The history of Gruppo Uniesse:
a legacy of family and tradition
Deep Roots in the heart of Valcalepio
Ettore Scaburri was born in 1912 in the village of Chiuduno. Raised in a family that was humble yet determined to give him an education, Ettore studied as a mechanical engineer, paving the way for a life of innovation and creativity. His skill in making button moulds soon became well known in the area already renowned for its button-making tradition.
A union of strength and intuition
Ettore met Martina, a woman of strong character and intuition, who became his wife and companion throughout a life of challenges and successes.
They lived through the tough years of the Second World War together and at the end of the war Ettore and Martina returned to Chiuduno and began making buttons.
The birth of Bottonificio Ettore Scaburri
At a time when raw materials were scarce, the couple began producing phenolic resin from wood flour and methenamine, a catalyst discovered thanks to Martina’s intuition.
This is how Bottonificio Ettore Scaburri came about, the button factory that would be the family business for generations.
Growth and innovation
In the ’50s, the factory expanded and began producing galalith, wood and polyester resin buttons.
Ettore and Martina used their savings to purchase new machinery, enabling the company to prosper during the post-war economic boom. In the ’60s, the company pioneered the production of wash-resistant buttons.
Transformation into Gruppo Uniesse
Bottonificio Ettore Scaburri reached new heights in the ’70s, when the couple’s sons, Gian Pietro, Carlo, Giuseppe and Danielo, joined the company.
In 1987, the Scaburri family joined forces to set up Gruppo Uniesse, teaming creativity and experience in a single, large group.
The second generation introduced new projects, broadening the product range with shoulder pads and padding accessories.
The third generation and the future
The third generation of the family, led by Stefano and Sara, with Riccardo, Cristiano and Andrea, continue the story of Gruppo Uniesse.
With an eye on sustainability and the environment, the new generation is leading the company towards a future that respects tradition whilst also embracing change and innovation.
A global brand
Gruppo Uniesse is renowned around the world, thanks to collaborations in Madagascar for mother-of-pearl buttons and Hong Kong for the Asian market.
Ongoing research and attention to detail ensure that Gruppo Uniesse products are renowned for their refinement and craftsmanship quality.
A legacy of value
The history of Gruppo Uniesse demonstrates that passion, innovation and dedication can transform a small family business into a globally renowned brand.
Every button and shoulder pad made by Gruppo Uniesse is not just an accessory but also a piece of history, a craft gem encapsulating decades of experience and tradition.
Sustainability: A Solid Commitment
In a world where sustainability has become not just a goal but a necessity, our company is actively committed to cutting its environmental impact.
We firmly believe that every action, large or small, can help build a greener, more responsible future.
Here’s how we are turning this commitment into reality:
Clean Energy and Responsible Production
In 2011, our company took a major step towards environmental sustainability by installing a 300kWh photovoltaic system. This system covers 80% of the energy consumption needed for our production cycles, considerably reducing our overall environmental impact.
Waste Management
In 2021, we began cataloguing, collecting and carefully disposing of our industrial waste. To aid us in this endeavour, we entered into an agreement with Recycla S.P.A., a leading waste management company. Recycla works in reducing the quantity and hazardousness of waste, optimising the recovery of material and energy and guaranteeing a high level of service for its customers. Thanks to this approach, we are beginning to manage waste effectively from its generation, promoting responsible and sustainable conduct.
Certifications and Commitment to Quality
The majority of our product range has been OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified for years, ensuring safety and freedom from health risks. We continue to broaden the coverage of this certification, guaranteeing quality and reliability for our customers.
Corporate Welfare: Investing in Human Capital
We strongly believe in the value of our human capital. That’s why we decided to join a corporate welfare programme and we are committed to creating a workplace that promotes wellbeing and supports our teams. Through a series of targeted initiatives, we are dedicated to improving the working life of our employees and co-workers, recognising the essential contribution they make to our company’s success.
Future Plans: Clean Water and Air
Looking to the future, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact even further. We are working on significantly lowering water consumption in our production cycles, by recovering and purifying before putting it back into circulation. What’s more, despite our emissions already being below the legal limits, we are planning to install new chimneys with cutting-edge filters to further improve air quality.
