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REVIEW

Grape Waste as Leather-Like Material Alternative: A Comprehensive Review of Ancient Practices, Current Technologies, and Future Trends

Megabi Adane Yizengaw1,*, Alehegn Atalay Birlie1, Tamerat Tesfaye2, Rajan Katrikan1, Eldana Bizuneh Cheklie1, Zelalem Girma1
1 Leather Engineering Department, Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, P.O. Box 1037, Ethiopia
2 Textile Chemical Process Engineering Departments, Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, P.O. Box 1037, Ethiopia
* Corresponding Author: Megabi Adane Yizengaw. Email: email

Journal of Renewable Materials https://doi.org/10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0175

Received 08 September 2025; Accepted 04 December 2025; Published online 26 January 2026

Abstract

Grape by-product of the wine industry, rich in polyphenols, tannins, lignin, and natural waxes, the chemical constituents grape skins 45%–55%, seeds 25%–35%, and stems or stalks 25%–35% weight of grape provide intrinsic cross-linking, mechanical reinforcement, antioxidant activity, and water resistance, closely replicating the effects of conventional vegetable tanning without using toxic chemicals. This review comprehensively examines current eco-friendly extraction methods to isolate bioactive compounds, as well as fiber modification techniques to improve polymer compatibility. Composite fabrication involves blending processed grape waste fibers with bio-based polymers and renewable plasticizers to produce materials exhibiting competitive tensile strength, elasticity, and appealing surface aesthetics. Despite these advances, challenges such as limited mechanical durability, moisture sensitivity, cost constraints, and raw material supply scalability remain barriers to widespread adoption. Hybrid bio-leather strategies that combine grape waste with other natural fibers and biodegradable polymers show promise in enhancing performance while maintaining environmental benefits. Furthermore, emerging innovations in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and green chemistry are expected to drive improvements in material properties and production efficiency. Overall, grapes’ leather-like materials transform winery by-products into high-value, eco-friendly materials suitable for applications in fashion, footwear, and upholstery. Continued research and industrial scale-up are critical to unlocking their full potential in expanding the sustainable materials market.

Keywords

Grape waste; bio-based leather; leather alternatives; sustainable materials; hybrid bio-composites

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