Italica S.B is going beyond internal sustainability efforts by supporting tangible, on-the-ground environmental and social action through its collaboration with Starboard’s Plastic Offset Program.
Bangkok, Thailand– April 2025 – Italica S.B (Italica), an innovative carbon fiber producer, is proud to announce their commitment to removing plastic from the beaches through Starboard’s Plastic Offset Program (POP). Italica has committed to removing three tonnes of plastic waste from the shorelines through Starboard’s VERRA-certified plastic credits. The collaboration between Italica and Starboard provides a powerful response to plastic pollution while driving essential social impact.
Starboard, renowned for designing the iQFOiL Olympic Windsurfing Class and recipient of World Sailing’s Sustainability Award and the IOC’s Sport Positive award, offers high-quality, verified impact credits through POP. This impact project removes all types of plastic waste within 50 meters of the shoreline on beaches in Myanmar and Thailand, ensuring that it never reaches the ocean.
The impact of the POP initiative goes far beyond plastic beach clean-ups, addressing both environmental and social challenges. Starboard’s program strengthens local waste management systems and provides essential educational training for all ages, from children to adults. In addition to creating job opportunities, the initiative helps meet immediate needs by supplying food and medical supplies. In the wake of Myanmar’s political unrest and the recent earthquake, the POP initiative is helping to rebuild and provide lasting support to those most affected.
Leading by Example: Italica’s Broader Sustainability Efforts
Italica’s commitment to Starboard’s Plastic Offset Program is a natural extension of its broader sustainability mission. Italica has taken bold steps to eliminate plastic from its operations—such as delivering all products in paper-based packaging, operating a zero-plastic vending machine, and removing plastic bottles from its manufacturing process—Italica is now going further by offsetting the plastic that cannot yet be avoided.
Italica’s eco-actions do not stop at plastic. The company is working to become the world’s first climate-positive supplier of carbon parts, powered by a solar roof, and the company is on track to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2025. With a B Corp impact score of 92, ISO 14001:2015 environmental certification, and ISO 30415 certification for gender equality, Italica is setting new standards for sustainable manufacturing. These pioneering actions earned Italica S.B an invitation to speak at a B Corp conference on small businesses.
Plastic Credits as Immediate Eco-Action
Sustainability at Italica is backed by action. Starboard’s plastic credits are certified under VERRA’s Plastic Waste Reduction Standard, ensuring the highest quality of transparency and traceability. Plastic credits offer a verified solution to take immediate action and offset the plastic that cannot yet be removed from operations. Starboard’s credits support educational and livelihood workshops in addition to the removal of tonnes of plastic waste.
Alberto Solza, CEO of Italica S.B, describes the company’s new partnership,
“Starboard has been leading the way on ESG, currently, much bigger organizations, including automotive companies, are requiring what Starboard did as far as 10 years ago. We are extremely delighted to support this project and give our full support to Starboard and our long-time friend Svein Rasmussen. We’ll always be at Starboard’s side on any climate-positive action they take, and we hope more companies join the movement. Italica is the perfect example of how any business entity, even on a small scale, can actively contribute in making the world a better place.”
Svein Rasmussen, Starboard CEO and former Olympic Windsurfer, explains the importance of POP,
“Working with Alberto Solza’s Itallica as a supply partner is a privilege. He makes things happen for a healthier planet, while others still refine powerpoints about future goals. Alberto is demonstrating that sustainability leadership means going further than internal goals—by supporting verified, community-based action through Starboard’s POP.”
Together, this partnership shows that the private sector can make an impact without waiting for government regulations.
Join Us In Accelerating Eco Action:
Starboard encourages the private sector to join the eco-action.
For more information on plastic credits and how you or your company can get involved, please email eco@star-board.com.
About Italica S.B
Italica S.B is a leading manufacturer specializing in the design and production of high-performance carbon fiber components for industries including automotive, motorsport, cycling, drones, and watersports. With over 30 years of experience, Italica combines advanced technology, innovative materials, and sustainable practices to deliver tailor-made solutions. The company is also a proud supplier of carbon masts for the Olympic iQFOiL windsurfing class.
Italica S.B Website: https://www.italica-group.it/en/
About Starboard
Since 1994, Starboard, founded by Svein Rasmussen, has been a leading innovator in windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, wingfoiling, and the Olympic windsurf provider. Starboard has earned recognition for its commitment to sustainability and positive environmental impact through programs like its Plastic Offset Program.
Learn more about the initiative at Starboard Plastic Offset Program.
Starboard’s website: https://star-board.com/
Starboard Blue Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starboard-blue/
