Lelia Polini - KEP Italia Interview
KEP Italia are one of the leading helmet providers in the equine industry, bringing technology and innovation in line with style and the latest fashion to offer a unique product to their customers. The Longines EEF Series is delighted to be partnered with KEP Italia as the Series Partner for Safety, we and sat down with co-found Lelia Polini to get to know more about the brand.
“When we founded Kep Italia, our vision was to create the highest quality helmets globally, prioritising safety above all. We aimed to use the best materials and to manufacture the helmets in Italy, which would allow us to control every single piece and aspect of production meticulously.” Lelia told us.
The brands heritage lives and breathes in Italy, with the tag 100% made in Italy a founding principle. The ability to be so close to their production, the designs and materials ensure every helmet in their range has the exact same level of precision, something Lelia is exceptionally proud of.
“Our vision and inspiration remain steadfast. We are as committed today as we were in 2007 to producing top-quality, safe helmets. We take immense pride in maintaining this commitment.”
This commitment isn’t always easy, especially in the current market in which some brands seek to look outside the continent in order to save costs, but it’s a component that is non-negotiable for Lelia and the KEP Italia team.
“Achieving the 100% Made in Italy certification is extremely challenging, and we are honoured to be the only Italian factory manufacturing helmets with this certification. This certification means that every single piece of our helmets is produced and assembled in Italy, ensuring the highest standards of quality and authenticity.”
In line with the production and importance of keeping things local, Lelia has installed a strong culture that respects sustainable business practices. From the on-event displays that are made from recycled cardboard to the processes they implement within the factory, maintaining an awareness of their outputs is key.
“Sustainability is a principle that should be embraced by everyone, though it is often challenging to fully implement.” Explained Lelia. “We recognize the importance of environmental sustainability and strive to minimize any potential risks to it. While the nature of our products sometimes necessitates the use of materials that are not 100% ecological, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact wherever possible.”
Crucially, KEP Italia recognize that true sustainability within our sport is not just a matter of environmental issues. Supporting the people within the sport is also crucial, and this social responsibility comes to life through the KEP World initiative.
“KEP World has achieved a strong global presence. We pay great attention to the world around us and the needs of those around us. Small daily gestures to support the weakest, support for initiatives promoted by young people, involvement in artistic projects. KEP Italia has made social commitment a constant activity, conducted with a pragmatic approach and constructive spirit.”
With so much achieved already, we asked Lelia what she hoped the brand could achieve in the next 10 years. “We hope to continue working together as a cohesive team to achieve our goals. We aim to increase the number of KEP-branded helmets, expanding their reach to provide the best protection for riders worldwide. We understand the critical importance of safety and invest heavily in research to discover new materials that can enhance the durability and resistance of our helmets.”
To read more about KEP Italia and explore their full range of products visit: https://www.kepitalia.com/
