Łukasiewicz – ICSO is working with Onlybio. A team of scientists carries out research concerning the development of natural cosmetics using grape pomace generated as a by-product of wine production. The project received funding from the Foundation for Polish Science within the framework of the FENG.
Researchers are initiating work concerning a research project proposing to develop, manufacture, and implement safe and functional cosmetics. An important element of this solution consists in using grape pomace from Polish vineyards.
- Grapes, one of the most often consumed fruits in the world, are rich in bioactive compounds, edible acids, dietary fibre, etc. Therefore, grapes constitute the subject of intensive research due to their potential beneficial effects on human health.
The reddish-purple pigmentation of grapes is linked to the presence of chemical compounds known as anthocyanins. This is a group of chemicals that give colour to flowers and fruits. These red to blue coloured compounds are powerful antioxidants and natural dyes. The waste generated during wine production is a valuable source of bioactive compounds.
An innovative and ecological solution
Research carried out at our institute confirms that raw materials extracted from waste material generated during wine production contain large quantities of valuable bioactive substances. However, the possibility of reusing them is reduced by the amount of waste generated and the need for disposal. This challenge is answered by a solution of Łukasiewicz – ICSO, which fits perfectly with the principles of sustainable production and minimising the negative impact of human activity on the environment. However, economic factors have not been forgotten. The cosmetics industry is looking for innovative solutions, but it has to reckon with how these translate into the price of the final product.
- We've paid particular attention to the economics of the proposed solution. We have planned to develop a range of interesting cosmetic products containing relatively high concentrations of bioactive substances, without significantly increasing the price of the cosmetic mass.
The work carried out to date has resulted in full-fledged innovative cosmetics on a laboratory scale. It has also resulted in patent applications and scientific publications, which form the IP background of the latest project. It is worth mentioning that the work envisaged in this project represents a kind of bridge between the laboratory work phase and its commercialisation. The project will be carried out under the close supervision of both Prof. Tomasz Wasilewski, and Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran PhD.
An idea for a developing industry
The results of our researchers’ work may be of interest to cosmetic companies in Poland and abroad who are looking for innovative solutions to create high-quality, knowledge-based cosmetic products. However, the recipient directly interested in the project’s results is Onlybio.life S.A., one of the fastest-growing companies in the natural cosmetics sector in Poland. It is an innovative company with a strong position in the cosmetics industry. The company’s products are popular especially among the younger audience. Its mission is to create cosmetics that are both effective and safe for health and the environment. Onlybio claims to use only natural, organically grown or recycled ingredients in its products.
This is not the first project carried out with the company by a team of scientists led by Prof. Tomasz Wasilewski and Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran PhD. Previously, they have already successfully completed one major application project in collaboration with the sister company InventionBio. It concerned a new generation of detergents for washing fruit and vegetables. The works presented here constitute the result of an intensively developed scientific and research area related to cosmetics and detergents at Łukasiewicz – ICSO.
Prof. Wasilewski has worked with Onlybio.life S.A. for more than eight years, where he develops new cosmetics, introduces them to market, and leads development projects. For the past three and a half years, he has served as the company’s director of research and development. Basing on experience from industry practice as well as the current demands of cosmetic consumers, he proposed developing a series of innovative products. Together with Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran PhD, and employees of Łukasiewicz – ICSO “Blachownia”, research is currently being carried out, which has already resulted in a number of patent applications, valuable scientific publications and awards at exhibition events. Particularly noteworthy is the innovative process developed jointly concerning manufacturing cosmetics, which takes into account the so-called Loan Chemical Extraction (LCE). The description and the name of the process were introduced by the authors of the paper in 2022.
The project entitled “Functional and safe to use natural hygiene cosmetics produced on the basis of waste material (pomace) from Polish vineyards” received funding from the Foundation for Polish Science in the Proof of Concept action funded by the European Funds for Modern Economy (FENG) programme.
