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Arsutoria Magazine

ICEMEN FOOTCARE: reference for foot comfort

Founded in 1993 as a family business, Icemen actually traces its roots back much further, to World War II, with the production of handmade shoes at home. In 2000, it abandoned shoe production to focus on foot care products, based on the premise that comfort is the heart of a great shoe.”Since then, we’ve dedicated ourselves to developing insoles that offer the best possible comfort, tailored to different shoe molds and needs. We realized that a shoe must be comfortable above all, and we wanted to be the ones who support that comfort from the inside,” says Mr Cahiz Er, representing the current generation of the Icemen family.

Your business includes insoles, shoe care products and accessories (shoe horns etc.): how did you develop such a diversified range of products?

“After we stopped producing shoes, our long-time customers—our “masters” in the trade—began showing interest in the insoles we were producing. Over time, they started requesting additional shoe-related accessories that were hard to find on the market. Our growth has always been customer-driven: they trust us, and we respond to their needs by developing new, high-quality products that fill gaps in the market”

What are your main markets today?

“Our core market remains the shoe industry—it’s where we were born and raised. As comfort remains our guiding principle, we are increasingly focusing on the medical sector. Pharmacies and healthcare providers have started to prefer our products for their ergonomic and supportive qualities. We’re currently developing new footcare products that target specific areas of the foot needing support, with a strong focus on medical applications”

You have participated for the second time in Expo Riva Schuh in Riva del Garda: why did you choose a finished product fair like this one?

Not attending Expo Riva Schuh in previous years was a missed opportunity. This century-old fair is one of the best platforms to connect with shoe retailers and end-users. Our products belong in shoe shops, and this expo is a key way for us to meet the right customers from all over the world. With over 20 years of experience in local and international trade fairs, we have visited and taken part in many events, but Expo Riva Schuh stands out in the trade fair scene: it attracts high-quality visitors who know exactly what they are looking for, and this makes it a precious tool.  At Expo Riva Schuh we meet buyers from large chain shops with over 10 outlets, as well as re-establish relationships with long-standing partners. In addition to the fair in Riva del Garda, we participate in more than six fairs a year, including AYMOD, AYSAF, EXPOMED and other local fairs”.

What are your future plans?

“Our vision is to expand the Icemen brand and product range, first across Europe and then globally. We aim to increase brand recognition and participate in as many fairs as possible to meet new partners and introduce more people to the comfort of Icemen products.The company aiming to make “Icemen” a go-to name for foot comfort around the world”.


First collaboration between BUFF® and VEJA

BUFF®, the world leader in headwear and neckwear for outdoor adventurers, announces its first collaboration with VEJA, a trainer brand known for its use of eco-friendly materials and its commitment to the environment. The BUFF® x VEJA reinvents VEJA’s iconic Fitz Roy hiking shoe, combining functionality and vibrant colours that celebrate the spirit of adventure and the authentic beauty of Brazilian nature. The result is a shoe that not only offers durability, comfort and grip on the ground, but also stands out for its bold styling and use of recycled materials, remaining true to the two companies’ values of building a more responsible future: the Trek-Shell upper is made of 100% recycled polyester and has a long-lasting PFC-free water repellent treatment, the midsole features 52% sugarcane and 3% Amazonian rubber, and the outsole is made of 31% Amazonian rubber. To complete the collaboration, BUFF® created a collection of accessories inspired by the vibrant colours of Brazilian nature, consisting of neck warmers, headbands and caps.


YHub announces the entry of Giorgio Armani SpA and Fondazione del Tessile Italiano

YHub, Italy’s leading group in innovative services and technological platforms for traceability and sustainability in the fashion and luxury industry, announces the entry of two prestigious new investors: Giorgio Armani SpA and Fondazione del Tessile Italiano. This milestone reaffirms the Group’s pivotal role in supporting both brands and supply chain actors, reinforcing its positioning as a strategic partner for sustainable transformation and consolidating a distinctive alliance in terms of vision and solutions. The founding partners – Francesca Rulli, Massimo Brandellero, and Cristian Iobbi – will retain majority control of the company, which also welcomes Matteo De Angelis, General Manager of the Group, into the shareholding structure.

This development marks a significant new chapter in a trajectory that began in 2024 with a similar transaction, which saw the entry of Foro delle Arti (the holding company of Brunello Cucinelli SpA), entrepreneur Matteo Marzotto, Claudio Rovere (Founder & CEO of Holding Industriale SpA), venture funds managed by the global investment bank LionTree, and the digital innovator Federico Marchetti (founder of YOOX) through Mavis.

Operating under the single brand Ympact, YHub currently supports over 3,000 companies in tracing supply chains and measuring the environmental and social impacts of production. It collaborates with, collaborates with more than 50 global brands, and maps over 80,000 suppliers across 22 countries.

From left: Matteo De Angelis, general manager of YHub, Massimo Brandellero, Francesca Rulli, Cristian Iobbi, founding partners of YHub

Fheel Talk, the first ESG dialogue event promoted by Tacchificio Villa Cortese, arrives in Scandicci

Tacchificio Villa Cortese, a historic manufacturer in the footwear industry and partner to the most prestigious international fashion brands, presents FHEEL TALK: a free event open to the public, created to promote a concrete and multidisciplinary discussion on the themes of sustainable innovation and the ESG transition.
‘From Heel to Footprint: ESG and Innovation in the Footwear Industry’ is the title of the event to be held at Cluxter, Via Charta 77, no. 15 in Scandicci (FI), on Thursday 15 May 2025, starting at 4 p.m.
The aim of FHEEL TALK is to provide a space for shared reflection on the changes taking place in the footwear industry: from the evolution of materials to regulatory compliance, including the risks of non-transparent environmental communication.

The event programme:
• 4:45 p.m. – Introduction to FHEEL TALK
• 5:00 p.m. – Innovative materials in the footwear sector
• 5:30 p.m. – Regulatory developments from an ESG perspective
• 6:00 p.m. – Responsible communication and the risks of greenwashing
This will be followed by a networking cocktail to stimulate new synergies between companies, designers, start-ups and professionals in the sector.

“With FHEEL TALK, we want to focus on the value of responsible innovation, opening a discussion between all players in the supply chain. For us, sustainability means concreteness, transparency and a culture of change”, says Silvia Paganini, Chief Marketing Officer at Tacchificio Villa Cortese. “It is not just an event, but an invitation to build a more conscious vision of the future together.”
FHEEL TALK represents a further step in the sustainable transformation already undertaken by Tacchificio Villa Cortese, which has long invested in research and development, digitalisation and product traceability as a strategic lever to enhance the excellence of Made in Italy.

Prismalux, Next-Generation Liquid Dyes

GSC Group launches PRISMALUX, a new series of liquid dyes for finishing, onto the market. The Montebello Vicentino-based leather chemicals company, recognized on the international market for the quality and breadth of its product range, has coined an effective motto to describe its characteristics: “Maximum Yield and Brilliance for Your Finishing Process”.

The result of dedicated research and development, in this case the new PRISMALUX range of liquid finishing dyes combines consistent supply, outstanding colour performance, and optimised technical properties for leather processing.

Enhanced Supply Chain

Thanks to an enhanced supply chain, “we can guarantee constant availability of these new dyes – providing added reliability for your productivity and delivery schedules” GSC Group explain.

Improved in Every Detail

Long-lasting colours, enduring performance. The new range of liquid dyes for finishing offers excellent technical performance combined with remarkable brilliance. Exceptionally versatile, these dyes have been selected for their high yield and vibrant shades, ensuring flawless colour results. They provide uniformity, resistance, and durability, delivering excellence in every application.

Where Eco-Awareness Meets Practicality

From design to formulation, every aspect has been carefully developed to deliver a sustainable and functional product. With the majority of shades classified as NON-ADR, the new range simplifies storage and transport operations, helping to reduce costs and logistical complexity.

ZDHC Certification

The new dye range has been developed and selected to meet the most advanced requirements: in addition to complying with current local regulations, the vast majority are internationally certified according to the ZDHC standard.

To download the brochure click HERE

New OEKO-TEX® standards

Promoting confidence in the textile and leather industry remains the mission of OEKO-TEX®. Because trust is based on consistently high standards, the OEKO-TEX® Association has released updated testing criteria, limit values and guidelines for its certifications, based on the latest scientific research and legal developments. The main changes include increased certification of organic cotton through the OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON, with inclusion in the OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN, stricter limits for BPA under the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 and strict transparency requirements for leather supply chains under the OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD. The expanded OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT will include basic chemicals and biodegradability testing.

STANDARD 100: new for organic cotton and BPA

In order to maintain the highest standards of safety and compliance and to improve the surveillance of certified organic cotton, an area where fraud is rife, the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification will not include any indication of ‘GMO-free’ or ‘organic’ cotton in the scope of the certificate. The certification of cotton as “organic” is now achievable through OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON.

In addition, OEKO-TEX® has reduced the limit value for bisphenol A (BPA) from 100 to 10mg/kg. The chemical, which can alter the hormone system if it enters the body even in small amounts, has often been found in tests on textiles worn directly on the skin.

LEATHER STANDARD: Ahead of Europe’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

As part of the European Green Deal and the 2030 EU Biodiversity Strategy, the European Commission adopted a new regulation in May 2024. One of the most significant challenges posed by the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is the requirement for leather supply chain transparency. Companies must trace the origins of their leather products to ensure they do not contribute to deforestation. The EUDR was supposed to come into force at the end of 2024 but was postponed by one year in November 2024. However, for hides and leather material from cattle and calves, proof of origin (e.g. delivery notes from the slaughterhouse) is required to earn OEKO-TEX® LEATHER STANDARD certification.

MADE IN GREEN: Adding ORGANIC COTTON certification option

The OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN label recognises OEKO-TEX® ORGANIC COTTON as product certificate in addition to STANDARD 100 and LEATHER STANDARD. This allows companies that have their cotton products certified to combine the strengths of both OEKO-TEX® standards: supply chain traceability and verification from farm to product with responsible and safe production.

STeP: Enhanced ZDHC cooperation boosting sustainability in textiles and leather

The collaboration between ZDHC and OEKO-TEX® aims is to empower the textile, apparel, footwear and leather industries to improve environmental impact by optimising guidelines and solutions through joint efforts. OEKO-TEX® STeP certificate holders are now eligible to participate in the ZDHC Supplier to Zero Programme. Companies can upload their STeP certificate and report to the ZDHC Supplier Platform for acknowledgement within the Supplier to Zero Programme.

ECO PASSPORT: Expanding scope and highlighting biodegradability

Starting in 2025, OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT will expand its certification scope beyond chemicals specialised for textile and leather applications to include commodity and maintenance chemicals. This expansion aims to phase out harmful substances earlier, enhance worker safety and prioritise environmental protection. Additionally, second-life commodity chemicals will be subject to more frequent testing to ensure quality. ECO PASSPORT customers will also be able highlight the biodegradability of their chemical products on their certificates

EUDR, UNIC prepares platform to manage due diligence

In view of the entry into force of the EU Regulation against deforestation, scheduled for 2026 also for the bovine leather sector, the UNIC Group – Italian Tanneries is developing a digital platform dedicated to the management of due diligence.

“The aim of the initiative,” explain the Italian tanners’ association, “is to provide a complete IT solution to fulfil the obligations under the EUDR specifically applied to the hides and skins supply chain”.

Realised in collaboration with a specialised IT company, the solution will allow companies to:

– geographically trace the plants involved in production;

– manage and evaluate required documentation;

– generate automated reports and digital certifications;

– integrate satellite data for risk analysis (on deforestation/degradation around geolocalised points);

– connect via API (application programming interface) to the official European information system for the automatic sending and receipt of due diligence.

 

The project stems from the synergy with the timber industry and the consolidated experience in the management of these digital streams. Among the planned functions, in addition to those already mentioned, is “risk assessment by integrating medium-resolution satellite data, processed through validated methodologies, to verify the state of deforestation/forest degradation around geolocalised points”.

Although cattle hide is not a driver of deforestation – as also demonstrated by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa – UNIC is therefore preparing to provide companies with a concrete and efficient tool to address new regulatory obligations.

 

 

Nimbl and Fundación Xana, side by side for people in need

The high-performance cycling shoe brand has launched a new Limited Edition in collaboration with Fundación Xana with the mission to support children and families in their daily battle for life. The shoe is a true work of art, co-designed with Edgar Plans, and was worn during the Milano – San Remo kicking off a charity auction and other major international cycling competitions.

‘We are proud to present this shoe to the world,’ commented Francesco Sergio, MD and Co-Founder of Nimbl . “Ever since we had the privilege of learning about the story of Fundación Xana and what it does for families facing difficult times, we felt personally touched. From this involvement came the thought of doing something that could tell these stories in our own way, running as is the character of Nimbl. Therefore, not only will our users be able to buy the Limited Edition and contribute to the foundation’s initiatives, but also the World Tour riders wearing the brand carried this important message in such an iconic race as the Milano – Sanremo”.

The Fundación Xana was established with precisely this mission, to provide comprehensive care and support to children and young people suffering from serious illnesses and their families. Its aim is to act as a pillar of support on several levels: emotional, physical, financial and practical. Assistance is provided through various intervention programmes, including housing support, financial and practical help, and assistance to various family members.

The organisation has its own programme and several projects. It also collaborates with other organisations, such as the Integrative Paediatric Oncology Unit (UOPI) of the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital – a pioneering unit in Spain – and the Pabellón de la Victoria, a project of the ‘Fundación Villavecchia’ to which Fundación Xana donates 15% of its annual funds.


Innovation is sustainable at Polartec

From pioneering the transformation of recycled plastics to non-PFAS membranes and low-impact manufacturing processes, Polartec is proving that sustainability and high performance can coexist, as the recent expansion of the Power Shield™ family – which includes Polartec® Power Shield™ Pro and Polartec® Power Shield™ RPM – demonstrates. Made with Biolon™* nylon, Polartec® Power Shield™ Pro introduces an innovative non-PFAS membrane that sets new standards in sustainability in technical fabrics. Biolon™, a non-GMO plant-derived nylon, makes up approximately 45-48% of the nylon content of the new Power Shield™ Pro membrane, reducing the carbon footprint by 50% compared to traditional Nylon 6.6. In terms of performance, it also offers 20K/20K breathable waterproof protection (20,000 mm water resistance – ISO 811 / 20,000 g/m²/24h breathability – JIS L1099, B1). Polartec® Power Shield™ RPM is also a further step towards reducing environmental impact. This 100% recycled and recyclable polyester fabric features a highly durable non-PFAS treatment to repel moisture. Available in 3-layer and 2-layer configurations, it offers a breathability level of 30,000 g/m²/24h.

Designed for runners, cyclists, competitive athletes and golfers, Power Shield™ RPM helps solve one of the most critical problems for outdoor athletes: perspiration, reducing this risk by up to 50% compared to other Polartec membranes.

Resole: Hanwag’s answer to “disposable” fashion

In Europe, an enormous volume of textile and shoe waste is generated every year. Statistics indicate around 5.2 million tonnes of waste produced each year from clothing and footwear alone. Once produced and used, shoes present the additional problem of disposal, as they are made of different materials such as leather, plastic and metal, which are often difficult to recycle. For this reason, most used shoes end up in household waste and are incinerated. Hanwag, one of Europe’s leading names in high-quality mountaineering and trekking footwear, offers the possibility to resole its models instead of having to throw them away and buy them again, thus extending the useful life of the product. This not only reduces the ecological footprint of each pair of Hanwag boots, but also reduces the consumption of resources and the creation of waste. Furthermore, as the upper of the boots generally remains in good condition even after several years and kilometres of use, while only the lower part, i.e. the sole, needs to be replaced, resole allows you to preserve and maintain the unique fit of your already perfectly shaped shoes on your foot, while at the same time integrating a new sole that offers renewed grip and traction for trekking or mountaineering.

Resole moulding is a true tradition for Hanwag, carried on for over a century. For Hans Wagner, founder of the brand in the early 1900s, it was indeed essential to produce durable footwear, as his customers could not afford to buy new boots frequently. For this reason, even back then, Hanwag boots could be completely re-soled.  To take advantage of the resole service today, Hanwag users can take their boots to a specialised dealer, or send them directly to the company’s headquarters.