Vitale Barberis Canonico

For 360 years, the Vitale Barberis Canonico wool mill has been producing high-quality fabrics for the fashion and luxury sectors. With over 480 employees, 40 agents worldwide, and 2 state-of-the-art factories in the Biella region, Vitale Barberis Canonico is one of the leading companies in the production of Made in Italy fabrics in terms of both value and volume.

Sustainability is one of the key elements of its philosophy, based on three pillars: People, Environment, and Product. Among its efforts to reduce environmental impact, it is notable for sourcing 100% renewable electricity, carefully managing wastewater with a treatment plant that allows for the recovery of 36% of water, and boasting the world’s quietest weaving department thanks to sound containment systems.

The wool mill’s commitment to Sustainability and Innovation is also linked to 4sustainability and The ID Factory, solutions from the YHub Group that focus on traceability and reducing the environmental and social impacts of fashion production. Vitale Barberis Canonico has implemented the 4s system’s CHEM protocol, achieving excellence level for the third consecutive year, with consistently improving performance. From a product perspective, the digital transparency passport, presented at the latest edition of Milano Unica and developed by The ID Factory, is already a reality: click here to read the article.

This allows final consumers to access detailed information about the fabric’s journey. For each piece, customers can request a QR code to be applied to the finished garments, providing a verifiable “story” accessible via smartphone. This story begins with sourcing the finest raw materials from around the world and continues through the production process in the Biella district of Italy. The ultimate goal is transparency.

Reference: Lucia Bianchi Maiocchi, Sustainability Manager, Vitale Barberis Canonico.

“Over the years, we have strengthened our commitment to People, Environment, and Product, which have been our roots for over 360 years. Today, we are focusing on interpreting the new European directives regarding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues, developing strategies that will confidently guide our company towards reducing its impact. At the same time, we work to ensure transparency and contribute to greater awareness among consumers in their purchasing decisions. Respect for product culture, the passion, and the skills of over 480 colleagues are the keys to the success that is recognized by those who choose our products.”

The Digital Product Passport: How It Works

By scanning a QR code on the product or its packaging, users can access detailed information about the product’s origin. This information is categorized into several sections:

Passport: Users can view product information, including images, descriptions, and composition details. Additional data from Vitale Barberis Canonico highlights Made in Italy credentials, product traceability, and transparency.

Journey: This section provides insights into the processes and suppliers involved in creating the product. Users can access descriptions of each process and details about the suppliers and their certifications.

Sourcing: Includes geolocation data, allowing users to see a map showing the various raw material suppliers’ locations.

Watch the digital product passport VBC video: LinkedIn Video.

Note

The ID Factory is part of the “Expert Working Group” for CIRPASS-2 on the textile segment. CIRPASS is preparing the ground for the pilot phase and gradual implementation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) as part of the new ESPR (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation). The ESPR regulation was officially published on June 28, 2024. With this act, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have established a framework of environmental sustainability requirements for European goods and the mandatory use of the Digital Product Passport in the EU market, expected to be enforced by 2027.