting both environmental sustainability and industrial innovation. By bringing together science, technology and the market, the initiative stands as a prime example of the potential of the bioeconomy in Portugal.
Links
Mesosystem | Website
08 May 2026
Individual productive investment operations in innovative activities, promoted by SMEs, in low-density territories.