Eco-sustainable recovery of wine-making waste for the production of advanced materials in the textile and footwear sectors.

The company FRANCOTEX, S.L., together with HILATURA MIEL, S.L. and TEXTIL VALOR, S.L., is carrying out a research and development project supported by the Valencian Innovation Agency (AVI), within the framework of the “Consolidation of the corporate value chain” initiative. The project focuses on the research and development of new functional coatings applicable to yarns and textiles, featuring advanced liquid repellency, stain resistance, and antibacterial properties, formulated from bioactive compounds obtained from grape stalks.

The main objective is the development of an innovative and comprehensive textile process covering both the extraction and application of natural biocompounds from winery by-products. This aims to provide color and advanced functionalities (antimicrobial and anti-stain effects) to yarns and fabrics, all framed within a sustainable production model aligned with circular economy principles.

From a scientific-technical perspective, the project represents a significant advancement in the valorization of agri-food by-products by integrating them into the textile sector’s value chain. This contributes to reducing the use of synthetic inputs and promoting renewable natural resources. Furthermore, it drives innovation and knowledge transfer between two strategic sectors for the Valencian Community: the agri-food/winery sector and the textile sector.

The project is developed cooperatively among three specialized companies. FRANCOTEX, S.L. is performing the extraction and characterization of the functional biocompounds from grape stalks; HIMIESA is applying these biocompounds to yarns and validating their efficacy in functional fabrics; and TEXTIL VALOR is developing the bio-colorants, as well as defining the application process for dyeing and associated textile finishes.