Nearly 100 years after its founding in 1923, Conceria del Chienti has taken a bold step to modernize its operations. The Italian tannery has completed its “Ctc 100+100 Project” with an investment of €20 million to turn its Tolentino plant in the Marche region into a Factory 5.0.
The new facility blends digital innovation with sustainability and is reshaping how luxury leather is produced in Italy.
The revival of Conceria del Chienti began in late 2022 with an unusual governance model for the Italian tanning industry.
Ast Sustainability holds a 51% majority stake while Invitalia, Italy’s state-owned investment agency, owns 49% through the Fondo Salvaguardia Imprese (Italian Business Protection Fund managed by Invitalia that invests in minority shareholdings to support companies experiencing economic difficulties, with the goal of ensuring business continuity and safeguarding jobs).
The €20 million financing package includes €10 million in equity from shareholders, €2 million in non-repayable funding from the Marche Region, €3.49 million in grants from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and €4.5 million in credit facilities from bank.
The Tolentino facility now features polypropylene tanning drums, a new drying system using heat pumps and radiofrequency and a 600 kW photovoltaic plant.
These changes have already produced measurable results in 2024 with a 72% cut in methane consumption, 54% less water use and a 27% drop in electricity consumption.
“When we launched this journey, the objective was not merely to rescue a company but to create a new paradigm. These figures prove that a different industrial model is possible. At a time when the footwear and leather goods sector faces significant headwinds, Ctc is not just surviving but positioning sustainability as a competitive advantage”
Marco Luppa, Chief Executive Officer, Conceria del Chienti
“Our aim is not only top-line growth but value creation. We want to reinvent the supply chain with our clients improving efficiency reducing waste and responding quickly to a transforming market”
Andrea Stopper, Chairman, Conceria del Chienti and Majority Shareholder via Ast Sustainability
Conceria del Chienti is also repositioning itself as a technological partner for luxury brands. Instead of acting only as a leather supplier, it now works directly with design studios to co-develop sustainable leather solutions, improve cutting efficiency and minimise waste early in production.
Its famous calfskins Nagoya, Safari and Talco remain quality benchmarks within this expanded service model.
Conceria del Chienti aims to deliver a positive impact not just for its clients but also for the local community. This new approach of public–private partnership highlights the company’s national strategic importance and is setting the stage for another century of Italian craftsmanship and innovation built on sustainability and technology.
Source – The Italian Version
