Founded in 1972, Alcantara S.p.A. is an Italian excellence recognized worldwide.
It represents a distinctive reality in the industrial landscape: one Company, one Brand, and one innovative Material, born from a unique and proprietary technology that shapes a single, cohesive identity.
Based in Italy with a global vocation, Alcantara S.p.A. operates through two locations: its corporate headquarters in Milan and its production site in Nera Montoro (Terni).
The latter, located in the heart of Umbria, spans over 586,000 square meters and hosts one of the most advanced Research & Development centers in Europe within the materials sector.
Over the years, Alcantara has developed strong partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, operating across automotive, fashion and accessories, interior design, and consumer electronics.
Global leaders choose Alcantara® for its ability to go beyond the limits of traditional materials, offering a perfect balance of distinctive aesthetics, high technical performance, and application versatility.
Thanks to these qualities, Alcantara has become a symbol of contemporary design for those who refuse to compromise between quality, beauty, and innovation.
This approach is also reflected in a concrete commitment to sustainability: Alcantara has been certified Carbon Neutral since 2009 by TÜV SÜD.
Over 50 Years of Italian Excellence
From its foundation to today, Alcantara has embarked on an extraordinary journey, establishing itself as a global symbol of elegance, technological innovation, and versatility.
A continuous evolution in dialogue with the world’s most prestigious brands.
Our History
Alcantara’s story is one of continuous innovation.
Originating from a patent by Japanese researcher Miyoshi Okamoto in the early 1970s and produced in Italy since 1972, Alcantara® represents a true technological breakthrough that remains unmatched to this day.
Each decade has added a new chapter, progressively expanding sectors, markets and perspectives, always looking ahead.
1970
– Japanese scientist Miyoshi Okamoto invents Alcantara®, and files the patent for producing the material.
1972
– The Eni Group (at that time called the ANIC Group) signs a joint venture with Toray Industries Inc. for commercial use of the patent. The Italian Company ANTOR S.p.A. (later to become Alcantara S.p.A.) is born of this partnership, and the production plant at Nera Montoro is opened, along with the Company headquarters in Milan.
– During this time, the reputation and reach of Alcantara also begins to spread, and the Company establishes itself in the clothing sector.
1973
– ANTOR S.p.A. changes its Company name to IGANTO S.p.A. (an acronym of "Italia Giappone ANic TOray")
1974
– Alcantara debuted in the automotive industry in 1974 with the Lamborghini Bravo by Bertone, a revolutionary concept car and for the first time in production on Lancia Stratos HF by Bertone.
1979
– The first phase of testing begins for the use of Alcantara in the interiors sector.
1981
– IGANTO S.p.A. becomes Alcantara S.p.A., with share capital divided between the Eni Group (51%) and the Toray Group (49%).
1984
– The partnership with Lancia for the interiors of the Thema serves as confirmation that Alcantara is now widely used within the automotive sector.
1994
– The Applications Development Centre is established, dedicated to the in-house development of ad hoc solutions and technical applications.
1995
– Definitive share transfer from the Eni Group to the Toray Group for a total of 100%. Soon after, the Toray Group sells 30% to the Mitsui Group.
1998
– The first operation to double production capacity at the plant begins.
2000
– Launch of the first style diversification initiatives. These represent the earliest incarnation of the Style Office.
2002
– Completion of the second operation to double production capacity.
2004
– The collaboration with Nokia marks Alcantara's entry into consumer-electronics applications.
2009
– Alcantara is one of the first companies in Europe to obtain carbon neutrality certification (cradle-to-grave), through a major review and modernisation of its processes which will manage to significantly reduce the Company's CO2 emissions.
2010
– The first Alcantara S.p.A. Sustainability Report is published.
– An intensive process of globalization is launched.
2011
– A phyto-treatment plant is installed at the production site in Nera Montoro.
– The first collection of finished products appears under the subsidiary A’alcantara brand.
– Carbon neutrality is extended to include the entire life cycle of the product, including the use and disposal phases (cradle-to-grave) and the emissions associated with corporate activities.
2012
– Launch of operations at the new cogeneration plant, which enters into service on 1 January 2013.
2013
– Launch of a new project aimed at reducing the environmental impact and energy consumption of the production process.
2014
– Launch of water footprint analysis.
– First International Symposium on Sustainability in the global automotive industry, "Sustainability and the new automotive value chain".
– Alcantara S.p.A. confirms its commitment to the CDP, subscribed as an FCA supplier.
2015
– Completion of the first phase (industrial-scale test) of the project rolled out in 2013.
– Launch of research activities into raw materials extracted from renewable sources (bio-based).
– The second International Symposium on Sustainability, “The Automotive Ecosystem on the Global Road to Sustainability: The Asian Perspective”.
2016
– The third International Symposium on Sustainability, held in Tokyo: "Sustainability and Corporate Value".
2017
– Announcement of the "IACI" (“Increase Alcantara Capacity Installed”) project, designed to double the Company’s production capacity within five years through an expansion programme.
2018
– The fourth International Symposium on Sustainability, “Coping with climate: Global Warming and Decarbonization”
2019
– IACI project: a new production plant is set up, to reduce the environmental and energy impact.
– 2019: 5th International Symposium on Sustainability “Climate HOW: How to Engage Society and Deploy Decarbonization”.
– 10th anniversary of Carbon Neutrality status.
2023
– Launch of the special version of Alcantara® made of 68% of certified post-consumer recycled polyester. For this version, Alcantara obtained from ICEA the certification of conformity with the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), developed by Textile Exchange.
– The subscribed and paid-in share capital of Alcantara is broken down as follow: 70% TORAY INDUSTRIES INC.; 30% MN INTER-FASHION, LTD.
2025
– Alcantara takes center stage at the Italy Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, enriching some of the most evocative spaces with installations ranging from partitions inspired by Japanese noren to theatrical red curtains, creating a unique experience that delights both sight and touch.
Eugenio Lolli
President and CEO of Alcantara S.p.A.
Since 2023, Eugenio Lolli has led Alcantara S.p.A. as Chief Executive Officer and in 2024 he was also appointed President of the Company.
Under his leadership, Alcantara continues to strengthen its international path as a global luxury brand, distinguished by the uniqueness of its material and an identity that combines innovation, design and Made in Italy culture.
GOVERNANCE AND CERTIFICATIONS
Integrity, Fairness, Transparency and Quality
Compliance with laws and the development of a sustainable business model are fundamental and non-negotiable principles for Alcantara, forming the foundation of its Organizational Model.
To make this a concrete reality, we are constantly guided by our Code of Ethics, where principles of legitimacy, integrity, fairness, and transparency are essential.
A strong focus on material quality recognized by millions of users worldwide and certified by leading international organizations also inspires our daily commitment.
