In the world of footwear, few brands can boast a history as rich and fascinating as ECCO. Founded in 1963 by Karl Toosbuy, a Danish entrepreneur with an ambitious vision, the company has become a benchmark in the high-quality shoe industry. Through decades of dedication to craftsmanship, innovation and attention to detail, ECCO has built a global reputation as a manufacturer of sophisticated, comfortable and durable footwear.
It all began in the small town of Bredebro, Denmark, where Toosbuy decided to realize his dream of creating high-quality shoes with the goal of controlling every aspect of the production process. The company had a total of 74 people employed at the end of the year.
Toosbuy makes strategic decisions for the future of the company, launching in 1978 ECCO Joke, a variant of the moccasin with soft leather. This shoe becomes the first classic and the first in the world with the logo printed on the sole, generating attention and furthering the brand’s marketing.
With technological innovation toward global expansion
From the beginning, the company has embraced technological innovation to improve the quality and comfort of its footwear. The Danish brand introduced DIP (Direct Injection Process) technology, a this innovative manufacturing process has resulted in lighter, more flexible and durable shoes.
Around the 1990s, the company began to expand beyond Danish borders and conquer the global market; with a strong commitment to quality and a customer-oriented vision, ECCO opened stores worldwide and built a strong international distribution network.
In 1994, ECCO was named “Footwear Company of the Year” in the U.S.
In addition to being at the forefront of technology and quality, the brand has also made important advances in sustainability, developing methods to use energy and resources more efficiently by adopting eco-friendly production practices; and style, always keeping up with trends.
ECCO’s vision: to be the leading premium brand in footwear and leather goods
The ECCO CREPETRAY is a combination of camel Nubuck or pebbled full grain leathers, and the distinctive ‘honey’ crepe sole, that has become a shoe collection staple.
Innovation has always been a cornerstone for the brand; the company recognizes that past experience alone cannot build a solid future, in fact:
At ECCO, we never cease to question the things we do.
Among the materials used by ECCO, leather plays a key role, and the brand is committed to high sustainability standards by collaborating with KT Trading.
The company’s leather partner, handles the sourcing of raw materials and the processing of hides into leather, which comes from the by-products of the meat industry, ensuring that a second life is given to these resources.
KT Trading’s policy of using animal hides from the meat industry reduces waste and maximizes resource utilization, contributing to an overall reduction in environmental impact.
To conclude, the company that has been able to combine tradition and innovation, building a future in which excellence and uniqueness are the true essence of footwear and leather.
This, is the extraordinary story of ECCO.
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