The 2025 edition of ESG Rewards and TALK&IN took place at Teatro La Fenice in Venice on May 26 and 27.
The chosen theme, “From Green to Brown,” sought to draw attention to the color of the Earth: the ground on which we live and build our future, and above all the source that generates the essential resources for our survival. This was not intended as a departure from green—which today is often constrained by opposing extremes and at times hasty decisions, where ideology has occasionally prevailed over engineering—but rather as an effort to restore the appropriate perspective and balance, along with the capacity for a long-term vision grounded in objective data.
Data and quality of data were therefore ones of the main focal points, as in an increasingly complex world, knowledge is essential to making better-informed decisions.
On the afternoon of May 26, in the Sala Apollinea Grande, the discussion focused on the capacity to innovate, to challenge established paradigms, and to open up new opportunities. Central to the dialogue was the concept of leapfrogging. A common thread connected art, industrial design, music, and vision, reminding us that the ability to shift perspective is an act of genius—a quality that must be rediscovered.
What can we learn from Lucio Fontana, Alberto Burri, Piero Manzoni, Gastone Novelli, and other masters of the twentieth century? And what insights can be drawn from the highest levels of the automotive industry in the pursuit of excellence, uncovering the secrets behind the four-turbine Bugatti as well as the first Lamborghini entirely made of carbon fiber?
From La fine di Dio by Lucio Fontana—sold for 29 million dollars in 2015—to the “liter of breath” by the painter who did not use brushes, Piero Manzoni, priced at two hundred lire, twice the cost of a liter of regular gasoline at the time, there was much to reflect upon. Similarly, automotive design, in its purest expression, embodies the ability to give shape to dreams while keeping numbers and performance at the core, with the ambition of never being second. These concepts also extend to the worlds of footwear, design, and music.
Stefano Moreni, a leading figure in the art world for over thirty years with Sotheby’s; Marco Marelli, Co-Founder of Prospiciunt; Elena Shneiwer, Head of ESG at Cassa Depositi e Prestiti; Maurizio Reggiani, with four decades of experience at the highest levels of the automotive sector with Maserati, Bugatti, and Automobili Lamborghini; and Carlo Borromeo, also designer of Eccentrica, shared their knowledge, experience, and visions. Their contributions proved invaluable in stimulating ambitious ideas, increasing value, and strengthening resilience, in line with the innovative, generative, and engaging Talk&IN format. Innovation is a value, just as safeguarding one’s distinctive heritage is The example of Swiss watchmaking illustrates this clearly: in the 1970s, with the advent of quartz technology, mechanical watchmaking seemed destined to disappear, yet Switzerland’s perseverance in defending its unique skills and expertise ultimately proved successful. To preserve and to innovate—what truly matters is perseverance in protecting true values.
The closing contribution by Michela Luce of Galleria Luce in Venice, focused on spatial convergences and, in particular, on free thought transformed into gesture—instinctive and never accidental—engaged the entire audience. The evening was interwoven with works by Gilda Ruta, performed by Elisa Rumici.
On May 27, Talk&IN continued by bringing together knowledge, reflection, and networking, fostering dialogue among sectors that may appear distant yet are today more interconnected than ever, with the aim of offering perspectives on the many challenges currently facing society. The discussions opened by addressing a number of key questions, widely shared not only within industry and finance but across society as a whole: Has green sustainability exhausted its driving force, or will it continue to serve as a fundamental investment driver?
Will robotics, Industry 4.0, the approaching introduction of humanoids, and digitalization address labor shortages, or will they generate new social vulnerabilities?
From raw material usage to circularity: will costs stabilize, or will ongoing volatility continue to fuel uncertainty?
And will globalization, with the emergence of new markets, maintain the decisive role it has played in driving growth to date?
The challenges we face on a daily basis are increasingly complex. Resources are finite, and their effective management represents a critical source of value. While environmental considerations remain essential, equal attention must be given to the social dimension: recognizing the role of employees at every level of the organization and addressing the challenge of engaging younger generations. A broad and integrated vision of governance is fundamental to building genuine resilience, including economic resilience. Resilience is the true capital, and having a robust system on which to build it is an invaluable asset.
Equally central is the relationship between companies and banks, as well as the issue of guarantees. Accelerating growth and strengthening collaboration across systems are strategic objectives that must be pursued with determination. When supported by clear and appropriate metrics, the ESG dimensions represent the driving force capable of sustaining healthy and long-term growth.
The sharing of this body of knowledge—made possible by a panel of exceptional caliber—represented the distinctive opportunity offered by Talk&IN for collective growth, oriented toward the development of a better society for all.
Professor Marco Frey of the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna emphasized that those who have embarked on the path toward green sustainability will not turn back.
Federico Fumagalli, Partner at McKinsey, underscored the importance of strategic planning through a sustainability-driven lens.
Designer Mike Robinson of Blue Engineering encouraged participants to seize opportunities in emerging markets, particularly for smaller organizations.
Materials engineer Edoardo Agostini — formerly with Automobili Lamborghini, Lilium Air Mobility, and Sparko, and now Advisor at Prospiciunt — examined products related to photovoltaic technologies, providing tools to identify the most efficient and durable solutions and highlighting the most promising options to support strategic decision-making for both companies and citizens.
Luca Ferrais, Coordinator of the Sustainable Finance Working Group at the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), highlighted the value of dialogue between banks and SMEs in fostering a more resilient society, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to supporting enterprises.
Alessandro Bocchese, President of Finergis; Tiziano Cenedese, President of CentroMarca Banca; Mario Pozza, President of Assocamerestero; and Fabrizio Spagna, President of Veneto Sviluppo, focused on the role of the banking and chamber system in accelerating growth and supporting the transition. Together with Professor Monica Billio, the discussion then addressed the tools offered by sustainable finance, with particular attention to the efforts of the GRINS project.
ESGREWARDS
The ESG REWARDS 2025 recognitions were awarded to Polizia di Stato, Tecnica Group, Icap-Sira, Vaillant Group Italia, Cantine Pizzolato, Gridiron, Pennelli Tigre, Pero Verniciatura Metalli, BegA OutdooR, and Connection.
The physical REWARDS 2025 award took the form of a silver object created by Brandimarte, selected for its ability to embody the concept of resilience.
Polizia di Stato received the ESG REWARDS 2025 recognition for its commitment to the Social (S) dimension, particularly its focus on female participation and its dedication to safeguarding public security. Women within the Italian State Police now represent a well-established and substantial presence — over 15,000 officers — active across all operational and specialized roles. This achievement reflects a historical journey that began in 1959 and accelerated with the 1981 reform, which removed earlier restrictions limiting women to specific functions, such as the protection of women and minors. The reform enabled the full integration of female personnel and paved the way toward career equality, supported by a growing proportion of women graduates and leaders in managerial and executive positions.
Tecnica Group received the ESG REWARDS 2025 recognition for its commitment to minimizing environmental impact across both production processes and products, with a strong focus on recycling and product durability. Founded in 1930 as an artisan workshop by Oreste Zanatta, the company has evolved into an international group employing over 1,300 people and encompassing nine brands: Blizzard, Lowa, Moon Boot, Nordica, Rollerblade, and Tecnica. Guided by an enlightened governance led by the second generation of the Zanatta family, the Group advances environmental initiatives at all levels to address climate change, while also promoting health and well-being across the social dimension for all people of all ages.
Icap-Sira received the ESG REWARDS 2025 recognition for its long-standing commitment—dating back to 1945 — to advancing chemistry by fostering inventiveness and creativity. This commitment has produced tangible results in creating and sharing economic value within an overall framework of social and environmental sustainability. The company has achieved a 99% product compliance rate and exceeded 99% permanent employment contracts, while continuing to invest significantly in research and development. These investments have supported the creation of highly innovative products, the modernization of facilities, and substantial reductions in emissions, water consumption, and energy use, underpinned by a highly attentive and engaged family governance structure.
Vaillant Group Italia received the ESG REWARDS 2025 recognition for its commitment to the Social dimension, supported by a highly attentive HR function focused on employee well-being. The Human Space Planning project resulted in the creation of a state-of-the-art working environment that integrates advanced HR processes, digitalization, new physical layouts, and an evolving managerial style. This phased journey, rooted in the Towards Human Company strategy, demonstrates how a well-defined long-term vision can lead to meaningful achievements that become reference models.
Gridiron received the ESG REWARDS 2025 recognition for its ability to reduce energy consumption by over 35%, recover by-products that would otherwise become waste (650 tons), prioritize a short and responsible supply chain, and implement governance policies guided by a code of ethics and codes of conduct. These results were achieved through decisive actions implemented within a relatively short timeframe. Based in Mareno del Piave and specializing in technical gratings, drainage systems, mats, and accessories, the company continues to strengthen its resilience through a strong capacity to adapt rapidly to change—an increasingly critical value in the face of growing complexity. Gridiron is led by a second-generation family governance that continues the path established by the first generation through ongoing dialogue.
Cantine Pizzolato received the ESG REWARDS 2025 recognition for its structured sustainability reporting, strong commitment to organic production, and comprehensive reduction in resource consumption, including bottle design through reduced glass usage and a focused approach to packaging (100% recyclable corrugated materials). With waste recovery reaching 80%, the winery — whose organic wines are distributed in more than 45 countries worldwide — has also demonstrated notable creativity in continuously developing new solutions across all areas, marked by exceptional determination and energy.
Pennelli Tigre received the ESG REWARDS 2025 recognition for its rigorous commitment to certifications within a complex sector still affected by opacity. All materials are sourced from certified facilities, and Pennelli Tigre is deeply engaged in ensuring full compliance. The Veneto-based company, offering over 1,500 meticulously catalogued product references and serving more than 1,200 customers, represents a benchmark within its sector. It continues to strengthen its focus on energy efficiency and resource optimization in a highly competitive environment characterized by complex supply chains. For three generations, the company has served the painting profession, supplying over 1,000 customers with a production capacity of 1,200 brushes per hour, supported by a strong base of skilled labor.
Pero Verniciatura Metalli received the ESG REWARDS 2025 recognition for initiatives undertaken with strong vision in a constantly evolving sector such as coatings. These actions enabled a 40% reduction in waste through a raw-material recovery system and efficient production-process management. The company specializes in non-toxic powder coatings free from chromium, lead, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the result of significant investments and long-term vision. New liquid-coating lines capable of tripling daily processing volumes and coating materials beyond metal—including glass, wood, and plastics—have further strengthened the company’s positioning among highly demanding customers who do not accept compromise.
BegA OutdooR received the ESG REWARDS 2025 recognition for its focus on the Social dimension, with a strong emphasis on Made in Italy. By prioritizing collaboration with local companies, strengthening the supply chain, and achieving 100% Italian production within just 14 years of its founding, Bega has demonstrated a clear commitment to territorial value creation. The company invests in young Italian talent during a particularly challenging period. Its governance does not merely aim to build a company, but to cultivate an environment that supports a higher quality of life and greater well-being. Since 2020, BegA OutdooR obtained the Benefit Corporation certification, pursuing not only profit objectives but also a positive impact on society and the biosphere. Operating exclusively through e-commerce, the company serves multiple continents with outstanding results: over 15,000 customers per year, more than 3,000 catalog variants, and an export rate exceeding 84%.
Connection received the ESG REWARDS 2025 recognition for its Governance, which enabled the development of a model of operational flexibility that allows rapid reorganization of production priorities and timely responses to change, while consistently delivering responsive and customized services. The company has experienced rapid growth, establishing itself as a benchmark in the design and manufacturing of electrical panels for industrial applications. Today, Connection operates successfully across a wide range of sectors, including HVAC, air treatment, air conditioning, and refrigeration.