GRAPE-based LEATHER alternative
Traceability, innovation and eco-design.
French startup Nisiar sources grape leftovers from wine making to manufacture solid and single-layer material, without textile reinforcement!
The first variety of Nisiar is the result of a partnership with the Perrin family, pioneers among French winegrowers.
Thanks to this partnership and with the help of a local distillery, they were able to ensure the total traceability of a specific batch of grape marc, from its harvest to its distillation.
The production process of Nisiar begins with the processing of grape marc. Once received, several processing steps are necessary to integrate it harmoniously into their know-how. These treatments respect the principles of green chemistry while being energy-efficient.
After sublimating the grape marc, we meticulously assemble it with a biopolymer in the form of granules. Five years of intensive research have allowed us to develop the ideal assembly, combining quality and eco-design.
This assembly is composed of 35% grape marc and 65% biopolymers thus giving Nisiar a total of 73% vegetable materials.
Finally, the shaping phase is carried out by melting these granules to obtain material bands which are then rolled up, giving them their definitive properties. This crucial step requires a precise mastery of the parameters of our process, as well as manual know-how, which plays a decisive role in the final quality of Nisiar.
The result is the N-07 variety, derived from the Perrin family's grape marc, which is adorned with a natural brown hue derived from the tannins of 13 grape varieties of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Its smooth texture and marbled aesthetic reflect the finesse and complexity of the red wines of the Rhône Valley.
