HAWAI ITALIA, DESIGNING THE FUTURE OF FOOTWEAR: SYNERGIZING R&D AND SUSTAINABILITY

Founded in 1963 in the heart of the Verona footwear district, the company has evolved from a historic local entity into an international leader. This growth is fueled by a vision that places the Research and Development (R&D) department at its core. In this hub of innovation, engineers and designers work tirelessly to anticipate market shifts, studying advanced composite materials and developing patented solutions. Their mission: to elevate the technical performance and design of the finished shoe through a pioneering engineering approach.
This drive toward technological innovation is the primary engine of a sustainability strategy that is both concrete and measurable. Hawai Italia integrates ESG criteria directly into its industrial DNA by adopting the VSME reporting standard. For the company, ecological commitment begins with eco-design, led by the R&D team, which reduces raw material consumption and optimizes energy processes as early as the prototyping phase. This leads to tangible results, including a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and best-in-class waste management certified by the ECOL360° standard. The integrity of this journey is validated by a rigorous system of international certifications, ensuring global partners enjoy full transparency and accountability across the entire supply chain. By championing human capital and investing in a greener industry, Hawai Italia proves that global competitiveness can, and must go hand-in-hand with protecting the planet for future generations.
Hawai Italia’s international leadership is further solidified by a stringent certification framework that acts as a guarantee for global partners. Beyond ISO 9001 quality management, the company boasts the SI Rating (Bronze), an accolade based on international algorithms that measure social and environmental impact in alignment with the 2030 Agenda. This is complemented by the ECOL360° certification for excellence in waste recovery and a dedicated certificate for carbon sequestration. Ultimately, this path of responsible growth prioritizes human capital, ensuring a safe and stable workplace, and proving that Hawai Italia can successfully harmonize global market dominance with a deep respect for the ecosystem.

Hawai Italia S.r.l. has asserted itself as the undisputed leader in the production of metal hardware and plastic components for footwear. Their avant-garde business model transforms technological innovation into a catalyst for sustainability. The company’s “green” ethos begins at the drawing board. A prime example is the Grinn line: a patented speedlace technology that epitomizes circular economy principles. It delivers a reduction in plastic usage of over 20% compared to traditional systems and energy savings of up to 30% through the optimization of single-component manufacturing. This innovative push yields real environmental dividends: the company recorded a 5.8% reduction in CO2 emissions in a single year, bolstered by an increasing reliance on renewable energy and virtuous industrial waste management.
Hawai Italia’s international leadership is further solidified by a stringent certification framework that acts as a guarantee for global partners. Beyond ISO 9001 quality management, the company boasts the SI Rating (Bronze), an accolade based on international algorithms that measure social and environmental impact in alignment with the 2030 Agenda. This is complemented by the ECOL360° certification for excellence in waste recovery and a dedicated certificate for carbon sequestration. Ultimately, this path of responsible growth prioritizes human capital, ensuring a safe and stable workplace, and proving that Hawai Italia can successfully harmonize global market dominance with a deep respect for the ecosystem.

INNOVATION IN FOOTWEAR CLOSURES: THE “WOW” SYSTEM

Sales Manager Gianni Fainelli sat down with us to discuss the technical and functional value of their latest breakthrough.
Your new closure system, “WOW,” is a reimagining of the traditional drawstring or “coulisse.” What makes WOW a disruptive innovation compared to the standard solutions currently on the market?
“The WOW system is a complete revolution of the classic drawstring closure common in footwear and apparel. A traditional drawstring is a two-handed operation: one hand to press the spring-release button and the other to tighten or loosen the cord.
The true, patent-protected breakthrough of WOW is that it allows the user to open and close the shoe with just one hand. The name actually came from the spontaneous reaction of our clients: “Wow.” You simply pull the cord to tighten, and the self-locking mechanism engages automatically upon release. Furthermore, while traditional drawstrings are separate accessories, WOW is designed to be integrated directly into the shoe, typically stitched onto the shoe tongue.”
What market demand sparked this project, and why did you opt for an innovative drawstring rather than a rotor-based system?
“The momentum came from a market that has become increasingly open to lace-free alternatives, thanks largely to the success of rotor systems. Our goal was to enter this segment with a truly distinct product. We didn’t want to produce just another “me- too” rotor clone.
WOW was designed to be a simpler, more cost-effective solution for both the end- user and the manufacturer. The assembly process is incredibly efficient: it only requires stitching the lace-guide and the drawstring, eliminating the need for the specialized skills or the lengthy assembly times required by rotor applications.”
Which footwear segments benefit most from the WOW system? Have you developed a specific “claim” for this technology?
“The system is highly versatile, but our initial focus is the safety (PPE) sector, due to its convenience, speed, and the vital “quick- release” feature activated by the slider.
It is also a perfect fit for the trekking sector and as a lace replacement for lifestyle footwear. In March, we will launch a new version, 40% smaller in size, perfect for the outdoor and urban sectors. This system is also an ideal alternative for children’s shoes, where parents look for practicality without the hassle of laces or Velcro. The core strength is the one-handed operation, so much so that our official claim is: ‘One- handed fastening.’”
The system was launched at the A+A trade fair. How would you summarize the impact of WOW compared to current market standards?
“It is a truly unique solution. We only call it a “coulisse” because that is the category it most closely resembles, but in reality, there is nothing like it on the market. We chose the A+A fair for the launch because safety is our primary market, and the timing aligned perfectly with the project’s completion in September.”

Gianni Fainelli, Sales Manager

THE ROCK: HIGH-RESISTANCE COMPOSITE TOE CAPS

Engineered by Hawai Italia, The Rock toe cap represents the vanguard of safety footwear componentry. It is the culmination of extensive R&D dedicated to transcending the physical limitations of traditional materials. Crafted from an advanced composite, this toe cap is specifically designed to provide elite protection while eliminating the significant weight and thermal conductivity issues inherent in steel or aluminum alternatives.
From a technical standpoint, the defining characteristic of The Rock is its exceptional mechanical resilience. The component is rigorously tested to meet the most stringent international safety standards, ensuring uncompromised protection against impacts of up to 200 Joules and high-velocity compression loads. Despite this rugged durability, the design maintains a remarkably slim profile. This allows footwear manufacturers to preserve sleek aesthetics and a spacious, comfortable internal volume for the wearer, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in safety footwear.
The integration of advanced polymers imparts specific properties that elevate the overall comfort of the shoe. Being entirely non-magnetic and metal-free, The Rock enables seamless passage through metal detectors without triggering alarms, a mission- critical requirement for personnel in airports and high-security logistics hubs. Furthermore, the composite material acts as a thermal barrier, insulating the foot from extreme external temperatures and enhancing wearability in challenging climates.
On an industrial level, the production of this toe cap aligns with Hawai Italia’s commitment to energy efficiency. High-precision molding minimizes manufacturing waste and ensures consistent, large-scale quality. The Rock enters the market as a technical solution focused on weight reduction and thermal neutrality, providing a functional answer to the demands of modern workwear: certified protection coupled with long-lasting lightness.

THE NEW FRONTIER OF OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE: HAWAI ITALIA’S CRITICAL ROLE IN THE OUTDOOR ECOSYSTEM

In the technical outdoor segment, where the reliability of the finished product is the ultimate metric of success, safety is not an abstract concept; it is the cumulative result of a thousand “micro-details.” Hawai Italia has solidified its position as a strategic partner for the industry’s top-tier players, focusing its research on the development of hooks, speedlaces, and technical closures that function as active safety systems.
The modern evolution of mountaineering footwear demands components capable of withstanding extreme mechanical stress and sudden thermal fluctuations without compromise. In this high-stakes scenario, Hawai Italia’s engineering expertise translates into the use of ultra-high-resistance light compounds, further optimized with next-generation anti-corrosion treatments. This is more than a mere supply chain relationship; it is a deep design partnership that enables brands to guarantee millimeter-perfect tension and constant structural support, even on the most treacherous terrain.
The ergonomic design of these components represents the convergence of biomechanics and durability. Every hook is precision-engineered to optimize the distribution of lacing loads, effectively transforming a small metal detail into an invisible anchor that facilitates movement in total safety. In a market that is constantly raising the performance bar, Hawai Italia responds with technical mastery, transforming individual components into the beating heart of outdoor

QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY: THE STRATEGIC SYNERGY OF ISURU DE ZOYSA THIRAMUNI

In a conversation with Isuru De Zoysa Thiramuni, Quality & Sustainability Manager at HAWAI ITALIA Srl, we explored the evolution of the manufacturer based in Veneto. Today, the company is increasingly steered toward an integrated industrial model where quality, innovation, and sustainability are no longer separate silos, but interconnected drivers of a unified growth strategy. “Quality has always been a cornerstone of our company,” De Zoysa explains. “Today, it is indistinguishably linked with sustainability. The long-standing relationships we have built with our clients are rooted in reliability, performance, and supply consistency, values that inform every strategic decision we make.”
HAWAI ITALIA bolstered its Quality Management System by achieving UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 certification in 2022, streamlining its internal organization and enhancing its agility within an increasingly complex and competitive global market. The core objective remains a steadfast focus on client needs: elevating product and service performance, optimizing lead times, and ensuring rigorous technical and production standards. On the industrial front, quality is synonymous with innovation. The company has developed cutting-edge plastic composites, technical materials, and proprietary formulations designed to meet the exacting demands of the fashion, outdoor, and safety sectors, delivering long-term durability, mechanical excellence, and aesthetic appeal. In this capacity, HAWAI ITALIA serves as a technical partner, collaborating with clients to engineer bespoke, high-tech solutions.
Navigating a shifting regulatory landscape, HAWAI ITALIA has gone a step further by voluntarily publishing a Sustainability Report based on the VSME standard, despite ESG reporting not yet being mandatory for non-listed SMEs. “We chose to stay ahead of the curve,” De Zoysa notes. “We believe that transparency and the measurement of ESG performance are strategic management tools, not just a box-ticking exercise. Reporting enables us to identify risks and opportunities, steer corporate strategy, and create long-term value for all stakeholders.” The 2024 Sustainability Report offers a precise roadmap of the company’s environmental, social, and governance impacts, setting concrete benchmarks to monitor progress over time.
Environmentally, this commitment is backed by measurable action: investments in energy-efficient machinery, the use of high- performance materials with a lower ecological footprint, the adoption of eco-design principles, and the structured monitoring of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the company embraces circular economy practices and the responsible management of water and waste. This framework includes strict adherence to international chemical and environmental regulations. Beyond full compliance with the REACH Regulation, governing the European chemical market, HAWAI ITALIA ensures it meets most applicable international standards and client-specific chemical restricted substances lists (RSLs), guaranteeing a toxin-free value chain. Simultaneously, the company has begun aligning with ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) standards, a global initiative led by major fashion and textile brands to phase out dangerous substances from production processes.
Sustainability is equally central to the company’s social fabric. Beyond investing in its workforce, through continuous professional development, robust health and safety protocols, job security, and skill-building, HAWAI ITALIA has partnered with social cooperatives to generate shared value within the community and foster the professional inclusion of vulnerable individuals. “These partnerships are a natural extension of our corporate values,” Thiramuni points out. Governance is also evolving; ESG principles are now woven into decision-making, with an increased focus on compliance and stakeholder engagement. This journey includes the adoption of the Organization and Management Model under Legislative Decree 231/2001, a rigorous system of procedures and ethical codes designed to prevent corporate liability and enhance transparency, reinforcing a responsible, long-term business vision.
“At HAWAI ITALIA,” De Zoysa concludes, “quality and sustainability are not two different paths, but a single direction. Today, industrial excellence is defined by the capacity to create enduring value for the market, the people, and the planet.”

Isuru De Zoysa Thiramuni, Quality & Sustainability Manager di HAWAI ITALIA Srl

THE ACCESSORY AS A STATEMENT: THE ALCHEMY OF FUNCTION AND DECORATION

In a footwear landscape where the boundary between “performance” and “lifestyle” is increasingly blurred, the metal accessory has transitioned from a utility item into the centerpiece of a brand’s stylistic narrative. Hawai Italia leads this evolution, transforming hooks, closures, and speedlaces into aesthetic hallmarks that define a shoe’s identity.
The contemporary challenge for luxury components is to marry flawless functionality with the visual impact demanded by the fast pace of international runways. Through constant research into vanguard galvanic finishes and innovative surface treatments, the company translates global trends into tactile material details. This is not merely an aesthetic pursuit, but a strategic vision: providing brands with the tools to elevate the perceived value of the finished product. In this context, the “small detail” becomes the silent protagonist of a production alchemy where Italian craftsmanship meets the demands of global fashion, tracing the path for a design language that makes precision its most recognizable signature.

“A COCKPIT” TO GROW THE COMPANY

In HAWAI ITALIA’s internal staff, a strategic role is played by Martino Mantovan, Operations Manager of the composite-plastic plant, one of the two locations of the Verona-based company. Mantovan, trained with a diploma as a technical expert with numerous specialization courses, represents a modern figure that did not exist until a few years ago, able to link the different “souls” of the company at the production level. The goal, through a privileged cockpit, is the streamlining of the various departments and production lines, as well as staff training.
“With my work group,” he told us, “I take care of the production, logistics, maintenance, storage, and shipping. In the last few years, we have been carrying out activities related to the plastic composites part in order to be more responsive to order fulfillment, all through the basic steps: from raw material management to stock supply, up to consumption analysis on products with respect to the fastest indexes. At the same time, we proceeded with activities related to aspects that are not exclusively technical, working in particular on set-ups and dynamics related to improvement, efficiencies and waste reduction, and all aspects related to the circular economy.”
Your professional background is related to the automotive industry: what experiences and skills did you bring by coming here?
“Working for 14 years in a company specializing in the production of automotive components, I interfaced with all the major Italian and foreign automakers: being well versed in the concept of ISO TS Quality, I found in HAWAI the concepts of: team, training and staff growth “very driven.” Within my previous work experience ‘the seeding’ and constant improvement aspects were always primary, now the main goal is to bring the same mentality within this company.”
Specifically, how was your role planned?
“As agreed with the ownership, my entry, four years ago, took place “on tiptoe” so as not to create imbalances, so much so that initially I dealt exclusively with the part concerning composite toecaps for work footwear. Over time I incorporated within the system the logistics part, planning, training, purchasing, so all aspects related to production. After proving, data in hand, that the path taken was the right one, I was given the area of small metal parts, another strategic sector for the company. We are now focused on improving this plant, which is currently being completed. Once finished we will proceed with the same strategy in the other location, where the reorganization work will be easier following the current guidelines.”
Could the presence of two separate plants be an obstacle to the current project?
“I would say no, we are very organized, the important thing is to optimize our resources, continuing working in parallel in both locations. The work plan implemented in the composite-plastic plant will be transferred “in full” to the other complex, certainly there will be no setbacks. We are implementing a very modern methodology, alike Lean Production, similar methods have never been implemented before, including machinery and production.”
How are HAWAI ITALIA’s technicians absorbing the new approach?
“Very well, they are all well prepared for improvements, from ownership down to the last employee in the company. My primary task is to standardize: the starting point is to bring all employees up to a level of training so that ‘everyone is useful and no one is indispensable.’ These concepts are ingrained in my training, and getting them acquired is not that difficult to achieve. The results are obvious: for a medium- sized company like ours, this kind of approach can make a difference economically and structurally.”
Can you give us a real example of this methodology?
“A production improvement we have seen by improving the efficiency of the toecaps, a specific sector monitored through KPIs, i.e., production and process indicators, updated daily, which allow us to record in a precise way, parameters such as efficiencies, waste and downtime. When I arrived, there were no such indicators, and after this implementation we proceeded with an activity also aimed at analyzing and using the data. All of this, of course, took place with the approval of ownership, which is the “sponsor” of this business strategy, since significant investments were required. Initially they were not productive, but then over time they were a significant benefit, given the improvement of the entire team and the so-called performance indicators.”
Do you think these organizational choices will benefit your market share?
“We are sure of it, both large fashion houses and outdoor companies specifically ask for the updating of these indicators, through which they can monitor the parameters of the purchased product.”
Plastics are not all the same: where are the composite materials you use “winning”?
“The strategy falls within a well-defined framework, composite-plastics are becoming predominant throughout the industrial world, so development at the technological level is absolutely essential. From component selection to mixing to material management. We have state- of-the-art automated plants, starting from taking the raw material in granules and drying: the latter stage must be carried out with precise temperature and moisture level, otherwise problems arise in the production process. In short, we prepare “the recipe” using standardized and sophisticated systems, called gravimetrics, which measure all the various compounds in micrograms.”

Martino Mantovan, Responsabile Operations Aziendale