Subcritical Water Extraction to Valorize Grape Biomass—A Step Closer to Circular Economy

Grapes are a climate culprit—but their discarded skins and seeds could be a treasure trove of bioactive compounds, waiting to be unlocked with nothing but hot water.

The world's growing population is squeezing the planet's resources, and agriculture is a major offender, responsible for over 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, food production must rise by 60%, making waste valorization not just smart—it's essential. Enter grape biomass, a byproduct of the beloved fruit that's rich in compounds valuable to food, pharma, and cosmetics. But extracting these gems has often relied on energy-hungry methods like microwaves or ultrasound. Subcritical water extraction (SWE) offers a greener path: using only water as a solvent, it achieves high yields while following key principles of green chemistry—less hazardous synthesis and safer solvents. This review explores how SWE can turn grape waste into a resource, aligning with a circular economy and paving the way for sustainable production. Future prospects for SWE as a green technique are also on the horizon.

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