Dear Stakeholders,

It is with a strong sense of responsibility and awareness that we present GSB srl’s first Sustainability Report.

This decision is not merely a formal compliance exercise for us, but a natural extension of the way we operate. GSB has been active for many years in the footwear components sector, providing Fashion & Luxury companies with sole and component assembly, splitting, skiving and specialised processing services that require technical excellence, attention to detail and close integration with the supply chain.

Since 2023, we have embarked on a concrete path of social innovation through the pilot short working week project, which reorganised working hours around a model that prioritises people’s well-being and a better balance between professional and private life. Although this change required organisational effort, it reflects our commitment to developing internal skills and improving both the quality of work and quality of life.

For GSB, sustainability is a strategic direction that takes shape every day in our operational choices—from efficient resource management and material quality to minimising waste throughout the Fashion & Luxury supply chain and ensuring transparent relationships with suppliers, as well as continuous training and the development of our people.

The preparation of this Report required us to map the material topics relevant to GSB, including the environmental impact of production processes, emissions, energy consumption and waste recycling, as well as working conditions, health and safety, training and employee retention. It also involved dialogue across different business functions and with our stakeholders to identify where we can improve in measurable and concrete ways.

Several aspects have become firmly established strengths: our technical expertise, the quality of our products and materials, and our reputation as a reliable partner in the Fashion & Luxury supply chain.

Other areas require continuous attention, including improving material circularity, strengthening social practices and internal welfare initiatives, and maintaining transparency throughout the production chain.

This document is the result of a collective effort. Department heads, operational teams, technical departments, human resources, suppliers, customers and consultants have all contributed. Our aim is to provide an authentic picture: to show both our strengths and the challenges ahead in a regulatory, economic and social environment that is constantly evolving.

We strongly believe that trust is earned through consistency, traceability of actions and openness to dialogue. For this reason, we do not view this Report as an end point, but as a dynamic tool: we will update it over time, measure our progress and compare it with industry best practices and with the environmental and social targets demanded by the climate crisis and global expectations.

Our sincere thanks go to all of you: our employees, who contribute their commitment and expertise every day; our suppliers, who share—or can share—our commitment to high standards; our Fashion & Luxury customers, who seek products that are not only beautiful and high-quality, but also sustainable; and the consultants who have supported this journey with expertise and rigour.

We hope this document will serve not only as a source of information, but also as inspiration and, above all, as a basis for collaboration. Together, we can build a sustainable path grounded in authentic values: environmental responsibility, community and a responsible economy.

Yours sincerely,

Sandro Cicconi
Sole Director, GSB