Italian Leather Excellence Meets Innovation: An Interview with Bernie and Eugenio Famiglietti, the second generation at the helm of Conceria Nuova Icos
Based in the heart of the Solofra tanning district, Conceria Nuova Icos stands out for excellence in the production of high-end leather. Founded in 1970 by the brothers Vincenzo and Noè Famiglietti, the company has combined artisanal tradition with technological innovation to establish itself as a global leader in the industry. Nuova Icos boasts a wide range of leathers to cater to the ever-evolving demands of the market. From leathers for haute couture to technical products, the company offers customized solutions for each single client. With an unwavering focus on innovation and design, it serves as a trusted partner for the world’s most prestigious brands. Nuova Icos meticulously sources its raw materials from its owned, certified Spain-based tannery and the hides are then processed with the utmost care and attention, employing cutting-edge techniques to guarantee a finished product of highest quality. The tannery has been committed to research and development of new sustainable production processes, respecting the environment and the health of its workers, as exemplified by its state-of-the-art zeolite tanning method. It is more than just a tannery; it is also a socially responsible company dedicated to promoting the well-being of its employees and safeguarding the environment. The company has adopted a sustainable business model, focused on renewable energy sources and reduction of the environmental impact of its production processes.
How does Conceria Nuova Icos differentiate itself from its competitors?
“Today’s market demands creativity and innovation. There is very much competition, with emerging economies investing heavily in technology and skilled personnel. To remain competitive, we cannot go on with outdated techniques; we must embrace the future with an entrepreneurial spirit. At Conceria Nuova Icos, research and development are imperatives. We believe innovation is the key to setting ourselves apart from the competition and providing our customers with products of the highest quality. Zeolite tanning is a shining example of our philosophy: an innovative process based on a natural and biodegradable material, ensuring exceptional performance in terms of temperature resistance and softness.”
What personalization services do you offer?
“We don’t just provide high-end leathers; we offer a complete service collaborating with designers and suppliers to create personalized finished products. We recently partnered with a specialist in digital printing, screen printing, and plotters, enabling us to produce a vast array of customized items. We provide our customers with a book showcasing examples of products created with our leathers, offering them a source of inspiration and a starting point for new ideas. We believe that collaboration and dialogue with the clients are essential for creating successful products.”
What are your strengths that distinguish you?
“Quality, punctuality and collaboration are our strengths. We recognize the value of quality and punctuality in deliveries. Our customers know that they can count on us to receive top-of-the-range products within the agreed time frame. Consistency over time is a fundamental value for our company. Customer loyalty is very important to us. We want our customers to feel comfortable and know that they can count on the best service. We are committed to supporting them in the development of new items as well, offering our collaboration and expertise. In short, we care about being a reliable and long-term partner for our customers.”
How do you approach the issue of sustainability? You mentioned the new zeolite tanning process…
“Research and innovation are fundamental to our company. The introduction of zeolite into tanning is an important step towards reducing environmental impact and improving pollution control. Our chemical team is committed to finding solutions to reduce water consumption and pollution produced by the tanning process. We carry out rigorous tests both on incoming and outgoing items, checking both the raw materials and the finished product. Our goal is to minimize environmental impact at every stage of production. In addition, we are committed to complying with the Code of Ethics and offer our employees training courses to keep them updated on the latest technologies and to make them feel part of a cohesive and cutting- edge team. The constant growth of our company is a demonstration of our commitment to quality, sustainability and the well-being of our employees.”
Bernie e Eugenio Famiglietti