The Arzignano-based (Vicenza) company, founded in 1975 and specialized in the production of chemicals for the wet phase, is increasingly in the limelight towards
Bernardini srl has been specialized in the production of chemicals for the wet phase since 1975. Thanks to the skills acquired and the qualifications achieved over time, Ivano Bernardini, together with his sons Dimitri and Patrick, carry on the family legacy to date, leading the company and its analysis laboratories and production facilities with passion and dedication. After having contributed to its growth, in the nineties Ivano took up the baton from the founding father, and with an innovative vision he relaunched the company on new cutting-edge basis and great attention to social impact even when sustainability was not as important as it is today. Tannery international takes an in-depth look at the chemical company in view of the significant milestone of its fiftieth anniversary, which will be celebrated next year, taking inspiration from the half century of successes, challenges and innovations that have marked the history of the company, located in the industrial area of Arzignano with a modern 5,000 square meter factory. Bernardini srl has long been oriented towards high standards of quality and environmental respect. The passion for the elimination of harmful substances and attention to sustainability have always guided the company, in line with the slogan “Ecological Leather Chemical”, even before these values became crucial themes. With this in mind, the company developed alternative products ahead of time, allowing it to be ready when recent legislative changes further regulated the use of chemical substances. Over the years, the firm has followed a regular path towards certifications, which not only concern the environment but also plant engineering, the quality of work for employees and much more, changing the structure and processes. Following the attainment of ISO 9001 certification in 2005 and ISO 14001 in 2008, Level 3 ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) compliance was achieved in 2023 and it is annually renewed. ZDHC is an international program focused on eliminating hazardous chemicals from manufacturing processes in the textile, leather and footwear industries. To date, 220 products are registered on the ZDHC Chemical Gateway platform, all compliant with the Roadmap to Zero program. The extensive company experience, coupled with a strong focus on innovative and sustainable production processes, has enabled the development of specialized chemical products tailored to client needs. Over the years, significant investments to optimize production were made, keeping pace with technological trends and market demands. By meeting the requirements of the ZDHC program, the company is able to ensure high standards of sustainability and safety, promoting transparency and responsible management of chemicals at every stage of the production chain. But Bernardini did not only certify a line of products, as it has implemented a certification of the raw materials: the certification of the matrix is an onerous process with long deadlines but which ultimately allows customers to have a guarantee that few companies on the market are able to offer. This is a long- term investment, the value of which will fully stand out over time, when companies realize the advantage that these products can offer. Direct sales to tanneries are marginal for the company, the core business focuses on retailers and formulators, who can place their brand on products already provided with certification. A significant competitive advantage.
