Matteo Scarparo

Graduated in foreign languages and literatures with a specialization in Russian literature and culture in Milan, Università Cattolica.

15 years experience in managing internationalization development programs for SMEs and trade show services.

From 1999 to 2008 he worked for Italian Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers’ Association in international and marketing dept., as project manager taking care of all major promotional events to develop made in Italy wood processing machinery brands on foreign markets.

Since 2008 he has been working in ANCI Servizi (the service agency belonging to Assocalzaturifici, Italian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association), first as Head of economic & services unit (2008-2016) and from 2017, as head of the Global Trade Area and Business Services Unit of ANCI Servizi, where he’s in charge of the strategy implementation for the internationalization supporting footwear mfg. SMEs in their export businesses.

Abstract

VCS – Verified and Certified Steps - is the sustainability certification mark for footwear manufacturers registered by Assocalzaturifici. The certification consists of 4 different parts (VCS Steps 1, VCS Steps 2, VCS Steps 3, VCS Steps 4), each of which attest to a specific sustainability level. To obtain the certification mark, companies are required to embark on a process of improvement aimed at achieving the highest possible sustainability standards.
The VCS scheme encourages companies to adopt a comprehensive strategy that includes working on internal business operations, supply chain traceability, collecting and managing information, activating a set of improvement and advancement processes in line with the most widely adopted international sustainability standards and parameters.
The scheme consists of three main elements: VCS Software, a consultancy service providing assistance to companies, and market recognition as a result of certification.
After consulting a number of international sources regarding the most important topics of sustainability, 9 issues were pinpointed: human rights, labor practices, environment, fair business practices, consumer issues, community involvement, traceability, animal welfare, chemical substance management to analyze all the different aspects of sustainability and social responsibility.
The VCS Software helps companies measure, manage and improve their performance with regard to the above-mentioned requisites. The Software guides companies through each main stage in the improvement process: self-assessment, assessment of suppliers and drafting performance improvement plans in both cases.
The improvement process can be guided by experienced and qualified consultants.
Companies that succeed in improving their sustainability indices through the use of the VCS software and with the support of the consultancy service, may then apply for certification.
Certification and subsequent award of the VCS mark is a formal recognition of the level of sustainability achieved by the company.