Committed to environmental and social sustainability, the company acquires Texon and Rhenoflex, strengthening its position in the footwear market, and with new sustainability goals for 2026, Coats aims to achieve Net Zero by 2050
Coats is a British company with a proud heritage dating back more than 250 years and a spirit of evolution to constantly stay ahead of changing market needs, Coats has operations across some 50 countries with a workforce of over 17,000, serving customers worldwide. The company is committed to environmental and social sustainability, adopting low-impact manufacturing practices and promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce because it has always been convinced of the importance of a responsible and sustainable approach to business that takes into account the needs of people and the environment. With its global presence, expertise and focus on sustainability, Coats leads the way in thread manufacturing for footwear and apparel production, and structural components for footwear and accessories. Coats is also an innovative pioneer in performance materials. In the following interview, Claudio Assenza, Sales Director Italy Coats Footwear Division, the branch that deals with the development of products dedicated to the footwear market, tell us about the remarkable progress in the transformation of the company. Through the acquisition of Texon and Rhenoflex, it has significantly strengthened its position in the market and increased its organic growth and margin potential in the mid- term. The full integration of these businesses is currently underway, which has already resulted in efficiency savings at the end of last year, in line with the strategic plan implemented by the Group. The company was able to significantly achieve its ambitious sustainability goals as early as 2022, surpassing them in some areas, and based on its achievements to date, the company has set new ambitious milestones to be reached by 2026.
These goals will help the company continue its journey toward the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) – approved goals for 2030 and toward its commitment to become Net Zero by 2050.
Three entities integrating into one: how did this union come about?
“Coats, our London Stock Exchange-listed company with a strong commitment to sustainability, decided a few years ago to invest in the footwear sector by creating a Footwear Division, which was officially opened in January of this year. To ensure a comprehensive component offering, Coats acquired 100 percent of Texon International in July 2022, which specializes in high-quality structural components, and in August of the same year also acquired the German Rhenoflex, a leading global manufacturer of sustainable reinforcement solutions for the footwear and accessories industry. As a result of this merger, Coats Footwear Division has become a hub for the global and European markets, offering a wide range of sustainable components, including Rhenoprint™, a unique technology in the world in terms of sustainability used for toe caps and counters.”
Rhenoprint™: what exactly is it?
“Rhenoprint™ is a structural component manufacturing process, also with recycled materials, that produces no waste. Extremely customizable, it allows us to use less material at the same level of performance and reinforce only the areas where it is needed. With our productions in Europe and Asia we are near to our customers’ factories, also reducing logistics. But Rhenoflex did not stop there and created the second generation of Rhenoprint™: this evolution allows us to have different zones within a single reinforcement and even integrate microchips into the shoe, also improving our customer’s and final user’s experience. In summary, with Rhenoprint™ the possibilities are almost endless.”
What feedback have you had from your clients?
“Very positive. Clients are starting to switch from classic materials to this innovative solution, for which we are an innovative manufacturer. In addition, with Rhenoprint™’s next evolution, combining different materials in the same reinforcement, we are able to offer our customers customized solutions, based on individual needs. The process allows us to improve the performance and characteristics of the footwear, all this based on a completely waste-free process.”
Staying on the topic of innovation, could you tell me in more detail about Ecosole and how it fits into the sustainability strategy of the company?
“Ecosole is one of the flagship products of Texon, a range of eco-friendly insoles designed to reduce the environmental impact of footwear. Using sustainable FSC fibers 60% second fiber including scraps collected from customers and production wastes of other industries in the paper supply chain, unbleached pulp accounts for the remaining 40% of the total fibers, the use of this grade pulp represents an additional advantage in terms of energy and environmental savings. The mix of recycled fibers gives the product its characteristic dark amber color Ecosole. In addition to being environmentally friendly, they are also designed to provide comfort and durability. Through its innovation and sustainability, Texon has received numerous awards.”
In fact, your research has gone on and you have also patented a new technology. Can you share that with us?
“We have developed a technology patented in Italy called ProWeave, which was created by one of our Italian colleagues Enrico Neri. This technology represents a real revolution in the industry, as it makes it possible to create a jacquard fabric that is elastic in multiple points, breathable and water- repellent, depending on the chosen finish. This production system has also been adopted by major luxury brands, thanks to its ability to resist use and wear and not stretch. This material was used to make the football cleats of our national team for the World Cup in Dubai, called the “Alchemy Speed Shoe.” In addition, ProWeave also gives the possibility to use recycled threads and, thanks to its durability and total absence of production waste, it is a truly eco-sustainable solution. The potential of this technology is endless and is not only limited to the footwear sector, but also extends to bags and clothing.”
How is sustainability a winning strategic choice for the company and how does this benefit the planet?
“A key part of our corporate mission is to help create a better, more sustainable world by striving to set benchmark performance standards for our industry. This not only helps people and the planet, but is also a winning strategic choice for our business. It allows us to differentiate our offerings and position ourselves as a supplier of choice in a rapidly growing market for sustainable apparel and footwear products. In addition, by using fewer resources, including energy and water, we are aligned with broader sustainability trends while also reducing our costs. It is critical that we continue to invest in finding innovative and sustainable solutions that reduce our environmental impact and ensure a better future for the next generation. Sustainability can no longer be seen as simply an option, but as an imperative necessity for the long-term success of businesses and the health of our planet.”