The historic Marche-based company DAMI has signed a strategic partnership with Gruppo Meccaniche Luciani-MinervaHub, creating a collaboration that promises to revolutionize the footwear sole sector through technological innovation and environmental sustainability.
A Synergy of Italian Excellence
DAMI, a sole manufacturer with over fifty years of experience in the footwear sector, has chosen to join forces with Gruppo Meccaniche Luciani, a company specialized in the production of plastic molds and in the creation of soles in EVA, TPU and rubber. The latter is part of MinervaHub, an innovative Italian industrial group in the fashion sector, recognized for its cutting-edge finishes, materials and processes dedicated to high-end fashion accessories.
The partnership represents a perfect combination of artisanal tradition and technological innovation, values that both companies have cultivated over the decades. DAMI has distinguished itself as a national paradigm in green research and innovative technologies applied to the production of footwear soles, while Gruppo Meccaniche Luciani-MinervaHub brings its consolidated expertise in advanced materials processing.
ETPU-DL FOAM: The Sustainable Future of Soles
The heart of this collaboration is the production and commercialization of ETPU-DL FOAM (Expanded Thermoplastic Polyurethane), one of the first SCF (Super Critical Foam) products manufactured in Europe. This revolutionary material presents unique characteristics that position it at the forefront of the sector:
Innovative features of DL FOAM:
• 100% recyclable, in line with circular economy principles
• Ultra-lightweight to maximize comfort during use
• High technical performance for professional and sports applications
• Environmentally friendly production process
• Expansive power that guarantees fluidity and ultra-light flexibility with every step
Lineapelle 106: International Showcase for Innovation
The partnership and the potential of ETPU-DL FOAM were officially presented during Lineapelle, the most prestigious international exhibition dedicated to leather, accessories, components, synthetics, fabrics and models for footwear, leather goods, clothing and furnishing sectors. The event, held at Rho Fiera Milano from September 23-25, 2025, provided the ideal setting to illustrate this innovation to international industry operators.
Visitors were able to discover the characteristics of the new material at the DAMI stand (Hall 7 Stand H1-H5/K2-K6), where the results of the synergistic experimentation process that led to the development of this revolutionary SCF were presented.
Impact on the Footwear Sector
This partnership represents a significant step forward for the Italian and European footwear industry, combining environmental sustainability and superior technical performance. ETPU-DL FOAM responds to the market’s growing demand for eco-friendly materials without compromising performance, opening new possibilities for brands and manufacturers focused on sustainable innovation.
The collaboration between DAMI and Gruppo Meccaniche Luciani-MinervaHub demonstrates how Italian manufacturing excellence can continue to lead global innovation, creating solutions that combine artisanal tradition, technological research and environmental responsibility. (photo credit linkedIn)
Paolo Pallotta, Matteo Marzotto