“M’Illumino di Meno” – is a National Day dedicated to Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles, established as a national initiative. It originated in 2005, inspired by an idea from Rai Radio2’s program “Caterpillar.” The initiative aims to promote and support a culture of environmental sustainability while encouraging the conservation of our natural resources. This year’s theme particularly focuses on sustainable fashion and the environmental effects of the textile industry.
Pardgroup and sustainability:
At Pardgroup, we strongly connect with this theme due to our position in the supply chain and our collaborations with renowned global fashion brands. Our company is committed to reducing both its environmental and social footprint by integrating sustainability into all strategic choices. Over the years, we have initiated various sustainability-driven projects, collaborating with clients and non-profit organizations on initiatives related to upcycling and waste reduction.
The event in collaboration with HUMANA:
That’s why, for “M’Illumino di Meno”, we organized a special event in collaboration with HUMANA, inviting all our employees at the Italian headquarters to participate.
On Wednesday, February 19, we were delighted to welcome Alfio Fontana, Corporate Partnership & CSR Manager of the non-profit organisation Humana People to People, at our offices in Milan. To truly embody the essence of “M’Illumino di Meno”, the meeting was held by candlelight and opened by Alice Errandi, Compliance, Quality & Sustainability Manager at Pardgroup, who shared valuable insights regarding the fashion supply chain.
Every year, 100 billion items of clothing and 23 billion pairs of shoes are manufactured, with 20% of those going unsold. The typical lifespan of a wearable garment is merely 7 uses. Additionally, 70% of textiles are produced from plastic, which may take as long as 400 years to decompose completely. In Europe alone, we discard 5.8 million tonnes of clothing annually—about 11 kg per person!
“Many unsold garments are shipped out of Europe, ending up in landfills across Africa, Asia, and South America, leading to major environmental and social challenges. These regions are now witnessing the literal graveyards of fast fashion, with heaps of discarded clothing altering landscapes and threatening the health of local communities. The complex issues of overproduction and consumption unequivocally require global solutions, but in our own capacity, we can still contribute. First and foremost, it’s about raising consumer awareness, and then making more responsible choices,” Alice Errandi stated during her speech.
Alfio Fontana subsequently discussed the social and environmental benefits of reusing and recycling apparel. He underlined HUMANA’s worldwide initiatives, stressing the importance of waste reduction, emission lowering, and fostering more responsible consumer behaviour.
A concrete action to reduce, in our small way, the environmental impact of fashion:
The event also acted as a launchpad for a corporate clothing donation drive in partnership with HUMANA, allowing all employees at Pardgroup to take meaningful action. For the four weeks leading up to the event, staff members could deposit their unused garments in Ecoboxes located on each floor of the office. The collected clothes will be designated for reuse and recycling, aiding in the reduction of the fashion industry’s ecological footprint.
The meeting wrapped up with an aperitif, providing a moment for togetherness and collective reflection.
Pardgroup’s dedication to diminishing its environmental impact has always been a fundamental value, integrated into every strategic decision. Engaging in such initiatives strengthens the company’s promise to sustainability and the promotion of eco-friendly practices, actively involving employees in tangible projects that generate significant change.
