ACBC: Record growth and strategic partnerships in sustainable fashion

ACBC, the leading Italian BCorp and Circular Science company specialising in green B2B consultancy, design, and production of responsible products, has reported a remarkable 55 per cent increase in EBITDA to 3.1 million euros for the fiscal year 2023. This significant growth highlights the firm’s commitment to sustainability and its growing impact on the fashion industry. In an exclusive interview with FashionUnited, CEO Gio Giacobbe discussed the ACBC’s strategies, recent accomplishments, and future plans.

ACBC’s strategic growth has been fuelled by its comprehensive sustainability consultancy services, which include ESG advisory, product eco-design, and digital product passports. “Our goal is to reach an EBITDA of ten million euros in the next three years,” CEO Gio Giacobbe stated. “We have already invested seven million euros in research and development activities and plan to invest another million euros annually to drive our sustainability initiatives.” The company’s innovative approach combines consultancy with hands-on product transformation, working with over 70 fashion organisations and more than 100 lifestyle brands worldwide. Notable collaborations include fashion houses such as Chloé, Missoni, Diadora, Pinko and MSGM.

Entering new markets with RTG Consulting Group

The company is striving to increase its relevance in the luxury market. “We are trying to become more influential in the luxury sector and assist our clients in becoming more responsible,” Giacobbe noted. This ambition is reflected in ACBC’s recent strategic partnership with RTG Consulting Group, which specialises in end-to-end business consulting for luxury and premium brands with a focus on luxury consumers in Asia. “I lived in Asia for five years and know the market very well,” explained Giacobbe. “A significant part of the production, more than 50 per cent of the items, takes place in Asia. That’s why it’s important for the ACBC methodology to be present and to help brands there become more sustainable.”

Key collaborations: From Alexander Smith to the 2024 Olympics

ACBC’s collaboration with Italian footwear brand Alexander Smith illustrates the commercial viability of sustainable fashion using recycled and sustainable materials. “We started four years ago with one item and now it is one of the most successful stories in terms of capsule collections,” Giacobbe said. The partnership has resulted in the sale of more than 50,000 pairs of shoes annually, contributing significantly to ACBC’s revenues.

Another notable partnership was formed with the sportswear supplier ERREÀ to provide sustainable T-shirts for the Italian volleyball team at the 2024 Olympic Games. “This is a small contribution we’re making to the Olympics. By offering uniforms with a lower environmental impact than others, we intend to set an example and raise awareness among consumers,” Giacobbe remarked. The new ERREÀ jerseys for FIPAV, the Italian Volleyball Federation, feature the innovative Sensibility material made from recycled fibres and have achieved a 23 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to standard jerseys.

Changing the market one percent by 2030

ACBC’s vision goes beyond product development to involve consumer education and industry-wide transformation. Giacobbe highlighted the critical impact of government policies and the growing demand for sustainable products, driven by today’s more informed younger generation. Despite this demand, he noted that access to sustainable products remains limited in the marketplace.

In line with its broader vision, ACBC has set an ambitious goal to shift one per cent of the retail fashion market to sustainability by 2030. To actively address the current accessibility gap, ACBC is launching a sustainability academy this September. This initiative aims to educate companies not only on creating sustainable products but also on encouraging transparency and responsible business practices. “We believe in the motto that anything can be changed. Our clients become changemakers, and together, we can achieve substantial market impact,” Giacobbe stated.