Biodiversity applied to the Biella textile sector, with concrete examples of water and waste management (optimization and recovery), and the search for renewable sources gathered from “mature” companies in terms of sustainability awareness. This was the underlying theme of the training program “Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in the Textile Supply Chain,” led by Tollegno 1900. The coaching training initiative is part of a more comprehensive training project on the green transition, which, divided into nine thematic modules for a total duration of 250 hours, saw the participation of all levels of the company in both classroom activities and on-site training sessions. The very opportunity to step outside the company and engage with local businesses in the textile and wool sector, with their strong green credentials, fostered dialogue among the participants, who were called upon to share their experiences and mutually influence one another. But that’s not all. The initiative allowed the participating local companies—Vitale Barberis Canonico, Lane Cardate, Pettinatura di Verrone, and Magnolab—to generate a virtuous circle in the name of a shared vision: improving their operations while respecting the environment and people. Fabio Quaregna, Compliance Manager at Tollegno 1900 and the creator and “director” of the entire project, is also convinced of this. He was able to count on the support of recognized professional consultants and instructors who shared their expertise.
Fabio, how were the companies selected to participate in the project? Since the on-site session would involve visits from external figures within the same sector, did you encounter any difficulties?
Obviously, not all companies agreed to allow a tour by outsiders from their sector, but most immediately demonstrated interest and sensitivity to the project, giving the green light to welcome visitors into their spaces. The companies we initially identified as potential partners and subsequently contacted were chosen primarily based on their ESG positioning, history, culture, and vision of the future, which is subordinate to sustainability aspects.
Are there elements that unite the four that said “yes” and opened their doors?
They are different, to be sure, but the most significant are undoubtedly their longstanding experience, their market success, their shared vision, their ability to address change and exploit its opportunities, their sensitivity, their corporate culture, and, last but not least, their ability to challenge themselves to grow consciously. All these factors also distinguish Tollegno 1900.
The 250-hour project was divided into nine modules, each focusing on different content to create a comprehensive journey through theory and practical applications…
That was precisely the goal, and the feedback I received suggests that the objectives were achieved. The project was very structured, yet it had the merit of addressing diverse aspects, thanks to the diverse topics covered in the individual modules.
What topics were analyzed?
The first module, which I had the pleasure of leading with my talented colleague Alessandro Pighini, focused on “The Sustainability of Processes and Products at Tollegno 1900.” Specifically, we focused on the standards for process sustainability—ISO 14001, 9001, and 45001, editor’s note—product certifications, and the use of sustainable products and manufacturing techniques. Instructor Stefano Cerruti of Robinson guided us through the modules “SGI in Tollegno 1900” and “Procedures for Sustainability.” Raffaella Della Valle of Apprendimenti guided us through the module “Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in the Textile Supply Chain,” which also involved other local organizations.
How was this session structured?
During this module, in addition to an overview of biodiversity principles and their application in the textile sector, with a particular focus on how daily business practices can influence local ecosystems, other topics were explored in depth. These include strategies for recycling materials, reducing and reusing production waste, renewable energy sources, and low-impact production techniques. But we didn’t stop there.
The content also covered other highly topical issues for those who want to make sustainability a guiding light.
Precisely with this in mind, we decided to also focus on water resource management, habitat conservation strategies, water purification, soil fertility, and climate control. A specific focus was also given on the integration of ecosystem services for the benefit of the textile supply chain, reducing environmental impact and improving long-term sustainability. This resulted in best practices that should guide everyone’s operations.
To encourage interaction with participants, gaming sections were also included…
Exactly! The fifth and sixth modules, focused on the theme “Integrating Sustainability into Work Processes,” used gaming to help us understand… through play, how to embrace and integrate the value of sustainability into individual work processes.
The seventh module, taught by Andrea Radaelli of Globalmind, focused on “Carbon Footprint and Energy Consumption at Tollegno 1900.” What was discussed?
We discussed the Carbon Footprint, understanding not only what it is but also how it actually “works,” taking into account the various parameters to consider for its calculation, how to proceed with data collection, and which tools to use to define a concrete improvement plan with the related implementation methods.
Simone Pleitavino, an insider at Tollegno 1900, taught the module “Sustainable Transition of Production Area Processes”…
Simone led the eighth module, which focused on water resource management and habitat conservation through the implementation of a water recycling system and the evaluation of green areas around production facilities. A specific focus was placed on our water purification plant.
The course concluded with a focus on a timely topic: “Digitalization and Data Analysis for the Green Transition”…
Andrea Radaelli explored key concepts for business development, such as digitalization, dematerialization, and sustainability; KPIs and indicators for analyzing and monitoring consumption and impacts; and the integration of data from monitoring systems and data from existing management solutions. The importance of analytical reports in supporting decision-making processes was also explored. The closing session was dedicated to an analysis of a data governance model.
What goals did you set for this project?
This project was designed specifically to foster within the company the ability to recognize the major environmental impacts of the textile production process and supply chain and, consequently, identify ways to improve, also in light of industry best practices.
What about your assessment?
Extremely positive, first and foremost, because discussion is always valuable and never a limitation, as well as an opportunity to grow and improve. Sincere thanks for the implementation of the entire project also go to Jessica and Cecilia from Robinson for their administrative support, to Mauro Bedetti from Globalmind for the analysis of the carbon footprint data, and to our colleagues Patrizia and Enrico for analyzing the Fondimpresa calls for proposals.
Will there be a “phase 2” of this project?
There are no plans at the moment, but it’s a working method that must be trained and nurtured to be successful and produce results. I’d like to believe that this is just the first of a long series of similar initiatives.
