Grape and orange peels are rich in natural Vitamin C, resveratrol, and citric acids. This project focuses on upcycling these juicing byproducts by extracting their active compounds to create potent, all-natural skin-brightening serums. These bio-extracts gently exfoliate dead skin cells while providing deep antioxidant protection against UV damage.
The fruit peels are dehydrated at low temperatures to preserve volatile compounds. They are then subjected to cold-press extraction and maceration in organic solvents to isolate the essential oils and polyphenols. The resulting extracts are purified and micro-encapsulated to ensure stability in commercial cosmetic formulations.
This study explores the extraction of highly potent antioxidants, such as lycopene, polyphenols, and resveratrol, from the discarded skins of tomatoes, apples, and grapes. By upcycling these agricultural waste streams, the project creates high-value nutritional compounds while significantly reducing the burden on landfills.
The process utilizes solvent-free, green extraction techniques—specifically supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO2—to safely and efficiently isolate flavonoids and polyphenols from the dried fruit peels without thermal degradation.
This initiative captures the massive waste streams from the wine and citrus juice industries. By extracting pectin from orange peels and combining it with the fibrous cellulose from grape marc, manufacturers create versatile biopolymers. These materials can be cast into transparent packaging films or pressed into durable, sustainable textiles that closely mimic the texture of animal leather.
Pectin is extracted from the orange peels via mild acid hydrolysis. The grape marc (skins and seeds) is dried, pulverized, and blended with the pectin and natural plant oils. The resulting bio-polymer mixture is then spread onto cotton backings and cured to form textiles, or extruded to form thin packaging films.
Researchers have created a dark red, rubbery polymer using limonene extracted from citrus peels and industrial sulfur waste. This polysulfide material acts as a highly effective, low-cost "sponge." Because sulfur bonds exceptionally well with heavy metals, this bio-polymer rapidly extracts toxic mercury from contaminated water, changing color to indicate when it has reached capacity.
The process utilizes a technique called 'inverse vulcanization'. Elemental sulfur (a byproduct of the petroleum industry) is heated until it melts, and limonene (from citrus peels) is added. The compounds react and cross-link without the need for toxic solvents, forming a stable, sulfur-rich polymer network designed specifically to trap heavy metal ions.
This showcases a holistic approach to zero-waste beauty. Wood shavings from the timber industry are micronized into gentle physical exfoliants, replacing plastic microbeads. Discarded plum kernels are pressed for their lightweight, antioxidant-rich oils. Meanwhile, citrus and grape peels provide natural fragrances and active fruit acids. This approach prevents landfill waste while providing premium, organic ingredients for modern skincare.
Wood shavings are subjected to precise mechanical micronization and sterilization. Plum kernels undergo mechanical cold-pressing to extract pure seed oil without chemical solvents. Citrus and grape peels are processed via steam distillation to capture volatile essential oils, while their remaining solid biomass is composted.
