The Prato-based company that transforms waste into sustainable work footwear
Prato, the renowned textile city, is the heart of Pranem, a company at the forefront of the footwear industry. The goal of Pranem is to combine sustainability and innovation, making environmental responsibility its main mission. The company transforms waste materials into high quality components, reducing environmental impact.
“We no longer breathe the air of a year ago, when everything was growing and developing. There is a lot of caution,” says CEO Gabriele Diddi, reflecting on the outcome of the last Lineapelle. Despite the downturn in the markets, Pranem had a very good number of interested customers. Their focus on the Work & Safety sector made them less influenced by fashion trends. Facing the complexity of the market, Pranem focuses on effective communication and continuous research for new products and ideas. “We develop innovative solutions to understand the needs of clients and calibrate our products to their ever-changing requirements,” says Diddi. One of the leading Pranem products is Fus Revolution, a conductive film barrier fabric ideal for polyurethane injected and removable insoles. “Fus Revolution has become my core product,” says Diddi. The fabric guarantees safety and regulatory compliance while maintaining an ecological focus.
The materials at Pranem are made from recycled fibres, helping to reduce waste and offering a sustainable, high-quality product. The use of recycled fibers presents important distinctions between pre- consumer and post-consumer. Pranem focuses on post-consumer materials, recuperating end-of-life textiles and transforming them into new midsoles. This approach has a high ecological value, preventing material waste and contributing to waste reduction. Investment, research and technological innovation are fundamental for Pranem. Their expertise in working with recycled fibers and technological know-how allow them to create sustainable products with minimal environmental impact. “Working with these types of fibres is not easy, but we are confident in what we have created and we will prove it over time,” says Diddi. To prove that their sustainable products do not compromise performance, the company performs laboratory tests and builds prototype shoes. Moreover, contrary to common perception, their eco- friendly products are also more economical. These initiatives help convince clients that choosing Pranem products is worthwhile both environmentally and economically. Their dedication to environmental responsibility and innovation makes them an inspiring model for other companies, demonstrating that industrial progress and environmental protection can go hand in hand.
Gabriele Diddi