Key facts
Sectors covered: Technology innovation in Footwear & Leather
Innovation priority: Circular economy and resource efficiency
Start date: September 2021
ELIIT funding: €70 000
The Sustainable Leather Programme is working to develop a digital platform for leather order management (L3R). This is to increase transparency and introduce sustainable practices with measurable data along the leather value chain. This innovative technological solution can then be applied to the textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) sector.
What's the goal?
This project aims to develop the L3R solution and integrate it into production processes at BSC Srl (Alaska tannery), a TCLF sector company. The goals are to make information more transparent, improve resource efficiency and enhance the company’s products and processes.
The project has also set sustainability targets and aims to neutralise the environmental impact of production by implementing reforestation programmes.
L3R aims to increase leather traceability from the slaughterhouse to the shoe and handbag factory. It will also conduct an environmental impact assessment of transporting the leather to customers to reduce C02 emissions.
The project has created value for footwear and handbag brands that want to adopt sustainability; not only as a marketing tool but also on an operational level. The process is described below.
1. Log-in access: To access the platform, each user will need a username and password. The users who use it belong to one of 3 categories - Brand, Manufacturers and Tannery.
2. Platform board and orders management: The platform contains a standard order template each customer uses to place orders at the tannery. Thanks to this model, which contains all the necessary information the tannery needs to put the goods into production, it can optimise time and reduce errors.
3. QR Xode for leather traceability: The QR code is applied to every single skin, and each one is different from the others. Each QR code, can be used to view all the data relating to reference orders on the platform . Thanks to this, the traceability of every skin is guaranteed, creating a leather digital identity card.
4. Carbon neutrality: Reducing the environmental impact of goods transported from tannery to clients through a reforestation programme. Each planted tree is geolocated with a web link that redirects to its order line in the relevant section of the platform.
5. Leath3r Collection: A leather capsule collection of products from the brands that encapsulates all the characteristics and value of the L3R programme.
How has ELIIT helped?
Using this support, BSC Srl aims to improve its market position and formulate value propositions for the project and its businesses.
During the project, we received careful support from the ELIIT team and our mentor to realise our objectives and focus on the quality of results. Moreover, we had the chance to participate in several international TCLF events, including the Linea Pelle fair in Milan, the Freiburg Conference, and Plug and Play.
Meet the partners
BSC Srl is a leading leather production company and the first to work with Indian buffalo hides. It does complex and high-quality processing of full and half calf hides. BSC Srl’s products are mainly used in the fashion industry.
We Are Srl, which will provide the platform to trace the leather, is an Italian company founded in 2008. It focuses on the research and development of leather materials for footwear and other goods. It prioritises digital management development and sustainable practices.
SME: BSC SRL
Country: Italy
Founded: 1990
Technical provider: WE ARE SRL
Country: Italy
Founded: 2008