Moving towards sustainability through innovation. This is the theme of the 21st International Footwear Congress, scheduled to take place from 19 to 22 September 2023, and which will see more than 300 participants taking part to it. Among them: manufacturers, brands and leaders of the footwear industry. Promoted by UITIC (International Union of Footwear Industry Technicians) and Assomac, it will take place in Milan and Vigevano, according to a very rich programme, which we present to you as follows.
Excellent visits
At the opening of the event, on Tuesday, 19 September, it will be possible to visit some companies that are an example of excellence in the supply chain. For example: Calzaturificio Roveda, Calzaturificio SeymechamLou, CIMAC, Kilometro Rosso, Made Competence Center I4.0, TFL, Tacchificio Villa Cortese, Industrie Chimiche Forestali. A visit to SIMAC Tanning Tech and Lineapelle is scheduled for Wednesday, 20 September.
The programme of the UITIC Congress in September
From Thursday 21 to Friday 22 September, the Congress will continue with a busy calendar of workshops. International operators from the footwear and leather industry will be comparing notes, together with representatives from the world of universities, economics and research. Among the topics on the calendar on Thursday, 21 September, the opportunities for sustainable development as a function of company profitability, and the role of innovation. Ways to promote new processes and materials by measuring their environmental impact and innovative systems to better meet consumer needs will be discussed.
Speakers
Speakers will include: Yves Morin (President UITIC), Maria Vittoria Brustia (President ASSOMAC), Fabrizio Nuti (President UNIC – Italian Tanneries). Then: Markus Pichler (Lenzing AG), Matthieu Vicard (CTC Groupe), Maria José Ferreira (Portuguese Footwear Research Centre CTCP), Carlo Alberto Carnevale Maffè (Bocconi University).
The role of digitalisation
Ample space during the debate will be given to the analysis of the digital evolution in the footwear industry. Researchers, experts from high-tech companies in the field of robotics and materials will discuss the impact that technological innovations can have on footwear processes. Among the speakers: Valantin Louis (CTC Group), Guido Cami (Industrie Chimiche Forestali), Alice Marcato (Politecnico Calzaturiero), Gianmichele Piciocco (Mitsubishi Electric Europe).
The dimensions of sustainability
Sustainability as a new source of competitiveness and attractiveness will be the main topic on Friday, 22 September, on the final day of the UITIC Congress. Among the scheduled speeches are those of Benjamin Majster (Blue Ridge Logiciels) and Elena Orgiles (INESCOP). To follow: Sabrina Frontini (ICEC), Matteo Scarparo (Assocalzaturifici), Mirco Prai (MGT Italia), Andrew Hudson (BLC Leather Technology Center), Giacomo Zorzi (UNIC), Leonardo Bonanni (Sourcemap).
Success Stories
How to support companies committed to sustainability in overcoming difficulties in defining their goals? Speakers will discuss this topic and the opportunity of labelling to ensure that the best approaches are recognisable. Space will also be provided for success stories covering all aspects of sustainability.
Read also:
