Andrea Venier: The road to create new products is paved with failures, but we love the challenge
The managing director of Italy-based chemicals company Officina+39 has witnessed its customers rethink business models and investigate new technologies and innovations over recent months. He believes that while people have been physically distant, we are now more connected than ever.
Can you tell us a little about your new Aqualess Mission system. For those without technical knowledge, how is it achieved?
This is a technology to reduce 75% of the water typically used in denim and garment laundry processes. This innovation is evidence of the commitment by Officina+39 to a more sustainable production and planet. It is based on new products and processes, suitable for conventional machines: Laser & Remover BC, plus Aqualess Aged, plus Oz-One Powder.
Typically, the desizing, stonewashing and bleaching steps alone use many litres of water, compared with Aqualess Mission’s aging treatment and worn bleaching which use no water, only in the rinsing steps. When it comes to the whole process, traditional systems use about 52 litres of water for a pair of pants, while Officina+39’s cutting-edge technology uses only 12.5 litres.
You have spoken about the need to comply with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Number 6, “clean water and sanitation for all”. Why did you choose this as a focus?
Water is essential for life. It is critical for the planet to survive and thrive. We are conscious about this. We are aware that we also have responsibilities and obligations about this. We must commit to the SDG 6.What is your take on how the industry has reacted to the pandemic? What have your customers’ priorities been?
I have seen something interesting. The industry has found a way to live in this “keep your distance” mood, but we are now more connected than ever. Most of our customers are rethinking their business models. They are looking into new technologies and innovations. And I think this is the right approach, to find new opportunities for the future; offering more transparent, sustainable, durable and quality products.
How easy or difficult is it to continually create new products, and what is Officina+39’s strength in the market?
It’s a good question. In general, it’s not easy. The road to create new products is filled with struggles and failures. But what I have learned over the years is that every day we can make the choice between an easy or a difficult path. Some people prefer the easy path, and stay in their comfort zone, while we love challenges. Creating new products is really exciting. You must be determined, going over all the bumps and holes in the road, but through this, new products are created.
Our strength? Passion (a lot), curiosity (just enough) and teamwork (with a touch of madness)!
What do you personally most enjoy about your job?
Feeling part of a big community, where positivity, sharing and cooperation find the right balance with competitiveness, helping to create a better and more sustainable future.
What we can expect from Officina+39 in 2021?
We will engage more to develop new technologies. New products with less impact on the environment, and pledging in the next years to do our best to meet UN’s 2030 SDG 6 of clean water and sanitation, and by doing so, protect the planet and its resources.
Andrea Venier, managing director of Officina+39, studied textile chemistry then joined the family company, Techna Italia. In 2007 he started Officina+39 (a sister company of Techna Italia), focusing on technology and processes for the denim and fashion apparel industry. In recent years he has dedicated himself to management, but has never lost his interest for research and development. He and his team developed Recycrom, a dyeing process derived from textile waste recycling.
