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Name of the submitted project or idea (in English or both English and your language)
KOBI
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URL of a video introducing the work(under 5 minutes)
https://youtu.be/NPsOHyzy-qQ
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Detailed explanation of the submitted project or idea (in English or both English and your language)
Our project, CRIMAGNO, began with a vision to redefine the footwear industry by creating a truly sustainable, high-end shoe brand. From the start, we aimed to develop hybrid, genderless shoes that merge luxury with eco-consciousness. Recognizing the environmental impact of the traditional fashion industry, we set out to offer a different kind of product—one that combines exceptional design with full sustainability.
Our journey started with extensive research into materials and production techniques. We explored innovative materials like hemp, corn, apple leather, coconut fiber, and natural rubber, ensuring our products are 100% recyclable. We didn't just want to use sustainable materials; we also wanted to address the entire life cycle of our shoes, including the correct disposal and recycling of used pairs. Our focus on circularity led us to implement initiatives like converting used shoes into athletic tracks and sound-absorbing panels.
In addition to our material choices, we strive to make a positive social and environmental impact. For every pair of shoes sold, we plant trees to offset our carbon footprint and support local communities, providing jobs for farmers involved in these initiatives. We believe that high-quality, durable design can coexist with a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Since our launch, the response to CRIMAGNO has been overwhelmingly positive. We've received recognition through several awards, and our product has been well-received at international fairs. Customers appreciate our commitment to sustainability without compromising on aesthetics or comfort. Looking ahead, we predict that our approach will continue to resonate with a growing number of consumers who value sustainable luxury.
As we expand, including plans to enter the American market, we are committed to refining our processes and introducing even more innovative solutions, like foot-scanning technology and customized orthopedic insoles. Our goal remains to set a new standard for what it means to be a sustainable footwear brand, offering products that are not only eco-friendly but also a joy to wear. -
How does your work address the 3 P’s (for Planet, for People, for Profit) for Sustainability?
CRIMAGNO SA's commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted in our mission to positively impact the planet, people, and profit. Here’s how we address the 3 Ps:
For the Planet:
Our focus is on minimizing environmental impact through innovative material choices and production methods. We emphasize the use of sustainable, recyclable materials, ensuring our products have a longer lifecycle, which helps reduce waste. Our flagship product, the Kobi shoe, embodies this approach—it's designed to be durable, versatile, and fully recyclable. Additionally, we are actively working toward achieving zero emissions by 2025, a goal that drives us to continuously seek out more efficient and greener manufacturing processes. We also engage in tree-planting initiatives to offset our carbon footprint, directly contributing to environmental regeneration.
For People:
At CRIMAGNO, we believe in creating a positive social impact by supporting local communities. We provide jobs for farmers through our tree-planting efforts, contributing to regional economic stability. Our long-term goal includes offering personalized orthopedic insoles through our foot scanning technology, making high-quality, customized footwear accessible to those with specific needs. We are also committed to knowledge sharing, planning to engage students in our research activities, fostering the next generation of sustainable design and production professionals. Through this, we aim to empower communities and individuals with opportunities for growth.
For Profit:
Our business model is designed to be economically sustainable, focusing on long-term profitability through high-quality, durable products. CRIMAGNO has been a finalist in various Swiss incubators and has won several international awards, reinforcing our innovative approach and market potential. We are also expanding internationally, with plans to open a corporation in California to better serve our American customers. By balancing financial health with our environmental and social missions, we create a solid foundation for growth and long-term success.
Through this holistic approach, CRIMAGNO SA is committed to shaping a sustainable future for the footwear industry, balancing the needs of the planet, people, and profitability. -
Keywords
#Sustainability #Ergonomics #Design #Innovation #Ethic #CircularEconomy
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If you have a website for your submitted project or idea, please provide the URL
www.crimagno.com
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If you have a social media account for your submitted project or idea, please provide the URL
https://www.instagram.com/crimagno_earth/#
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Special Prize Question 1: "Empowering nature to create a new loop”: How does your work strengthen or support nature’s ability to capture and convert waste into valuable resources? How does your work advance industry practices by introducing nature-positive alternatives?
CRIMAGNO's work focuses on leveraging nature's strengths to create sustainable, circular solutions in the footwear industry. We prioritize materials that are naturally renewable, biodegradable, and have a low environmental impact, such as hemp, corn, apple, and coconut fibers, as well as natural rubber. By using these materials, our shoes are designed to be 100% recyclable, ensuring that at the end of their life cycle, they can be reintegrated into the environment without leaving harmful residues.
Additionally, our approach includes the transformation of waste into new resources. For example, we recover used shoes to convert them into athletic tracks and sound-absorbing panels, ensuring that products that would otherwise contribute to waste streams are given a second life. This not only reduces waste but also minimizes the need for new raw materials, thus decreasing the overall environmental footprint.
CRIMAGNO's emphasis on circularity extends beyond materials; our design philosophy ensures longevity, encouraging customers to buy less but better, focusing on quality and timeless style. Moreover, our tree-planting initiative, where a tree is planted for each pair of shoes sold, supports nature's ability to sequester carbon, directly helping to offset our CO2 emissions.
By integrating these nature-positive practices into our business model, CRIMAGNO aims to lead by example, encouraging the footwear industry to adopt more sustainable and regenerative methods. Through our efforts, we hope to redefine what it means to create sustainable products, supporting a healthier planet and fostering a more responsible industry. -
Special Prize Question 2: “Regenerating ecosystems”: In what inspiring ways does your work contribute to the restoration and stabilization of natural ecosystems?
CRIMAGNO’s approach to regenerating ecosystems is rooted in our dedication to sustainable practices that not only reduce environmental harm but actively support the restoration of natural systems. Our focus extends beyond simply using eco-friendly materials—we aim to create a meaningful, positive impact on the ecosystems that sustain life.
A key aspect of our strategy is our reforestation initiative. For every pair of shoes sold, we plant a tree in regions that have been affected by deforestation or require ecological restoration. These trees play a crucial role in improving local soil quality, preventing erosion, providing shelter and food for wildlife, and supporting biodiversity. This direct contribution helps to reestablish natural forests, creating healthier environments and fostering long-term ecological balance. The aim is not just to offset emissions, but to enhance the resilience of natural habitats.
Additionally, our product design aligns with principles of circular economy, minimizing the pressure on natural resources. The use of plant-based and biodegradable materials, like hemp and natural rubber, ensures that our products do not leave a long-term negative footprint on ecosystems once they reach the end of their life cycle. By reducing the use of synthetic, non-degradable components, we help prevent soil and water contamination, allowing ecosystems to thrive.
Our recycling program further supports this effort by transforming worn-out shoes into functional products like athletic tracks and sound-absorbing panels, thereby diverting waste from landfills and giving materials a second life. This practice reduces the environmental burden associated with waste disposal, and contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future. -
Special Prize Question 3: “Education and storytelling”: How does your work make complex bioeconomy concepts accessible and engaging?
At CRIMAGNO, we prioritize education and storytelling to make complex bioeconomy concepts accessible and engaging. Our mission extends beyond creating sustainable footwear; we aim to inform and inspire our community to embrace a circular and bio-based economy.
We emphasize transparency in our production process by sharing details about our material choices and manufacturing methods. By explaining the benefits of using renewable resources like hemp, apple, and corn, we help our audience understand how these choices contribute to reducing carbon footprints and promoting circularity.
We actively partner with the Università della Svizzera italiana and SUPSI, specifically with programs in Environmental Engineering, Architecture and Design, and Circular Marketing. Through these collaborations, we share our experience and use our business model as a case study, further educating students and professionals about sustainable practices.
Our social media channels and website feature engaging stories about our materials' origins and the journey from raw fibers to finished products. We also use visuals and infographics to explain how our recycling program transforms used shoes into new products, making the concept of a bioeconomy relatable.
By conducting workshops and discussions in partnership with universities, we demystify bioeconomy principles and foster a deeper understanding of eco-friendly materials and technologies. Through these efforts, CRIMAGNO seeks to inspire a more informed community that supports a sustainable future, bridging the gap between technical knowledge and consumer understanding.
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CRIMAGNO EARTH
The mass product has filled the landfills... To give you an idea over 2 billions shoes are thrown away every year...
We want to empty the landfills to demonstrate that it is possible to create products of absolute excellence, even starting from waste. We want to break the paradigm whereby a product becomes obsolete for fashion and not for consumption. Longevity is today one of the highest parameters of modernity, this is the reason why we focus on making a nigh-quality product that stands the test of time.
We want to empty the landfills to demonstrate that it is possible to create products of absolute excellence, even starting from waste. We want to break the paradigm whereby a product becomes obsolete for fashion and not for consumption. Longevity is today one of the highest parameters of modernity, this is the reason why we focus on making a nigh-quality product that stands the test of time.