The Tuscany4Shoes network focuses on sustainability

A day dedicated to sustainable fashion, environmental responsibility and the promotion of the footwear and fashion supply chain was held in the splendid setting of Villa Bruguier in Capannori. This was the focus of GREEN DAY, an event promoted by the Tuscany4Shoes network, which now brings together over 60 companies from the footwear and fashion world, based at the Capannori Technology Park.

The event opened in the early morning with institutional greetings from Giordano Del Chiaro, Mayor of Capannori, Regional Councillor Valentina Mercanti and Mayor of Scandicci Claudia Sereni. Representing the Tuscany4Shoes Network were Serena Cecchini, President, and Pietro Angelini, Director of NAVIGO, Temporary Manager of the Network.

The agenda focused on sustainability applied to fashion and the local area, with speeches by Silvia Gambi (Solo Moda Sostenibile), Marco Zappolini (ESG Italia), Tonja Pierallini, representative of the ‘Terra di Tutti’ project, and Matteo Pasca, director of Arsutoria.

In addition to the aforementioned presentations, there was also a space dedicated to the presentation of the ‘Shoes ID’ project, created in collaboration with NAVIGO, Lucense and CAEN, aimed at strengthening the identity of Tuscan footwear through innovation, traceability and digital technologies.

The event was closed by a rich panel of some of the most important international fashion houses and companies in the supply chain, who shared best practices, challenges and strategies for fashion that is increasingly attentive to the environment and the future.

“With the first edition of GREEN DAY, we wanted to demonstrate how sustainability, innovation and supply chain are not just keywords, but concrete actions that our companies put into practice every day. Tuscan fashion has a strong identity, rooted in the territory and capable of facing environmental and social challenges with vision, both locally and internationally,” said Serena Cecchini. “This event is a step forward in strengthening our network, activating new connections and building a more responsible future together.”

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS

There is an old idea that is gaining ground again amid the folds of an increasingly complex supply chain: creating a system. Not because it is fashionable and everyone is talking about it, but out of necessity. Joining forces to overcome market challenges is the underlying theme that underpinned most of the conference presentations.

SUSTAINABILITY: FROM COST TO STRATEGIC LEVER

The conference gave ample space to the topic of ESG, showing how sustainability is no longer a reputational option, but an enabling condition for accessing markets and finance. Marco Zappolini (ESG Italia) put it clearly: “Companies must start testing their level of compliance. Certifications are not logos to be displayed, but tools for governance, competitiveness and access to funds.”

The same applies to those who have turned sustainability into a business: the ‘Terra di Tutti’ project is a prime example. It recovers materials, regenerates them into design objects (from broken umbrellas, exhibition banners and textile scraps) and at the same time integrates vulnerable people into the world of work, creating a social and aesthetic supply chain. An innovative craft workshop, rooted in the local area.

FROM THE SUPPLY CHAIN TO THE ECOSYSTEM

On the sidelines of the conference, representatives of international brands also spoke. The message was unanimous: transparency, traceability and a cultural shift in the relationship between brands and suppliers are needed. “Today, customers ask us: who made this product? Where? Under what conditions?” recalled Luca Perone. This is why sustainability must become a strategic asset, not a marketing label.

THE FUTURE LIES IN DIALOGUE BETWEEN SMALL AND LARGE

The comparison with the French model – which is more centralised and structured – has been useful in recognising the limitations but also the strengths of the Italian system, which is based on districts and small businesses. But a strategy is needed. Without targeted public policies and a change in mindset among big brands, small businesses risk being left alone to face increasingly stringent regulations (such as European Eco-Design or Digital Product Passports).

FROM KNOW-HOW TO KNOW-HOW-TO-TRANSMIT

Italian know-how is a heritage. But it is not enough to preserve it: it must be transmitted. This is the heart of the reflection on training that emerged during the conference. It is not just a matter of teaching technical skills, but of creating educational systems capable of integrating manual skills, organisation and innovation. As Matteo Pasca of Arsutoria pointed out, “vocational training cannot be based solely on theory or passive mentoring: precise teaching protocols, stimulating work environments and machines that are suited to the real world of production are needed”.

The most structured companies are already investing in the creation of a ‘library of gestures’ and in internal courses that enable the transfer of skills from one generation to the next. But it is the synergy between the public and private sectors that makes the difference: the use of training funds, the use of ITSs and collaboration with training institutions are key elements. A concrete example? Co-designed courses to train rare professionals such as jointers, through intensive tailor-made courses. Because a district is not only competitive when it innovates its products, but when it innovates its people.

CONCLUSIONS: THE COST OF DOING NOTHING

“What is the cost of not doing it?” This is the question that Francesco Cosentino (Antica Valserchio) posed to the audience. It concerned digitalisation, but it could apply to any of the topics discussed: sustainability, training, traceability, supply chain. This is the point: today, the real risk is not investing. It is standing still.

This is where the ‘Tuscany4Shoes’ model comes in, not as a goal, but as a method. A way of tackling complexity with collective energy.

ABOUT TUSCANY4SHOES

Tuscany 4 Shoes is a network of companies representing the footwear sector, created to serve the industry, to understand, strengthen, promote and internationalise it.

On the one hand, T4S aims to support companies during a difficult period for the footwear market, which is undergoing major changes. On the other hand, it acts as a privileged technical partner, providing accurate information to institutions, public administrators and trade associations. It was born from the belief in the strength of grassroots, cross-cutting and complementary groups, in response to the need for companies to come together and share information.

Today, it has 59 member companies (+4 entry requests), including 21 footwear manufacturers, 20 suppliers, 6 component manufacturers and 5 retailers.