Sustainability
Sustainability has been a core value for GAB since its founding, guiding every stage of our production process and directing our choices towards ethical and responsible practices, respecting the environment and future generations. With our entry into the HModa Group in 2021, we have intensified the integration of ESG principles into all operations by adopting a strategic sustainability plan. We are committed not only to improving our performance, but also to bringing concrete benefits to people, communities, and the local area. In addition, we promote these values throughout our supply chain.
Environment
Energy
In 2023, GAB opened a factory in Campi Bisenzio, redeveloping a former industrial area. The facility takes advantage of natural light and a photovoltaic system covers part of the energy needs, with energy obtained from renewable sources. As part of the fleet electrification project, charging stations for electric cars have been installed. In parallel, bicycle racks have also been placed to promote alternative modes of transportation.
Chemicals management
We adopt the 4Sustainability® protocol for sustainable chemistry, committing to eliminating harmful chemicals from the company and along the supply chain. We involve the entire value chain, providing knowledge and tools to our partners to implement sustainable practices. We have replaced all previously used chemicals with water-based alternatives.
Waste
Some of our offcuts and scraps are used as reinforcements for our new products, and we also cooperate with our color and glue suppliers to recover containers of spent product so that they can be reused and put back into the market. We have also installed columns to collect and recover cigarette butts, which are processed into new polymers for the eyewear and giftware market.
To further improve waste management, we have initiated a project to map all materials used at each stage of production, this allows us to develop specific ways to recover and reuse materials in the fashion industry.
Innovation and Meta Sfera
Our innovation initiatives, such as MetaGAB, have brought significant environmental benefits. These allow us to avoid emissions from the physical movement of goods and the creation of new prototypes, while preserving the quality and know-how of handcrafting, reducing material waste, and modifying products virtually.
People
Every day, our People demonstrate how talent and dedication can turn visions into reality. We are proud to have an average worker age of about 35, a fact that reflects our faith in the younger generation. We invest in them, training and preparing them to become the master leather workers of the future, believing that art and savoir-faire should be passed on. We organize Open Days and Recruiting Days in the territory, opening the company's doors to showcase our work and attract new talents.
With our entry into the HModa Group, we have dedicated classrooms and spaces to the training of new generations, hosting Accademia HModa students. Accademia represents our concrete commitment to ensuring that the skills and knowledge acquired over time continue to live and thrive. In addition, we are committed to the well-being of employees, with spaces for recreation, cafeteria and gymnasium to foster moments of connection and relaxation.
Ethics and Governance
Code of Ethics
Our approach to Ethics and Governance is a concrete, daily commitment that has a deep impact on every aspect of our business. We adopt and promote ethics and integrity as core values, ensuring that they are always at the heart of what we do. We work closely with our business partners to ensure that they share our same values and ethical principles. We believe that only through joint efforts we can promote responsible and sustainable behavior throughout the value chain.
Sustainability Report
Transparency is a key issue for us; we firmly believe that measuring our performance and communicating it clearly and openly is essential for continuous improvement and building relationships of trust and collaboration. Since 2021, HModa has been preparing a Sustainability Report on an annual basis. This document is a detailed account of our activities, performance, and goals. To ensure maximum transparency and accuracy of information, we have undertaken a third-party review process.
ISO 14001 e 45001 Certificates
GAB, together with HModa Group, has embarked on a significant path of environmental and safety certification, particularly with the creation of the leather goods hub in Campi Bisenzio, designed and built following strict sustainability and safety criteria. In 2024, GAB obtained voluntary ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications, attesting to our high environmental and safety standards. These certifications represent an important milestone and a concrete testimony to our commitment to excellence. Achieving these certifications is not a point of arrival, but a starting point for continuous improvement.
