ID.EIGHT

Scenario

The management of fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) is a significant global challenge, characterized by logistical problems, the perishable nature of the materials, and their heterogeneity. However, there are several avenues to valorize FVWs, which include extraction of bioactive compounds, enzyme production, synthesis of bioplastics and biopolymers, and production of biofuels.

In the context of fruits and vegetables, in developing countries, most FVW waste occurs during the harvest and processing stages, while the consumption stage produces just 10 percent of FVW. Poor storage and processing facilities and lack of infrastructure are among the main causes of this situation. In contrast, in industrialized countries, fruit and vegetable losses are greater during the harvest and consumption stages of the food chain than during the processing stage.

Description

ID.EIGHT is a sustainable footwear brand based in Florence, born from the union of the English words“identity” and“eight.” The name reflects the brand‘s philosophy, focused on the exploration of personal identity and the concept of infinity, represented by the number eight. The brand aims to introduce a distinctive image in the Italian fashion scene, characterized by original and unique designs and a deep commitment to sustainability.

Founded in 2020, ID.EIGHT stands out for its production of sneakers that combine quality, longevity and sustainability. The production philosophy is based on circularity and regeneration, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact related to the use of new resources and contributing to the disposal of by-products from other companies. This approach allows the use of materials from the recycling of post-consumer waste and secondary raw materials, reducing dependence on natural resources.

ID.EIGHT uses innovative materials such as BioVeg, made from industrial corn,Uppeal derived from apple peels and cores, Piñatex produced from pineapple leaves, and Vegea, made from grape pomace from the wine industry. These materials not only significantly reduce _CO2 emissions but also provide a sustainable alternative to leather and other materials traditionally used in the footwear industry. The composition of the sneakers varies by model, but generally includes a combination of recycled polyester, organic cotton, and recycled polyamide.

A crucial aspect of ID.EIGHT’s sustainability is its end-of-life sneaker recovery program. Approximately 24 billion shoes are produced each year, with 20 percent accounted for by sneakers and 90 percent of these destined for incinerators (Id Eight). ID.EIGHT is an active part of the change, offering customers the opportunity to return broken or worn-out sneakers via bins located in several Italian cities. In partnership with ESO Recycling, ID.EIGHT gives shoes a second life, recovering up to87 percent of the materials to turn them into new products such as flooring for athletic tracks and sound-absorbing or heat-insulating panels.

Recently, ID.EIGHT closed a €350,000 investment round with a|impact – Avanzi Etica SICAF EuVECA S.p.A., an impact venture capital fund that supports the growth of innovative SMEs and startups with a positive social, environmental and cultural mission. This investment will enable ID.EIGHT to scale its business and develop new projects, including research and development of even better performing materials from an environmental perspective.

The startup has gained a prominent position in the sustainable footwear market, both in Italy and abroad, responding to the needs of increasingly environmentally conscious consumers. With a fast-growing market and a small carbon footprint, ID.EIGHT aims to be a successful example in the sustainable fashion industry, demonstrating that it is possible to combine style, quality and respect for the environment.

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