We are currently experiencing a period of profound market transformation, characterised by the growing complexity of international dynamics that influence industrial decisions and investment.
Against this backdrop, businesses are being called upon to redefine their competitive scope, investing increasingly in building their identity, market recognition and industrial transformation, in order to remain competitive and meet the needs of a supply chain that is, and will continue to be, global.
Consequently, trade fairs too are called upon to question their own function and to evolve beyond a purely quantitative approach: to become tools capable of offering guidance, generating value and providing the community with a place where they can access innovation and the evolving directions of markets across the entire value chain.
The event we will see in future editions will continue to play a central role in showcasing the products and technologies on display, whilst also offering a broader perspective on technological trends and the solutions required by the manufacturing sector. Through a user-driven presentation of the technological ecosystem, Simac Tanning Tech guides industry professionals in interpreting complexity, helping businesses and visitors to find their bearings and identify future development directions, thereby strengthening the fair’s role as a hub for content and expertise.
Founded in Florence in 2019 by South Korean designer Dong Seon Lee and Italian product manager Giuliana Borzillo, ID.EIGHT has built its identity on a production model that uses over 70 per cent recycled materials and is entirely cruelty-free. During the recent Paris Fashion Week, the Tuscan brand took to the prestigious stage of the NEB Fashion Adaptor – a major initiative organised by EIT Culture & Creativity, a body supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, in close collaboration with the New European Bauhaus – to present its industrial vision and the evolution of a business model that places the circular economy at the heart of everything to an international audience.
The NEB Fashion Adaptor programme was launched with the specific aim of supporting independent fashion brands on their challenging journey towards business models that are truly circular and sustainable, and ID.EIGHT has been selected to join a select group of just 13 companies across Europe, identified as the most innovative and cutting-edge organisations in the field of eco-friendly fashion. Before an international audience comprising investors, industry experts and fashion professionals, the brand successfully demonstrated how it is possible to combine high-quality design, ongoing research into alternative materials and a deep commitment to environmental responsibility within a single, robust business venture. This strategic recognition marks the brand’s official entry into an elite European ecosystem, designed to support those companies that know how to transform sustainability into a genuine driver of economic growth.
ID.EIGHT also took centre stage last June at Pitti Uomo, the premier men’s fashion fair, where it unveiled its first barefoot trainer: NURI, an evolution of the iconic HANA model, which successfully combines innovation and sustainability. Featuring a wider toe box, designed to respect the foot’s natural shape, and a construction engineered to accommodate its movement, NURI supports the foot’s stride in the most natural way possible. Thanks to its lightweight sole and ‘pouch’ construction – a technique from the tradition of artisanal shoemaking that involves stitching the inner lining around the last like a glove – NURI offers exceptional softness and wraps around the foot to follow its movements.
This creative evolution is accompanied by equally significant commercial growth. Whilst continuing to consolidate its position in Northern European markets, ID.EIGHT has recently opened new distribution channels in Spain, further strengthening its international presence. This strategy is yielding particularly positive results and has led the brand to forecast a doubling of turnover by 2026 compared with the previous year.
The International Union of Footwear Industry Technicians (UITIC), in collaboration with KRISTA Exhibition and with the support of APRISINDO – the Indonesian Footwear Industry Association – has announced the new dates and venue for the 23rd UITIC International Congress: Jakarta, Indonesia, from 2 to 4 August 2027.
UITIC is thus renewing its commitment to promoting dialogue and the dissemination of technical knowledge across the global footwear value chain, and has chosen Jakarta – one of Asia’s most important manufacturing and industrial hubs – as a strategic venue to welcome professionals, researchers, companies, technology suppliers and industry representatives from every continent.
‘The choice of Indonesia reflects the Union’s commitment to fostering, amongst the various players that make up the global footwear supply chain, an increasingly up-to-date exchange of views on trends and developments in footwear design and production processes. Today, the sector’s competitiveness is built on the ability to capitalise on the skills and experience gained in different contexts. Dialogue between industrial cultures, cross-fertilisation and access to best practice are key factors in understanding the major technological, production and social transformations affecting our supply chain. The UITIC Congress continues its travelling programme with precisely this objective: to create an international platform for dialogue and shared growth for all stakeholders in the sector,” said Sergio Dulio, President of UITIC.
The event will be spread over three days dedicated to in-depth technical discussion and international networking. The programme includes visits to leading companies in the Indonesian footwear and tanning industries, a conference day featuring presentations by experts and high-profile thematic sessions, as well as a joint UITIC-APRISINDO-KRISTA initiative to mark the opening of Indo Leather & Footwear Expo, one of Asia’s leading trade fairs dedicated to the leather and footwear supply chain.
The official theme of the Congress, the scientific programme, the modalities of participation and the sponsorship opportunities will be presented in the coming months. Info: www.uitic.org
“Mission to the Future” is the title of the GSC Group’s 2025 Sustainability Report. A year of significant achievements and investments, of responsibility and innovation. “This is a path we chose to take before it became mandatory, because we believe that sustainability doesn’t wait for deadlines,” explain company representatives of the Vicenza-based leather chemicals company.
“The 2025 Report is a roadmap for the path we are building. By the end of 2026, we will present our Strategic Sustainability Plan, with measurable goals regarding emissions, resources, people, and the supply chain. The journey has only just begun.”
2025 at a glance INVESTING TO INNOVATE A new application laboratory: bigger, more innovative Our new Leather Innovation Hub is a state-of-the-art facility that strengthens research, quality control, application development and technical support. A concrete investment to deliver increasingly effective and responsible solutions.
SUSTAINABILITY STARTS WITH THE PRODUCT Responsible innovation, value across the entire supply chain Every day, we work to develop sustainability-driven solutions, generating value for clients, partners and the local community.
PEOPLE, SAFETY AND GOVERNANCE Culture, expertise, safety We updated our 231 Model, reinforcing a culture of compliance and responsible governance. We continue to invest in people, training and safety, first and foremost.
TOGETHER WITH CLIENTS AND PARTNERS Building value, together Sustainability isn’t built alone. It’s built together, by sharing goals, tools and responsibilities across the entire supply chain. This Report speaks to our supply chain, not just to the market.
In the video below, Dr. Francesco Serafini presents the Report—prepared in accordance with recognized European standards—and highlights the key investments of 2025.
On July 17, Lapi Group celebrated an important triple anniversary with Lapi Ensemble, the event organized in Santa Croce sull’Arno (Pisa) to mark the 75th anniversary of Lapi Group and its founding company, Figli di Guido Lapi, as well as the 60th anniversary of Lapi Gelatine. The event’s title evokes the concept of a musical ensemble, symbolizing the ability of people, companies, and expertise to work in harmony toward a shared vision of the future. The event was attended by employees, shareholders, long-time collaborators, and institutional representatives, in a gathering dedicated not only to celebrating the Group’s history but also to strengthening ties with the local community and defining future prospects. The company’s origins date back to 1951, when Francesco, Mario, and Dino Lapi founded Figli di Guido Lapi, expanding the chemical products business their father had started in the 1930s. Over the decades, the family has contributed significantly to the development of the Tuscan tanning district, promoting technological innovations, processes geared toward the circular economy, and a growing openness to international markets. Among the most significant milestones were the testing of mimosa extract for vegetable tanning in 1962 and the support provided to tanneries in the Leather District following the 1966 flood, thanks to the supplies of tannins available in the company’s warehouses. Today, the Lapi Group is an international industrial company with consolidated revenue of 152 million euros in 2025, approximately 350 employees, and operations in the industrial chemicals, fashion, and gelatin and collagen production sectors for food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications. The celebration took place in two parts: first at the Teatro Verdi in Santa Croce sull’Arno, featuring speeches by management and regional and local officials, and later at the historic Villa Lapi, the Group’s headquarters, where guests enjoyed guided tours, an aperitif, and dinner accompanied by music from the Empoli Jazz Association. As President Francesco Lapi emphasized, the event was intended to pay tribute to the family’s entrepreneurial history, highlighting above all the people who made its growth possible. “Lapi Ensemble” thus became a statement of intent: to continue building the future by leveraging collaboration, innovation, and strong roots in the local community. Among the guests who attended the celebration were Eugenio Giani, president of the Tuscany Region; Antonio Mazzeo, vice president of the Regional Council; and the mayors of Santa Croce sull’Arno, Castelfranco di Sotto, and San Miniato.
Francesco and Tommaso Lapi, president and vice president of the Lapi Group, respectivelyEugenio Giani, president of the Tuscany Region, attended the celebrationRoberto Lapi, past president of Lapi GroupThe mayors of the Tuscan leather-producing districtA moment from the party
This year, the Paris trade show stands out on the international calendar of events dedicated to workplace safety. Expoprotection is scheduled for November 3–5, 2026, at Porte de Versailles, featuring approximately 660 exhibitors (more than half of whom are international) who will showcase the latest innovations in prevention, protection, PPE, workwear, first aid, components, environmental risks, and fire safety. More than 17,000 professionals are expected to attend to discover market trends and innovations firsthand, meet leading experts, and select the best solutions to protect employees and organizations from all the risks and threats to which they are exposed.
Every two years in Paris, Expoprotection brings together a comprehensive range of solutions—unique in France—that allows risk management professionals to discover market trends and innovations, meet top-level experts, and recruit solution providers to protect their employees and organizations from all the threats they face. The latest solutions in the professional, industrial, and fire safety sectors will take center stage, offering the opportunity to meet new suppliers and test the latest innovations. Among the announced exhibitors are numerous footwear manufacturers, including brands such as Cofra, Reebok, PIP Global Safety, U-Power, and Sparco.
In addition to the products on display, the Paris event offers, as always, a comprehensive program of conferences, hands-on workshops, and live demonstrations. Renowned experts will share their insights on current and future challenges in security and risk management.
At the heart of the brand’s philosophy lies not a mere nostalgic reproduction of past styles, but a bold and cosmopolitan reinterpretation, capable of engaging with international aesthetic sensibilities without ever betraying its roots. The brand’s name itself reveals the soul of the project, evoking the Kabukimono – the non-conformist and eccentric figures of the Momoyama and Edo periods, renowned for their constant defiance of the social conventions of the time. The brand’s logo also draws inspiration from Kumadori, the famous make-up worn by Kabuki theatre actors. This same expressive intensity is found in the soles of the shoes, characterised by an original pattern that reinterprets the geometric and refined beauty of Japanese family crests, specifically that of the Maeda family. KAVKI brings together Japan’s rich cultural heritage with environmental sustainability and technological functionality. Traditional Japanese craftsmanship has always maintained an intrinsic and respectful connection with nature, a value that the brand carries forward into the future. An example of this synergy is the use of washi paper, sourced exclusively from sustainably managed forests, with full respect for the environment. As well as being eco-friendly, this material offers extraordinary technical performance, such as excellent natural breathability – an ideal property for Japan’s hot and humid climate – and one that today provides unrivalled comfort in urban settings.
Pidigi S.p.A., a global player in innovation and the supply of solutions for the footwear, leather goods and technical apparel sectors, has announced the acquisition of the core assets of Sympatex Technologies GmbH, a strategic move that further strengthens the company’s international positioning in the high-performance and sustainable fabrics sector. The acquisition builds on a long-standing collaboration between the two companies. Pidigi has in fact been working with Sympatex for decades, particularly in the footwear segment and in tape production technologies, integrating Sympatex laminates and membranes into its own product solutions. Through the acquisition, Pidigi will continue Sympatex’s operations, preserving its internationally recognised brand, technological know-how and key operational facilities.
Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Verona, Pidigi is a family-owned company specialized in the development and production of technical components, tapes, laminates and performance solutions for footwear, apparel and industrial applications. The company operates globally through long-standing partnerships with leading international brands.
In addition to its eight international branches, Pidigi integrates its global organizational structure, which is mainly based in the EU and Mediterranean area, with that of Sympatex, which is present in Asia as well as in the EU.
Sympatex, headquartered in Unterföhring near Munich, since 1986 is internationally recognized for its expertise in high-performance membrane technologies for footwear, apparel, workwear, protective equipment and technical applications. Its polyester-based, PFAS-free membrane technologies are known for combining waterproofness, windproofness, breathability and recyclability.
“The acquisition of Sympatex is a natural evolution of a partnership built over many years on trust, shared values and complementary expertise – commented Giorgio De Gara, owner and managing director of Pidigi -. We have always admired Sympatex’s technological capabilities, strong brand identity and commitment to sustainability. We are proud to welcome Sympatex into the Pidigi family and to support the next phase of its development.”
“By combining Sympatex’s membrane technologies and international reputation with Pidigi’s industrial capabilities, operational flexibility and global market presence, we are creating a strong platform for future growth. We see significant opportunities across footwear, apparel, workwear and technical applications, where performance, sustainability and innovation are becoming increasingly central.”
As part of the transaction, Pidigi will retain the core operational structure of Sympatex, including the Unterföhring site near Munich, key international offices and a substantial part of the workforce. The international locations in France, China and Hong Kong, as well as the Korean sales office, will continue operations under the new ownership structure.
The integration aims to ensure continuity for customers, partners and suppliers while creating operational and commercial synergies across the entire value chain. Pidigi intends to further develop Sympatex’s international business and strengthen investments in sustainable material technologies and advanced functional applications.
“Beyond Parochial Interests: When the Supply Chain Networks.” A title that already encapsulates the message of the AICC Tuscany Region Annual Conference, held on July 9 at Villa Sonnino in San Miniato. Reinforcing this message is an equally significant subtitle: “The goal is right: the path is built together.” A clear call to work as a team to tackle the major challenges facing the leather supply chain—from regulations to compliance, from sustainability to new prospects for the tanning industry.
Tomaso Pellegrini, president of AICC
The proceedings were opened by the new AICC president, Tomaso Pellegrini, who, after thanking his predecessors, reiterated a concept that would serve as the central theme of the entire day: “Together, by supporting one another, we can build the future. Let’s also try to address problems from different perspectives.”
Dario Nardella, Member of the European Parliament
Among the most anticipated speeches was that of Member of the European Parliament Dario Nardella, who has long been supportive of the sector’s concerns and is known for his commitment to excluding leather from the EUDR regulation. “Parochialism is anachronistic and harmful,” he stated, once again emphasizing the value of collaboration among stakeholders in the supply chain. Nardella then updated those present on the ongoing debate in Brussels regarding some of the most sensitive issues for the sector, including restrictions on polymers, PFAS, and bisphenols. “We are working to ensure that decisions on these matters are based on sound and accurate scientific data,” he explained. The Member of the European Parliament also returned to the topic of the EUDR, emphasizing that “when the sector presents a united front, results follow,” and finally announced the launch of a cross-party working group in the European Parliament dedicated to revitalizing the fashion and textile sector. The presentations titled “Driving Change: The Tanning Sector’s Proactive Approach,” delivered by Giulia Martin and Marta Montanari of UNIC – Concerie Italiane, explored, on the one hand, the latest technical updates regarding the EUDR and, on the other, the challenges related to environmental regulations posed by rules such as Ecodesign and the Digital Product Passport. Tiziana Gambicorti, head of AICC Tuscany and chair of CEN/TC 289 and IUC, presented a report focused on “New Analytical Methods for Tanning: The Case of Fluorine and Beyond” and reported on the work currently underway in technical working groups to develop and validate analytical methods that are still lacking, such as the method for total fluorine. In his remarks, Federico Brugnoli, CEO of Spin360, explained the importance of the new “Guidelines” for measuring the environmental footprint of leather, recently published by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which establish a fundamental principle: that leather is an animal byproduct that is “non-determinative” for environmental change. Developed with technical support from SPIN 360, the UNIDO recommendations represent a major step forward in the proper recognition of leather as a circular material. The floor was then given to Alberto De Conti, Sector Lead – Formulators at ZDHC, who outlined the latest developments in the Chemicals to Zero (CTZ) initiative, which this year introduced an additional level of chemical compliance—called “Aspirational” —following the “Progressive” level, which had been the highest to date. “It represents an opportunity,” explained De Conti, “to further differentiate oneself in the market by transforming technical effort into reputation.” Sabrina Frontini, director of ICEC, outlined the changes introduced by the new European directives and the challenges the sector faces in balancing the needs of the leather supply chain. She described the current context as “a perfect storm” for companies in the sector, inviting them to view the Italian Certification Institute as “a beacon and a shield” during this phase of transformation.
Cecilia Polizzi, a professor at the University of Florence, concluded the series of presentations by discussing “Networking on Water Treatment” and highlighting the importance of the Meta project, which has unfortunately been hampered by a lack of funding. The event concluded with a roundtable discussion on the central theme of the event, “Beyond Silo Thinking: When the Supply Chain Networks,” moderated by journalist and founder of Solo Moda Sostenibile, Silvia Gambi. During the debate and the Q&A session with the audience, concerns emerged among leather chemists regarding the growing proliferation of compliance requirements imposed by brands, the excessive number of certifications currently on the market, and the ever-tightening of these requirements.
A moment from the closing roundtable discussion, which included all the conference speakers
M&M Academy Hub organized by Arsutoria School for the trade fairs MICAM Milano and MIPEL
More than 40 companies from the footwear and leather goods supply chain took part in a project that transformed Hall 5 at Rho Fiera into a live manufacturing hub. Over 500 students observed production firsthand through MICAM Academy (a customizable barefoot shoe) and MIPEL Factory (a personalized star-shaped leather charm). Result: over 50 customized shoes and 300 charms. The area will return for the September 2026 edition.
#INNOVATION
Arsutoria School and Volumental join forces to bring ‘scientific fitting’ into the classroom
An announcement of the collaboration with Volumental: starting in September, a 3D foot scanner will allow students to design footwear based on scientific data on foot morphology, with input from Ales Jurca (VP of Footwear Research at Volumental).
#PROJECTS
Arsutoria School towards 100 years
An interview with director Matteo Pasca on the occasion of the school’s 99th anniversary (April 15, 2026). Topics include the move to the Certosa District with Istituto Secoli, the goal of building a fashion technical education ecosystem in Milan, and future challenges posed by AI versus technical skills. Includes a tribute by Paolo Marenghi to Adriano Lunati, the school’s historic pattern-making master.
#PROJECTS
Infinite Shoe by Arsutoria School: Golden Goose, Brustia Alfameccanica, and Puntozero3D are the project partners
A research project approved by Regione Lombardia (the “Next Fashion” call) focused on the circularity of Made in Italy sneakers. Arsutoria is the lead partner for circularity metrics, Golden Goose the industrial partner, Brustia Alfameccanica handles disassembly processes, and Puntozero3D contributes additive manufacturing solutions. The goal: rethinking the end-of-life phase of footwear.
#COURSES
Designing 3D lasts. The new Arsutoria course in collaboration with NewLast
An in-depth look at the module dedicated to shoe lasts, with interviews with Paolo Marenghi (Arsutoria) and Andrea Galbiati (NewLast). It covers the digital revolution NewLast has brought to the sector (scanning, editing software) and its limits compared to human creativity. Includes a box on NewLast Group’s thirty-year history.
#COURSES
3D Bag Design: the course combining Rhinoceros and CLO3D in the workflow of the digital bag designer
An overview of the new intensive 5-week course taught by Laura La Marca: two weeks on metal hardware design with Rhinoceros, three weeks on CLO3D for building the bag’s virtual prototype, responding to the industry’s growing demand for “digital twins” in leather goods.
