Planet of the Grapes: The Future of Sustainable Materials is Found in a Vineyard

Planet of the Grapes clutch and the wine waste that made it. Image from https://planetofthegrapes.fr/.

In the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence, France, where winemaking is an age-old tradition, a new kind of harvest is taking place. Instead of producing bottles of Rosé, one innovative company is collecting the leftover grape skins, seeds, and stems — known as “grape marc” — to create a revolutionary biomaterial. This is the story of Planet of the Grapes, a company proving that the solution to fashion’s waste problem might just be found at the bottom of a wine barrel.

Founded by Samantha Mureau, a fashion industry veteran, Planet of the Grapes was born out of her desire to counteract the devastating environmental and social impacts of fast fashion. She found her inspiration close to home when she realized the abundant grape marc left over from winemaking could be given a second life. Instead of being discarded or composted, it could be transformed into a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather and textiles.

The process is as fascinating as it is sustainable. Planet of the Grapes sources its grape marc from local, organic vineyards in Provence, fostering a low-carbon, community-driven supply chain. The grape waste is then dried, ground into a powder, and mixed with other natural ingredients to create a paste. This paste is spread out to create a supple, leather-like material. The entire process is designed to be as animal-free and petroleum plastic-free as possible, adhering to strict EU regulations.

The resulting biomaterial is not just a sustainable substitute; it’s a new material with its own unique character. Designers who have worked with it say you can feel the subtle texture of the broken-down grape marc, a tangible reminder of its natural origin. This “grape leather” can be colored using a palette inspired by different wine shades, from a rich merlot to a crisp chardonnay, making it a beautiful and versatile material for fashion and lifestyle products.

Planet of the Grapes is a prime example of the growing “biomaterials” movement, where companies are finding creative ways to turn agricultural waste into valuable resources. By valorizing what was once considered waste, they are creating a more circular economy and reducing the fashion industry’s reliance on harmful materials. It shows how innovation can be a powerful force for change, proving that a more beautiful, responsible, and nature-friendly future is within reach.

Follow Planet of the Grapes on Instagram to see their behind-the-scenes process.