Our history

We have been looking to the future since 1918

1918

Forestali is founded in 1918 under the name Industrie Chimiche Forestali (ICF) in Maccagno, in the province of Varese, to extract pyroligneous acid from wood.

In the 20's

In the 20s the production of formaldehyde as a derivative of pyroligneous acid begins, first in Maccagno and later at the Sesto S. Giovanni plant.

In the 30's

In the 30s the ICF activity is enhanced with the establishment of Società Italiana Resine SIR for the production of phenolic resins in Sesto S. Giovanni.

1941

In 1941 the production of special impregnated fabrics for the footwear industry begins.

In the 50's

In the 50s the production of adhesives begins.

1983

After SIR is sold, the production of formaldehyde continues in Maccagno and Sesto S. Giovanni until 1983, the year in which Industrie Chimiche Forestali discontinues its basic chemicals production and turns definitively to the upstream segment of the footwear industry.

1984

In 1984 Forestali develops a complete range of adhesives and auxiliary products for sectors other than footwear: DURABOND is born, a full line of technical adhesives for the furniture industry, and at the same time high-quality, easy-to-use adhesives are formulated specifically for export to developing countries. The choice proves successful and DURABOND is present today in Italy, Europe and more than 30 non-European countries.

1987

In 1987 Forestali relocates production from the Sesto S. Giovanni plant to the new plant in Marcallo con Casone, in the province of Milan.

1999

On 31 December 1999 the production of fabrics for toe puffs and counters at the Maccagno plant comes to an end.

Today

Industrie Chimiche Forestali manufactures at its plants in Marcallo con Casone (MI) and Robecchetto con Induno (MI) and markets its products under five distinct brands: Forestali, ABC, Durabond, Morel and Tessitura Langè.