Wastewater treatment can also benefit from artificial intelligence. On June 18, a project curated by Consorzio Aquarno, in collaboration with Data Brain Services, was unveiled that aims to prevent accidents at work and prevent the release of pollutants into the environment through the use of AI-based predictive systems.

The project initiated by the Aquarno Consortium in Santa Croce sull’Arno (Pisa), in the heart of the tanning district, also aims to reduce electricity consumption (by up to 25 percent) and environmental impact through greater control of the biological purification process and extreme events such as flooding.

The entire system, the first of its kind, is expected to become fully operational by July 2025. The plant operated by Aquarno treats urban and industrial wastewater for more than two million inhabitants from four municipalities and hundreds of tanning companies: it receives wastewater with high concentrations of sulfides, salts and recalcitrant substances. The adopted system integrates readings from more than 60 sensors (flow rate, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, organic load), along with more than 250 analytical parameters that are analyzed daily at the laboratory, and processes them with machine learning models that can predict scenarios, flag anomalies, and support operator decisions in choices ranging from the use of compressors for oxygenation to the adjustment of chemical reagents and stormwater management.

“Kilometro Rosso is not simply a place, it is a metaphor for innovation”. This is how Cristiano Paccagnella, vice-president of Assomac, opens his thoughts on the future of Italian manufacturing in the footwear, leather goods and tanning technology sector. Assomac’s general assembly, scheduled for 20 June 2025 (the program) and entitled ‘Growth, collaboration and innovation for the European fashion industry’, will be held in a highly symbolic location to talk about growth, collaboration and innovation.

In a complex and competitive international scenario, the ability to anticipate changes and interpret market dynamics becomes crucial. “We technology manufacturers have always been involved in innovation,” says Paccagnella, emphasising how Kilometro Rosso represents this vocation for research and technological progress.

However, Italian manufacturing, recognised globally for its ability to innovate, now faces new challenges: the international economic context requires a shared and structured strategy more than ever. Internationalisation, innovation and strategic alliances become essential keywords. “It is time to look beyond the personal interests of individual companies. What is needed is a strong and integrated network between companies,” Paccagnella continues, pointing out that collaboration is not only desirable, but necessary.

The average size of Italian companies, while excellent in production and innovation, remains small globally. This condition, explained the Vice President, “does not allow us to tackle all the challenges we face effectively. Hence the importance of collaboration and co-innovation, central themes of the Assomac assembly.”

Indeed, aggregation between companies allows access to new skills, advanced technologies and emerging markets. It is imperative to reiterate the urgency of creating structured groups: “In addition to innovative and quality products, today our customers expect services that are more timely, more precise, and capable of grasping new trends, from artificial intelligence to big data.” All this, adds Paccagnella, “can only be achieved with true collaboration, a business network between associates.”

Assomac, which represents more than 130 companies operating in more than 130 countries, is an active spokesperson for these instances, committing itself to promoting and enhancing Made in Italy technological excellence at European decision-making tables. “Our role,” Paccagnella concludes, “is to advance the concept of aggregation and innovation as strategic levers to ensure resilience and sustainable growth.”

The assembly on 20 June therefore represents a long-awaited and crucial moment to define new strategies and strengthen the dialogue between companies, institutions, stakeholders and the academic world. At the heart of the discussion is the clear and determined will to face global challenges with a united and authoritative voice, thus guaranteeing the future of Italian manufacturing in the global competitive landscape.

“It is with emotion that we wish to remember and pay tribute to the countless activities carried out by our colleague Mario Pucci, a key figure in the development of Assomac’s International Relations. His journey, which began in the 1980s, when he was among the first collaborators after the founding of the Association, continued until the end of his professional career,” said Assomac President Mauro Bergozza. ‘The journalist with a suitcase’ is how he described himself when he tried to sum up his long career in a few words. “The memory goes back to your initial choices and to that passion for authentic relations, constructive communication and the spirit of the messenger that always distinguished you. Our colleagues at Assomac remember you with deep emotion. Your serene spirit in approaching every aspect of work with seriousness and pragmatic skills, even in the most difficult and complicated moments, always calmed everyone down and taught us to give due importance to personal relationships with our interlocutors.”

A tireless traveller, Mario Pucci represented and promoted the Italian mechanical engineering industry in all the main footwear and leather goods producing countries, building bridges of dialogue and collaboration in every corner of the world. India, in particular, has always held a special place in his heart: a deep bond of respect, curiosity and affection.

In his stories, ever since his arrival in Vigevano in the 1970s, first at ‘L’Informatore’, and then at Assomac, he has always reported on the importance of believing in the value of people, the culture of work and the beauty of places and relationships.

In recent years, Pucci had settled in Florence, where he lived peacefully together with his wife Antonella. His humanity, dedication and international spirit will forever remain part of Assomac’s history.

Yesterday, June 3, the European Parliament became the global stage for the European leather industry. An opportunity to deliver a clear and scientifically based message: leather is not a driver of deforestation. Hosted by MEP Salvatore De Meo (EPP, Italy) in close collaboration with COTANCE and UNIC, the high-level workshop titled “EUDR: Is Leather a Driver of Deforestation? – Bringing facts to the European Parliament” brought together over 50 in-person stakeholders from across the globe. Participants included diplomatic representatives from the United States, Argentina, Turkey, and Australia, alongside officials from EU Member States (Italy, Poland), the European Commission, Members of the European Parliament, international organisations, industry experts, and representatives from leading companies and tanneries.

The event marked a major milestone in the industry’s advocacy efforts and reinforced the importance of evidence-based policymaking in the revision of Annex I of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

The workshop showcased the findings of the study conducted by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies (University of Pisa), offering a comprehensive review of academic literature and available data on whether leather contributes to deforestation or not. The workshop also served as the missing impact assessment on leather—filling a critical gap in the ongoing review of Annex I of the EUDR under Article 34.

Mr Luca Boltri, Vice-Director of the Italian Tanners’ Association – UNIC, said: “We are grateful to Italian MEP Salvatore De Meo (EPP), who listened to our concerns and gave us this opportunity to bringing to the European Institutions the facts of the impact of a piece of EU legislation which is totally disconnected from the realities of the leather industry.”

“I am happy to stand up for an industry that is the pride of Italian fashion and that is unfairly stigmatized in the EUDR. We all want to curb deforestation, but it is not helping the credibility of EU legislation if it sets up measures that have no real effect on the environment while they stifle the competitiveness of EU industry” – said Salvatore de Meo, MEP (EPP/Italy).