Featuring more than thirty years of experience, Rifra Nastri has grown into a true benchmark in the production of elastic and rigid ribbons for the footwear, apparel, leatherware and industry sectors.
Quality, professionalism and sustainability. These are the distinctive traits that perfectly embody the policy pursued by RIFRA NASTRI, renowned company headquartered in Concorezza (Monza- Brianza province) boasting more than thirty years of experience in the manufacturing of both elastic and rigid ribbons for the footwear, apparel, leatherware and industry sectors. In a market segment that keeps evolving, both domestically and internationally, the Lombardy-based firm has managed to stand out thanks to its dynamic attitude and to a range of qualifying strengths: a remarkable array of products, different types of materials, an excellent price/quality ratio, a prompt, thorough delivery service and, last but not least, significant investments in the field of eco-sustainability, the latter a choice made by all the major fashion enterprises. Between 2013 and 2016, RIFRA NASTRI experienced a stunning economic growth: the turnover doubled in just three years, a feat resulting in a sudden premises change. “The new plant covers an area of 4,000 sqm.,” explained the company’s owner Roberto Riva, when we met him at the corporate headquarters after the latest edition of Lineapelle, “a futuristic, elegant facility that houses the manufacturing division, the administrative offices as well as the showroom, where everyone can come and take a look at the most recent collections. On the other hand, in the old building we have kept a property of approximately 400 sqm. For us, the new “house” is the best way to show how much our constant commitment to the achievement of top-notch quality standards, in terms of products and services, is synonymous with growth and success.”
What is your core business?
The footwear sector accounts for a significant share of the turnover, while the remaining part revolves around apparel and industry; the sports field, on the other hand, plays a marginal role. Several customers of ours produce safety shoes, thus using ribbons sparingly, and yet, sometimes we deal with significant volumes. I can proudly say that we are reliable partners to the most renowned fashion brands, as we often welcome their designers and pattern-makers and, together with them, we conceive bespoke collections. Luckily enough, they keep investing in research and turn to us to carry on the development of articles and materials.
Concerning the turnover, how is this five-year period going to end for your company?
Since 2016, our results have been steady. It was not easy to manage the years of the sudden growth and, later on, the market experienced a difficult period. However, our turnover never faltered, thanks also to a strategy that gave us the chance to branch out both in terms of market and products. As far as the export share is concerned, it currently amounts to approximately 50%, but we believe that there are interesting growth margins and development opportunities for the future, especially abroad. With regard to the footwear sector, we can rely on a nationwide network as well as on a strong foothold in the main international markets, through storages exclusive distributors and agents. The constant participation in leading exhibitions and advertisement activities have resulted in worldwide visibility for our products.
What is the recipe of constant growth?
Footwear is the sector in which we have managed to make ourselves known thanks to a successful combination between, on the one hand, the quality and creativity of the products, and, on the other, a customized service for the customer. Our elastic ribbons meet all the demands of the footwear world, when it comes to technical solutions as well as to more fashionable models. We are able to provide an ample range of articles, available in different types of processing techniques, materials, sizes, colours and customization options. And our well-supplied end products warehouse allows us to promptly handle even fairly large orders.
What is your opinion concerning the latest edition of Lineapelle?
The turnout was not so satisfying; however, we put on display significant innovations and, at the end of the day, we registered some positive results, so much that the stand was often crowded with professionals waiting to choose the materials together with our staff. On the occasion of the fair, we also showcased another interesting, sustainability-driven solution, a steady commitment resulting in the design and launch of the state-of-the-art ECO RIFRA range, the latter featuring an exclusive logo.
Can you tell us something more about your work philosophy?
We use recycled, eco-friendly yarns, materials mainly made of polyester and polyamide, labelled during the spinning phase, so as to ensure full traceability. For example, the polyester is manufactured entirely with recycled PET bottles, collected in Northern Italy, certified origin. The same goes with the upgrading of corporate machinery, featuring increasingly advanced equipment that ensure low energy consumption levels.
Globally speaking, the market is now focusing on eco-sustainability…
There is no doubt, this is the path chosen: sooner or later, everyone will have to comply with these standards. The most prominent brands are on the lookout for recycled yarns or grown in organic plantations. This sector is evolving fast and it requires expertise, professionalism and transparency, not improvisation or impromptu solutions. Bearing this in mind, RIFRA NASTRI manages to provide fully natural, eco-friendly yarns. www.rifranastri.it