Vibù
The wine revolution starts with waste,
the tradition continues with Vibù.
Vibù is an innovative biocomposite material made from waste from the wine industry. It’s created by fermenting grape marc to produce bacterial cellulose, which is then reinforced with fibers from pruned vine shoots, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional materials for applications like bottle capsules and labels. The aim of Vibù is to transform waste into a valuable resource, promoting a circular economy within the wine sector and beyond.
Almenno S. Salvatore, Bergamo, Italy
Lurani Cernuschi family winery
Wine industry challenges
Waste wine by-products
Grape marc
Improper disposal of grape marc can acidify soil and water, and in anaerobic conditions, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Stems and seeds
While beneficial in wine, these compounds can hinder soil decomposition, and high seed oil concentrations may slow composting.
Vine shoots
Burning vine shoots emits CO2 and pollutants, while scattering them can hinder agriculture.
Bacterial cellulose
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a naturally produced, organic polymer synthesized by certain types of bacteria in a symbiotic relationship with yeasts within a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeasts). It’s characterized by its high tensile strength, flexibility, high water-holding capacity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability.
Vibù is a biocomposite material created by fermenting grape marc into bacterial cellulose, then reinforced with fibers extracted from vine shoots and treated with grapeseed oil and a natural dye derived from tannic acid powder. It demonstrates a circular approach to winemaking, transforming waste into valuable resources.
Biofactory
A shared space for cultivating and producing Vibù, serving as a hub for collecting waste from local wineries and other organic waste sources, creating opportunities for broader reuse and circular innovation.
CREDITS
A project in collaboration with
Cantina Lurani Cernuschi @cantina_luranicernuschi
Teresa Colombo 