Interview With UVIA: Wine Pomace to Lustrous Skin

Formulating products with wine pomace, the solid remains of grapes during the pressing process in the production of wine, UVIA is redefining waste reduction in the beauty industry.

Impakter spoke with the brand’s founder Michele Bottalico to learn more about this unique company.

How was the brand developed?

Michele Bottalico: Our idea was born in 2017, when we presented our pitch to the Apulian Regional Commission that administers European funds. Our project was approved, and we founded the company, Planbio Cosmetics; a “Plan B” for people trying to enhance without resorting to surgery.

The development of UVIA was founded from our purpose: each person is wonderful and unique. Planbio Cosmetics now owns the UVIA brand and will always support those who wish to regain the right to be themselves. 

What is the meaning behind the brand’s name?

MB: UVIA comes from the Italian Word of grapes, “uva.” We decided to link our brand to nature to ensure the respect and prioritization of the planet in all our business practices. 

Our colors, violet and magenta, are also linked to the veins of the vine leaves. The graphics of the site and our packaging reflect this.

What are the ethos of UVIA?

MB: UVIA is the skincare line that comes from respect; respect towards the need to be ourselves, respect towards nature, towards the planet of which we are guests and respect for the people who allow us to reach our goal. 

For this reason, the working environment is a fundamental value of our company, so UVIA only collaborates with companies and suppliers who respect the individual and who do not in any way exploit low-cost labor. 

All UVIA products are 100% MADE IN ITALY and the result of careful and ethical research. We welcome consumers who want to embrace our philosophy.

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What is the production process of UVIA products? What makes it truly sustainable?

MB: All products are made with the utmost attention to detail. The brochures, packaging, shoppers, and all communication material is not made with plastic. This allows for proper disposal and recycling. 

We also eliminated waste from sample products by using mini size glass jars that are totally recyclable. 

Finally, we instilled a program for our customers to return their entire packaging to us and get a €5 discount on their next purchase.

What positive impact have UVIA products had on the environment so far?

MB: UVIA has had a positive impact on the environment because we often use wine pomace, the waste of the vinification process, as a key ingredient of our formulas. We transform the pomace into a cosmetic extract, saving it from disposal. This reduces CO2 emissions. 

What has been the most rewarding part of the brand’s fruition?

MB: There is no doubt, the esteem and trust of our early adopters has been the most rewarding part of UVIA so far. Our first customers and retailers, who believed in our ambitious project, have always been by our side. 

Additionally, we’re grateful for the trust and great collaboration by our scientific team at the University of Bari.

What can we expect to see in the future from UVIA? 

MB: Innovation, innovation, innovation!

We will always try to surprise our customers with new, functional, and natural products. 

Next year, we plan to launch a natural make-up foundation, a solar line, and a non-invasive gel filler. But of course, all our new products will still be created from our wine pomace extract.

I assure you that it is not over here, stay tuned. 

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by Impakter.com columnists are their own, not those of Impakter.com. — In the Featured Photo: UVIA Products. Featured Photo Credit: UVIA.