Circular-based alternative protein extraction from grape seeds for the wine-making process

SEEDSPRO2WINE aims to extract proteins from grape seeds for use as a sustainable fining agent in winemaking, reducing CO2 emissions and promoting circular economy practices in the EU wine industry.

Subsidie
€ 2.455.135
2022

Projectdetails

Introduction

In the EU wine industry, 28 million tons per year of grapes are harvested while almost 5.6 million tons of grape pomace are produced as a sidestream. 40% of it is destined for a low waste-hierarchy stage (fertilizer or fuel) although the grape seeds are rich in proteins that should be extracted and revalorized by the wine industry due to their high techno-functional value.

Importance of Grape Seed Proteins

Indeed, proteins extracted from grape seeds (EPV) could be used in a key phase of the winemaking process, which is the "clarification," consisting of the stabilization treatment.

Project Overview

SEEDSPRO2WINE implements a circular business model based on a pioneering and mature R&D results industrial process for the extraction of proteins from de-tannificated grape to be exploited as a fining agent in the wine industry. This aims to replace the traditionally-used protein gelatine of animal origin, which is characterized by a greater environmental footprint, and protein extracts from food crops like pea and potato, which are associated with ethical conflicts regarding food production and allergen limits related to gluten content.

Barriers and Solutions

So far, significant barriers have prevented the efficient valorization of grape seed protein extract as a new circular business model. There are currently no industrial technologies capable of extracting proteins from grape seeds with a sustainable return on investment (RoI). However, recent studies conducted by UNIPD have delivered a TRL-6 solution that could overcome these barriers to industrial exploitation and lead to efficient yield and extraction rates.

Project Goals and Projections

Due to progressive extraction system optimization and protein characterization, the system will produce 24 tons per year of EPV by the end of the project, while 120 tons per year are planned by 2031. This production is expected to cover 17% of Italian protein demand (5% of EU demand).

Environmental Impact

Comparing our process with animal-based protein, a reduction of a range of 384-1200 kg CO2 per year by 2026 (1920-6000 kg CO2 per year from 2031) is expected. Compared to vegetable-based protein, SEEDSPRO2WINE can reduce the current greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions thanks to circular-based protein extraction from grape seeds for the winemaking process.

Financiële details & Tijdlijn

Financiële details

Subsidiebedrag€ 2.455.135
Totale projectbegroting€ 4.091.891

Tijdlijn

Startdatum1-8-2022
Einddatum31-7-2026
Subsidiejaar2022

Partners & Locaties

Projectpartners

  • COOPERATIVE AGRICOLE VITI-FRUTTICOLTORI ITALIANI RIUNITI ORGANIZZATIpenvoerder
  • UNIVERSITAT ROVIRA I VIRGILI
  • INSTITUT FRANCAIS DE LA VIGNE ET DU VIN
  • VINIDEA SRL
  • EVER SRL
  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA
  • CAVIRO EXTRA S.P .A. 0 CAVIRO EXTRA DISTILLERIE S.P.A. EXTRA DIS TILLERIE S.P.A. EXTRA ALCOLI S.P.A. CAVIRO EXTRA MOSTI ED ESTRA TTI S. P.A. EXTR MOSTI ED ESTRATTI S.P.A. CAVIRO EXTRA TARTARICA S.P.A

Land(en)

ItalySpainFrance

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