Founded in Milan in 2016, VEGEA™ is pioneering a new era of material innovation. Its name reflects its mission: ‘VEG’ represents its commitment to vegan principles, while ‘GEA’ pays homage to Mother Earth, derived from ‘Gaia,’ the ancient Greek personification of the Earth. At the forefront of sustainable textile innovation, the company has revolutionised the industry by transforming winemaking by-products into a high-quality, plant-based alternative to traditional leather.
With a focus on circular economy and encouraging mindful consumption, VEGEA™ empowers designers and manufacturers to make more responsible, lower-impact choices. The company's deep-rooted commitment to repurposing secondary raw materials drives its innovation. This dedication fuels its continuous pursuit of expanding biomaterial applications, from laboratory research to large-scale industrial production.
What makes VEGEA™ the right choice for us?
At Ferm Living, we incorporated VEGEA™ into our Made to Order collection as part of our commitment to more responsible material choices. While not exclusively made from leftover grape pomace, this next-generation material is primarily sourced from agricultural waste. Designed without compromise, it meets the highest technical and aesthetic standards for furniture production, blending environmental responsibility with performance.
The VEGEA™ process significantly reduces water consumption, especially when compared to traditional leather production, which often relies on harmful tanning chemicals. Instead, it utilises waste, water-based polyurethane and natural vegetable resins, providing a more environmentally conscious alternative.
The company upholds a localised, cruelty-free, and ethical production model by sourcing materials and manufacturing entirely within Northern Italy. This significantly reduces transportation-related emissions. With its toxin-free procedure, all compounds are free from harmful solvents, heavy metals, and hazardous substances, ensuring environmental viability and a safer working environment.
From Raw to Refined: The Processing Stage
1. Sourcing
VEGEA™ partners with wineries and distilleries in Northern Italy to source grape pomace, consisting of the skins, seeds, and stems remaining after wine production. To maintain a consistent and reliable supply of raw materials year-round, independent of the harvest season, the collected residues are carefully dried, preserving their quality and preventing degradation.
2. Processing
Through a meticulous process, bio-oil is extracted from grape seeds, while the remaining dried grape compounds undergo polymerisation, transforming waste into a durable, leather-like material with exceptional resilience. This is blended with natural fibres to create a premium plant-based alternative to traditional leather. By integrating water-based polyurethane, the material gains enhanced durability, flexibility, and water resistance, resulting in a high-performance fabric composition that meets the rigorous demands of modern design.
Through a precision transfer coating method, in which a biocompound is spread onto release paper, VEGEA™ achieves its distinctive textured surface, enhancing both its aesthetic and tactile appeal.
“By repurposing winemaking by-products, VEGEA™ creates a high-quality, plant-based alternative to traditional leather—designed for durability, flexibility, and a lower environmental impact.”
3. Finishing
To complete the procedure, the material is bonded to a textile backing using an adhesive. Made from 100% GRS™ certified recycled polyamide, it further underscores VEGEA’s dedication to a sustainable mindset. Each batch undergoes rigorous quality control, with meticulous sampling and testing to secure consistency, durability, and a flawless finish.
Once perfected, VEGEA™ becomes part of our Made to Order collection, reflecting our dedication to conscious craftsmanship and empowering customers to make more intentional choices. Explore selected Made to Order pieces, including the Herman Chair and Herman Lounge Chair, upholstered in VEGEA™.