Just 12 months after establishing the De Rigo H.E.A.R.T. Foundation [Health, Education & Art for Youth], the eyewear company – best known to travel retailers for sunglasses brands such as Carolina Herrera, Chopard, Police and Zadig & Voltaire – has stepped up its charitable activities with a new initiative.
‘A call from the H.E.A.R.T.’ has been conceived to engage companies across Italy involved in personal growth, intellectual development and art promotion projects devoted to children and young people.
Using a selection format used by incubators and start-ups, the initiative – aimed at non-profit organisations – invites them to submit their programmes in the fields of health, volunteering, art and training, all areas close to the foundation’s heart, directly to www.fondazionederigo.org.
Two projects (maximum) will be selected and thereafter supported and promoted by the De Rigo H.E.A.R.T. Foundation. “This is just the first in a series of projects organised by the foundation on an international level,” said the company.
An eye on the environment
Since 1 February, De Rigo has also ensured that most of the materials used for its packaging are recyclable, compostable or, in every case, reusable. Materials utilised to provide customers with eyewear, point-of-purchase material and spare parts are now produced by suppliers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council under the new banner Forests for All Forever.
The internationally-recognised forest certification system guarantees respect for the environment by choosing raw materials from forests managed in line with the principles of sustainability. In particular, the company has introduced new large cartons designed from natural fibres and with internal separators that reduce the volume of the packaging and therefore the waste to be disposed of.
At the same time, smaller volumes have optimised shipments and reduced the fuel required to deliver the products. Bubble wrap in bio-compostable material for filling space in medium and large cartons has replaced plastic bubble wrap.
Padding material now comes from recycled paper for cushioning large cartons, filling empty spaces and protecting products from knocks, and holding goods still to prevent damage during transit.
To find out about other companies in travel retail that are willing to go beyond the call of duty and for details of The Moodie Davitt Report Duty Calls Charity Dinner, click here.
