A project that gives new life to the many blades broken during the matches, transforming them into new resources for the entire fencing movement. The Italian Fencing Federation has officially launched "Ecoblade", the new program promoting the recovery of maraging steel, not only to reduce waste but also to financially support affiliated clubs, athletes, and their families.
Every blade no longer usable becomes valuable for a new challenge.
Acciaierie Valbruna is pleased to be a strategic partner of the program approved by the Federal Council chaired by Luigi Mazzone. The company will receive all broken blades from the FIS, which will be collected at designated collection points during the competitive season, and will oversee the recycling process. The blades will be melted together with other metals to be transformed into stainless steel bars. Proceeds will go to Italian fencing clubs.
On the occasion of the First National Cadet-Youth-Absolute Trials for Foil and Epee, scheduled in Rome over the weekend of November 21-23, a first collection point will be set up. This will mark the beginning of a process aimed at "giving new life" to the approximately 50,000 blades that break each year during competitive and training activities in Italian fencing.
Daniele Garozzo, Deputy Vice President of the FIS and Council representative for the "Ecoblade" program, states: "With this project, thanks to the vision and support of Acciaierie Valbruna, which has embraced its mission, we intend to open a virtuous cycle for our movement. Collecting broken blades will mean being able to allocate new resources to companies that are responsive to the initiative, encouraging this circular economy. It will also leave a cultural message, especially for young people. Anyone who has ever stepped onto a fencing platform has experienced the moment of despair that comes when a weapon "betrays" us, or has found themselves in those feelings when looking into the eyes of a child holding a blade that has just broken. Well, we want that moment, inevitable for those who practice our sport, to be followed up by promoting a culture of sustainability, teaching children, first and foremost, to value recycling, and reinforcing in our gyms the concept that something broken can be given a new life. As a Federation, we invite you to join the project starting from the races on November 21st, 22nd, and 23rd in Rome, bringing your broken blades and starting this new virtuous and sustainable path together."