MISSION

Our enduring goal is to fortify our established leadership, both in terms of market size and service quality, within the domestic market for leather lining used in footwear. We specifically target the medium to high-end segments of the market. Simultaneously, we aim to solidify the position we have attained over our 70 years of operation since our founding in 1953, extending our influence across the broader European region. Regarding extra-European regions, we aim to expand our presence and secure larger market shares. We actively pursue opportunities in emerging manufacturing hubs identified by domestic footwear producers or any industrial districts with significant global production concentrations. This approach underscores our commitment to export without limitations, as evidenced by our continuous exports to countries worldwide.

HISTORY

CONCERIA TIRRENA was established in 1953 by Romano Giordani, whose legacy continued until his passing in 2022. Today, following a successful transition to the next generation within the Giordani family, notably with Romano’s children Mario and Donatella at the helm, the company proudly holds its position as a European leader in the sale of linings and leather for footwear. The company’s entrepreneurial journey began during the immediate post-war period and on the cusp of the economic boom. Originating from Torre San Patrizio, in the province of Fermo, within the Marche region, the company initially focused on trading sheepskin linings sourced from the (then) only domestic tanning districts: those in Milan, Verona/Vicenza, and Campania/Avellino.

In the early 1960s, the company relocated to Montegranaro, situated in the heart of the footwear district of Fermo/Macerata, where it remained until the early 1990s. Montegranaro served as a pivotal center and vibrant hub of manufacturing and entrepreneurial activity, embodying the robust tradition of industriousness characteristic of the Marche region. Amidst the remarkable growth in the footwear sector during this period, the company underwent significant expansion, achieving both scale and commercial success. It established its first processing plant for semi-finished products and introduced a range of articles derived from pigskin, which soon became the flagship products of its entire market offering, maintaining their prominence well into the first decade of the new millennium.

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THE GIORDAFIN GROUP and ITS FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Both operating companies, CONCERIA TIRRENA and AL.VI.PEL., hold certifications from the Leather Working Group (LWG) and are under the oversight of GIORDAFIN S.p.A., a holding company with direct interests affiliated with the Giordani family. Since 2016, GIORDAFIN S.p.A. has received annual assessments of its economic and financial reliability from the specialized company CERVED RATING. The Group’s current credit rating is in the B.1.1 category, indicating its status within the “investment grade.”

With consolidated revenues nearing €50 million, of which approximately 15% are allocated to the Export segment (based on 2022 data), the GIORDAFIN Group currently stands as the foremost purely commercial operator in the European footwear lining market. This position is attributed to its notable capacity for evolution and unwavering focus on meeting the continuously evolving needs of its clientele.

The development and achievement of increasingly satisfying objectives are guaranteed by critical success factors that CONCERIA TIRRENA and its Group prioritize in every decision and initiative.

  • Continuous expansion of the range of offered items (both in terms of types and colors) and ongoing product innovation;
  • Maniacal and pervasive attention to quality control of traded goods, both at the source and at the destination, facilitated by the presence of various offices and technical personnel strategically located in key global production areas;
  • Extensive commercial presence in the Italian/European market and the strengthening of our presence in emerging markets are facilitated by active participation in leading industry fairs, both domestically and internationally.
  • Continuous adjustment of the company’s organizational structure is undertaken to meet new development targets.
  • Constant and continuous strengthening of assets is pursued, resulting in financial independence and decision-making autonomy. These are essential characteristics in contexts where procurement is often highly dynamic and volatile.
  • Continuous investment in optimizing processes and rationalizing procedures is facilitated by fully integrated and automated management and control systems, encompassing logistical and informational aspects across both operational and administrative/accounting domains. Operational activities are fully shared and aligned for each of the Group’s operating companies.
QUALITY CONTROL

QUALITY CONTROL

CONCERIA TIRRENA S.p.A. bases its philosophy on clear and essential concepts, summarizing the commitment and passion employed over more than 60 years: the search for raw materials, the pursuit of material prestige, product excellence, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Guided by these principles, quality control in the laboratory encompasses assessing mechanical stress resistance, measuring color fastness to external agents, and determining chemical parameters in correlation with consumer health and safety requirements.

 

1 – VISUAL INSPECTION

Visual Inspection entails ensuring that the leather meets standards for color, thickness, and all essential visual characteristics to be deemed suitable for shipment. This phase involves testing the primary structural features of the leather and evaluating and enhancing various production processes.

2 – MECHANICAL TESTING

Mechanical testing involves a series of random inspections that, depending on the circumstances, employ different techniques.

Tests for the physical-mechanical characterization of leathers for uppers and linings include:

  • Thickness measurements
  • Water absorption measurements
  • Temperature contraction measurements
  • Determination of tear strength
  • Determination of breaking load and elongation percentage
  • Determination of resistance to repeated flexing
  • Determination of water vapor permeability
  • Determination of abrasion resistance
  • Determination of seam strength
  • Determination of water absorption/desorption
  • Determination of dynamic waterproofness
  • Color fastness to perspiration
  • Color fastness to rubbing
  • Color fastness to water droplets

3 – CHEMICAL TESTING

Every batch of merchandise marketed by Conceria Tirrena S.p.A. undergoes multiple tests both upstream and downstream of the tanning process to ensure compliance with the latest REACH regulations.

The regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, known as REACH, is an integrated legislation for the registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemical substances. Its aim is to ensure a higher level of protection for human health and the environment, while also aspiring to maintain and strengthen the competitiveness and innovative capacity of the European chemical industry.

Definitions (REACh-Dir. 67/548 EEC)

Chemical substances:

They are chemical elements and their compounds, occurring naturally or obtained through any manufacturing process, containing the necessary additives to preserve the product’s stability and the impurities resulting from the employed process, excluding solvents that can be separated without affecting the substance’s stability or altering its composition.

Some substances may be present because they are commonly used in the production cycle or utilized for leather production in countries where there are no usage restrictions. Consequently, their concentration in the final product must be below the limit set by law. It is necessary to distinguish between prohibited substances and substances permitted but subject to limitations.

Which substances are subject to restrictions in leather?

Substances subject to restrictions in leather include those recognized as extremely harmful to human health, such as toxic, carcinogenic, and hazardous to the environment. In the past, only manufacturers (if they introduced the substance into the European market) and importers of new chemical substances were required to undergo complex substance notification procedures. However, today, significant processes under the Regulation also involve manufacturers of substances not yet introduced to the market, manufacturers and importers of existing substances, and downstream users of chemical substances.

AZO DYES

PENTACHLOROPHENOL (PCP) AND CHLOROPHENOLS (TRI- AND TETRACHLOROPHENOL)

HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM (Chromium VI)

FORMALDEHYDE

Certification Bodies:

  • SGS
  • TÜV
  • TEKNOCHIM

Sustainable Headquarters and Renewable Energy Sources

Conceria Tirrena S.p.A. reaffirms its dedication to environmental sustainability by achieving the LWG Approved Trader certification in 2020. This certification, developed and promoted by the Leather Working Group, aims to recognize international best practices within the leather industry

LWG Environmental Protocol involves an auditing process focusing on ethics, environmental compliance, and safety in leather processing.

Download the certificate

At its Civitanova Marche headquarters, the company primarily sources its energy needs from a 379 kW photovoltaic system installed on the roof of its warehouses.

The offices are equipped with a cooling and heating system based on the principles of thermodynamics known as “chilled beam,” which has a low environmental impact and provides high levels of comfort for employees.

“Energy-Saver” Electrical System: The electrical system, renovated in 2020, is configured with motion sensors and low-consumption lighting fixtures, allowing for energy savings of up to 60% compared to traditional consumption levels.

The company is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery for the automatic packaging of leather and pallets. This results in reduced plastic usage in packaging and enhanced physical safety for warehouse workers.

Research and Development of “Green” Products

The company meticulously audits its contractors and suppliers of raw materials, ensuring not only the quality of materials but also compliance with environmental standards and safety in the processing procedures.
As evidence of its ongoing pursuit of new frontiers in sustainability, the company offers its customers a wide range of eco-friendly leathers that are chrome-free, metal-free, and veg-tanned.
Each individual leather is traced upstream of the production chain through an integrated information system installed at the locations of our contractors and suppliers.
The company conducts regular training sessions for its employees, covering topics such as workplace safety as well as the development of new materials and techniques in the leather processing industry.

Conceria Tirrena for Social Responsibility

Principles and Values: The Giordani family has always been socially conscious, demonstrating commitment and support to local initiatives as well as international non-profit organizations through periodic donations to associations such as Amref, Save the Children, Telethon, Croce Verde, FISM, Médecins Sans Frontières, AIRC, Lega del Filo d’Oro, and Unicef.

Earthquake in Marche region 2016: Funds allocated for the purchase of food and heating systems for those affected by the tragic earthquake of 2016.

Church of Torre S. Patrizio: Contribution to the renovation of the Church of Roses in Torre San Patrizio.

Adopted Children: Since 1997, we have partnered with the Salesians of Don Bosco to support children through long-distance adoption programs in Ethiopia and other third-world countries.

CONTACTS

CONCERIA TIRRENA S.p.A.

Via Sonnino, 41
Civitanova Marche (MC)
62012, ITALIA

info@conceriatirrena.com
sales@conceriatirrena.com

Tel: +39 0733 8255.11

In the subsequent decade, the 1970s, both the product range and the company’s turnover experienced further expansion, now encompassing linings of sheep, goat, and bovine origin. It was during this period, specifically in 1973, that the legal entity CONCERIA TIRRENA S.p.A. was established, under which the company continues to operate to this day.

The latter half of the 1980s witnessed the entry of the second generation of the Giordani family into the company, starting with Mario and later joined by his sister Donatella. They continue to work with enthusiasm and growing dedication to consolidate and expand upon the commercial strength and profitability established over the years of operation.

In 1992, the company relocated to Civitanova Marche (MC), where it established both its legal and operational headquarters, a location it still occupies today. This strategic move positioned the company more centrally, aligning with the increasing industrial and productive significance of the footwear sector in the Macerata region. Almost simultaneously with the establishment of the new Civitanova structure, all direct product transformation activities (the actual tanning of leather) were discontinued by CONCERIA TIRRENA. Instead, the company embraced its definitive role as a transformer, leveraging a robust network of external workshops and contractors. Furthermore, it evolved into a global trading entity. In this capacity, the service and availability of merchandise in stock became crucial factors—sometimes even more significant than the product itself—in achieving profitable, enduring, and widespread market presence.

During this period, industry operators are confronted with the most stringent environmental issues and consumer protection concerns, especially in the leather and tanning sectors, known for their high criticality in these areas. Additionally, the company’s sales force must contend with the phenomenon of production activity relocation within the footwear industry. This trend is steadily moving towards developing countries, notably those in Eastern Europe and Asia.

CONCERIA TIRRENA has set up specialized operational units to handle technical and chemical concerns associated with its marketed products, overseen by a dedicated Technical Department. Moreover, the company has implemented efficient management systems to manage customs and logistical requirements for importing goods into the European Community and facilitating their exportation. This includes a dedicated Import Department for procurement, as well as specialized strategic departments within the Domestic and Export Sales Departments aimed at streamlining sales processes.

Since the early years of the second decade of the 2000s, as a result of the company’s continued growth and concurrent strengthening of its assets, CONCERIA TIRRENA has progressively introduced some “variations on the theme” in its commercial offerings.

In addition to its traditional and well-established lining products, the company initiated the introduction of innovative and enticing proposals for the distinct segment of upper leathers. These offerings were handled with the same emphasis on service and customer proximity that had proven successful in the company’s extensive commercial endeavors in the past.

In 2016, CONCERIA TIRRENA introduced several process innovations aimed at streamlining and reducing the time and formalities involved in handling goods. Initially, this entailed the adoption of the “domiciled procedure” for both imports and exports, providing benefits to its clientele. Subsequently, the company obtained the AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) certification, a prestigious customs status within the European Community, further enhancing its efficiency in crucial economic activities.

In 2020, just before the COVID-19 “perfect storm” crisis, the company took its first significant stride toward “exogenous growth,” a departure from traditional commercial development. Meanwhile, its focus increasingly shifted towards and generated larger portions of revenue from major fashion and luxury brands. This growth originated from the acquisition of its primary competitor, especially within the “premium” clientele segment of the luxury sector, renowned for its highly specialized products, quality, and service in sheep (metis) and goat leather. The acquired company, AL.VI.PEL. S.r.l., is based in Turbigo, in the province of Milan, situated within one of Italy’s key tanning districts in the leather industry. Currently, CONCERIA TIRRENA fully owns and operates AL.VI.PEL. S.r.l., integrating its expertise and resources for mutual benefit.

What are they?

They are various types of azo groups (-N=N-) linked to aromatic groups present in azo dyes. There are several hundred azo dyes, but only those that, when degrading, can give rise to prohibited aromatic amines are subject to restriction (effectively, it is an indirect type of restriction). Aromatic amines are a type of chemical substance generated mainly in the production of dyes and coloring pigments for fabrics, leather, and paper, as well as in the rubber industry. The most important aromatic amines include, among others, benzidine, 4-aminobiphenyl, 2-naphthylamine, and orthotolidine.

Where are they found?

They can also be found in dyes as shading agents.

Reason for the Restriction:

Some azo dyes may degrade to form prohibited amines.

Regulatory Reference:

In Europe, Directive 76/769/EECIXIX amendment – Azo dyes (Directive 2002/61/EC) Appendix 8, point 43 REACH Annex XVII substances subject to restriction. Prohibition of placing on the market of azo dyes that can form prohibited aromatic amines. In Italy, UNI 10594 – Characteristics and requirements of leather for the footwear industry. UNI 10826 – Characteristics and requirements of leather for the leather goods and accessories industry.

Which Method?

EN ISO 17234. The ISO method is the result of a European research project dedicated to improving the repeatability and reproducibility of analysis, which has always been problematic.

Limit:

< 30 mg/kg using the EN ISO 17234 method.

What are they?

Chlorophenols are chlorinated organic compounds used as preservatives for leather.

Where are they found?

They are used as anti-mold agents in textiles, leather, and some wood products.

Reason for the Restriction:

PCP is a persistent environmental contaminant, capable of posing risks to human health and exhibiting toxicity to aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, combustion byproducts of pentachlorophenol can be hazardous.

Regulatory Reference:

In Europe, it cannot be used in concentrations exceeding 0.5 mg/kg (sum) in substances or preparations placed on the market. In Italy, UNI 10594 – Characteristics and requirements of leather for the footwear industry. UNI 10826 – Characteristics and requirements of leather for the leather goods and accessories industry.

Limit:

0.5 mg/kg (sum) < 5 mg/kg using the EN ISO 17070:2007 method.

What is it?

Chromium is a metal that can exist as salts in metallic or oxidized (III) and (VI) forms. The restriction applies only to the (VI) form. Chromium (VI) is not commonly found in leathers.

Where is it found?

Chromium (VI) salts can be present in pigments or as additives in dyes or fixatives. Under certain conditions, including specific pH levels and the presence of substances like fat liquors, chromium (VI) can form in leather through the oxidation of chromium (III).

Reason for the Restriction:

Chromium (VI) and its salts are considered carcinogenic.

Regulatory Reference:

In Germany: Eighteenth Amendment to the LBGV, August 3, 2010. In Italy: UNI 10594 – Characteristics and requirements of leather for the footwear industry. UNI 10826 – Characteristics and requirements of leather for the leather goods and accessories industry.

Limit:

< 3 mg/kg using the EN ISO 17075 method.

What is it?

Formic aldehyde is an organic compound widely used as a preservative (formalin) and anti-mold agent.

Where is it found?

It can be used as a print fixative for fabrics, as a component in glues and adhesives, and as a preservative for paints and varnishes, as well as in cosmetic products. It is also present in wood panels (such as Masonite or plywood). In the tanning process, it can be found as a substance for cross-linking casein in resins; it is often found as a by-product (and therefore as a “cut”) in synthetic tannins. Formaldehyde can be used, provided it’s under safe conditions. The restriction primarily concerns free formaldehyde, which has the potential to be released, rather than the bound form.

Reason for the Restriction:

Formic aldehyde is an irritant to the eyes and skin. It is considered a potential mutagen and carcinogen for the eyes, nose, and lungs, although there is insufficient study to fully support this claim.

Regulatory Reference:

In Germany: Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance – May 2003; Poland, Finland, Norway, France, Netherlands, Austria, Lithuania. In Italy: UNI 10594 – Characteristics and requirements of leather for the footwear industry. UNI 10826 – Characteristics and requirements of leather for the leather goods and accessories industry.

Limits:

75 mg/kg

Which Method?

Preference is given to referencing the EN ISO 17226-1 (colorimetric) and EN ISO 17226-2 (HPLC) methods, aiming to foster a culture of internationally relevant standardization while avoiding reliance on frequently outdated national standards.

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