"We live in a complex time shaped by global uncertainty, economic change, and evolving social awareness. Yet it is precisely in moments like these that the opportunity arises to rethink our role and our impact. In the world of childrenswear, the challenge is even deeper: creating beauty and quality while also protecting the future of those who will inhabit that beauty tomorrow."
Giovanna, Alessandra & Guido
In 2024, Il Gufo strengthened its path toward integrating sustainability into its business model by adopting an approach aligned with the latest European voluntary reporting references for small and medium-sized enterprises. The Company’s ESG strategy is based on the intention to generate long-term value by balancing economic performance, social responsibility, and environmental protection.
Overall Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions improved compared to the previous year, confirming the effectiveness of the initiatives implemented. Water consumption also remained limited and consistent with a business model without direct manufacturing activities. In 2024, total energy consumption was down 12.7% compared to 2023. Energy consumption from fossil sources decreased by 13.2%, while the share of purchased renewable energy rose to 26% of the total energy mix. In 2024, total greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 5.7% compared to 2023.
One of the core values guiding Il Gufo’s development and research activities is undoubtedly the attention devoted to the use of raw materials, an approach that has always been part of the Company’s identity and that will become even more central in the future. In this respect, the Teddy&Minou project represents an effective tool for reusing leftover materials and giving them new value. Approximately 1/3 of the fabrics used for T&M collections are upcycled, while nearly all the remaining materials are certified according to the most widely recognized standards. The Company plans to increasingly prioritize the reuse of existing stock over the purchase of new raw materials and to strengthen forecasting and planning activities during collection development, with particular attention to aligning production volumes with actual market demand.
The supply chain represents one of Il Gufo’s strategic assets. The Company collaborates with a selected network of manufacturing partners and specialized suppliers, prioritizing long-term relationships, geographical proximity, quality reliability, and the sharing of high standards.
Within the childrenswear sector, Il Gufo maintains a stable base of long-term suppliers, mostly local, alongside selected partners for fashion fabrics sourced through specialized operators, combining continuity, innovation, and collection variety. In 2024, upcycled, recycled, and/or certified fabrics accounted for 55% of total sales volumes.
One of the Company’s main areas of intervention concerns support for younger generations and fashion education. In this context, the collaboration with IUAD Fashion Academy involved Fashion Design students in the creation of a capsule collection inspired by Il Gufo’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection. A similar educational purpose characterized the meeting hosted at the Milan showroom with students from Ferrari Fashion School, who had the opportunity to gain insight into the operation of a childrenswear showroom and to understand the various stages of collection development, from materials selection and product construction to commercial activities.
The composition of the Board reflects a significant female presence and managerial continuity consistent with the family-owned nature of the business. Board members possess the expertise and experience necessary to oversee the Company’s main ESG matters, supported by an interdisciplinary working group dedicated to sustainability and reporting activities.
The Company’s commitment to social sustainability and circular economy principles was also expressed through the strengthening of its collaboration with La Stanza dei Vestiti, a project dedicated to the reuse of high-quality childrenswear garments and the support of charitable initiatives for children. Through this partnership, Il Gufo participated in Convivio in 2024 and organized four charitable pop-up events, donating the proceeds to Fondazione Theodora, which supports hospitalized children in Italian hospitals.
At the end of 2024, Il Gufo hosted a special event at its Paris boutique in collaboration with Alice Cheron, founder of Les Fugues Italiennes, a community dedicated to promoting Italian culture, craftsmanship and lifestyle. The initiative created an opportunity to engage with an international audience and share the company’s heritage, values and vision. During the event, Alessandra Chiavelli highlighted the company journey from a family-run artisan business to an internationally recognized brand, emphasizing the importance of creativity, quality, authenticity and emotional connection. The discussion also celebrated the role of women as drivers of cultural and social change, fostering an inspiring exchange of ideas among participants.
"We therefore look to the future with confidence, convinced that we can continue conveying our message of love and respect for everything created with care, increasingly born from artisanal hands supported by artificial tools, yet always driven by the same creative spirit."
Giovanna, Alessandra & Guido