Herno’s Sustainable Approach is Connected to is Connection to Nature
Italian fashion house, Herno, began with a garment created in response to the climate: a raincoat. Pairing practicality, know-how, and Italian handmade quality, Herno’s raincoat garnered attention and loyalists not only for its look but its ability to fend off the unique elements of its surrounding landscape—that of Lesa, Italy, on the Erno river leading to the majestic Lake Maggiore.
That inspiration and understanding of its natural environment and heritage is at the core of Herno’s current commitment to sustainability. And under the leadership of President Claudio Marenzi, a second-generation member of the Herno company who was responsible for its revival, a strong link to the territory has been the driving force behind creative expansion, international growth, renovation of production, as well as environmental protection.
Herno’s Commitment to its Territory
According to Mr. Marenzi, in a recent interview with Whitewall, the idea is simple, yet still significant in the world of luxury and fashion: if we take care of our garden, our neighbors will too, until eventually the whole street, and beyond will take care of theirs.
That mindset has resulted in several initiatives over the past decade from Herno investing in protecting its local ecosystems, community, and staff. That includes the acquisition of the latest generation of low-consumption machinery, the use of photovoltaics to meet autonomous energy requirements and make the company completely self-sufficient, a concentration and study of lake preservation, and environmentally mindful structures. In addition, Herno has presented green collections under its Herno Globe label and worked on its main collection to include in its garments percentages of recycled materials, while fostering and sponsoring programs for pattern makers and design schools, and facilitating cultural events, such as the music weeks in Stresa.
For his efforts, Mr. Marenzi was awarded the honor of Cavaliere del Lavoro in 2016 for the relentless determination of his renewal work on production processes. His focus on sustainability began as early as 2010, long before other fashion and luxury houses were making big changes in response to environmental impact. It started at the staff level, engaging Herno employees at its headquarters in Lesa to become a part of the process, fostering a sense of pride and purpose.
Courtesy of Herno.
Herno Invites You to “Take Care of Your Future”
The Herno headquarters facade was covered in breathtaking greenery, complementing an architectural design incorporating stone and wood that not only mirrored the lake and forest terrain but helped to insulate and allow for less energy consumption. That same vertical greenery soon traveled to Herno stores and showrooms (spaces now plastic-free since 2017) in Italy and beyond.
From the staff, the sustainable mindset soon traveled to suppliers, manufacturers, and even product design. Herno became a proponent of the first PEF study (Product Environmental Footprint) on a garment, conducted in partnership with Radici Group (yarns) and Eurojersey (fabrics). The study calculates the environmental footprint of products and services, measuring the life-cycle and environmental performance—information that is also publicly disclosed.
In 2016, Herno was awarded PEF certification by the European Commission for the Environment—the first European company to obtain such recognition. That very PEF methodology has made its way into the revolutionary design of Herno’s sportswear products using ultra-high-performance fabric. And in 2019, Herno launched Herno Globe, a 100% sustainable collection under the moniker, “Take Care of Your Future.”
A Green Approach, from Suppliers to Designers, and Garments to Consumers
Today, Herno is working to increase the sustainability of its main collection, employing a team fully dedicated to the research and development of new technologies and the creation of garments. Its g-lab label indicates the incorporation of fabrics with percentages of sustainable fiber, offering customers a clear-cut and transparent story of how their products are made.
Its Sustainability Committee stays on top of current and future areas to improve, develop, and innovate— from production autonomy to measuring pollution, and machinery to final garment. By involving Herno employees in its sustainable mission from the very beginning in 2010, a company-wide sense of working together toward a greater goal permeates the Lesa headquarters. Witnessing the luxury house’s marked evolution, understanding its ability to achieve carbon neutrality, and touching with their own hands pieces of Herno’s sustainable future has had a resounding impact.
Courtesy of Herno.
Herno Sees Sustainability as Contagious
Herno is a true pioneer in green garments. Its respect for its home and natural heritage is apparent, as is its desire to share its learnings and efforts with consumers. Its transparency is not only ethical but inspirational, aiming to change the way we think about the life of a garment.
They believe that well-communicated sustainability is the engine of this new era, a guarantor of satisfaction in the workplace, an attractor of new talent, and a messenger for positivity in the customer. Herno opens its doors to inspire engagement in sustainable initiatives and to support its territory, with the understanding that a love for natural beauty is contagious.
