Gruppo Mastrotto and Tod's present the "One Next Step" project at the Monitor for Circular Fashion by SDA Bocconi

Last Monday, 17 February 2025, Gruppo Mastrotto, an international leader in the tanning industry, took part in Monitor for Circular Fashion, an annual event by the SDA Bocconi School of Management. It presented the One Next Step project with its partner company Tod’s. The initiative pertains to a set of circular design and ecodesign strategies that are renewing the future of the fashion industry. Such strategies respond to the recent EU sustainability standards and a growing market demand for materials and production processes with a reduced carbon footprint.

A TANGIBLE ECODESIGN MODEL

The One Next Step project was born from Tod’s and Gruppo Mastrotto’s will to develop footwear embedding alternative materials and sustainable design solutions. More specifically, the companies have decided to jointly develop a standard to apply to concept design and development, rather than creating a “one-off” capsule collection.

To achieve this, Gruppo Mastrotto has developed a specific hide that guarantees compliance with sustainability standards such as durability, carbon footprint, and manufacturing processes. The leather used is fully traced throughout its supply chain from farm, ensuring utmost transparency in the eyes of buyers.

The process was combined with a detailed LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) to provide a measurability of and reduction in the carbon footprint of the end product.

THE ROLE OF MONITOR FOR CIRCULAR FASHION

Monitor for Circular Fashion by SDA Bocconi, on its fourth edition, is a guide star for the industry. It gives the participating businesses a unique occasion to discuss strategies, business models, and technological solutions for growingly circular and sustainable fashion. Monitor for Circular Fashion is attended by leading organizations and firms the likes of Armani, Ferragamo, and the Kering Group, which proves the cooperative approach to face the challenges of a sustainable transition.

According to the 2024/2025 Report, sustainability is a strategic priority of the fashion system. Ecodesign is a pillar of innovative actions. Among the main challenges identified, there is the need for more traceability, compliance with EU standards (such as the Due Diligence Directive and the Digital Product Passport) and an increase in the implementation of innovative technology.

TOWARDS A NEW MODEL OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BRANDS AND SUPPLIERS

The partnership between Gruppo Mastrotto and Tod’s in the One Next Step project is a positive example of how relationships between brands and suppliers are evolving from simple business agreements to true joint value creation. This philosophy has transformed the idea of traditional product development processes through close cooperation ever since the concept design and material selection phases.

“Leather is a tangible example of circular economy. The material can easily shift from a by-product to a high-value good upon implementing ecodesign principles. Through initiatives like Monitor for Circular Fashion, we aim to inspire change in the system as a whole, showing how innovation of materials may lead to a more sustainable future in the fashion industry,” states Chiara Mastrotto, the President of Gruppo Mastrotto.

For more information, please consult the following links:

The ‘One Next Step’ project by Gruppo Mastrotto and Tod's

Discover ‘Monitor for Circular Fashion’