Mainetti Mourns the Passing of Founder Romeo Mainetti

Romeo Mainetti | Credit: Mainetti

It is with great sorrow that Mainetti announces the passing of its founder, Romeo Mainetti, on 6^th September, 2025, at the age of 97.

In 1961, together with his brothers Gianni, Luigi, and Mario, Romeo established Mainetti, which has since grown into a global enterprise and a leader in sustainable packaging and circular economy solutions. Through his technical expertise, vision, and unwavering sense of responsibility, Romeo laid the foundation for Mainetti’s guiding values of respect, integrity, and social responsibility.

A gifted automobile mechanic, Romeo first envisioned Mainetti while working at the Marzotto Corporation in collaboration with the textile pioneer Count Gaetano Marzotto. Observing the growing challenges in the fashion industry, particularly the sourcing of garment hangers, Romeo partnered with his brother Mario, who was working at a plastics company at the time, to formulate a new hanger design – one that could be mass-produced through injection moulding. This innovation replaced the bulky, expensive wooden hangers that had historically dominated the industry, taking the first step to transform the apparel industry. Together with Gianni and Luigi, the brothers built a company rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability.

Romeo’s influence also shaped Mainetti’s long-standing commitment to community and corporate social responsibility. From youth cycling initiatives in Northern Italy in the 1960s to modern programs such as Happy Mainetti – involving the Community Garden Project launched in 2024 and the Mainetti Academy which aims to bridge the gap between education and employment – his legacy continues to champion the wellbeing, development, and future of people and communities worldwide.

Roberto Peruzzo, CEO of Mainetti, has commented: “The passing of Romeo is a profound loss for the Mainetti family and for all who had the privilege of knowing him. As a company founded on the brothers’ principles of respect, integrity, and innovation, Romeo was a driving force behind Mainetti’s growth and vision. His work not only helped transform the apparel industry toward a more sustainable and innovative future but also instilled in our company a deep responsibility to care for our people, our communities, and our planet. While today we mourn his loss, we remain steadfast in our commitment to honouring his legacy, which will continue to guide Mainetti for generations to come.”

Today, Romeo’s values live on in the work of Mainetti’s 6,000 colleagues across 90 locations worldwide, each of whom carries forward the principles he and his brothers established more than six decades ago.

On behalf of the entire company, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Mainetti family and express our deepest gratitude to Romeo for his extraordinary vision and the inspiration he continues to provide.

Source: Mainetti

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