Claire Piccinno: Turning Passion into Purpose
If you had the chance to make a change, what would you do? Claire Piccinno – Team Leader for Trimco Group ProductDNA® Traceability shares with us her story – a story of what it means to turn passion into purpose. A true advocate for ethical practices and sustainability, her work at Trimco Group’s ProductDNA® traceability team is driven by expertise, and a deep alignment of personal and professional values. Claire’s story is one of commitment - a commitment to making a difference within the rapidly evolving fashion industry, consumption, and beyond. So, the question is not if you had the chance to make a change – it is what can you do TODAY, to be part of the change?
Claire’s extensive knowledge of traceability, manufacturing, quality and safety makes her exceptional. Her ability to combine her global experiences with a resolute moral compass truly sets her apart.
Knowledge and Expertise Across Borders
Claire’s professional and personal growth are defined by her willingness to explore and adapt. From studying in Spain and Finland to living in bustling cities like Hong Kong and Barcelona, her international experiences have been a masterclass in understanding diverse perspectives.
"Getting out of your comfort zone by living abroad is a good thing. You learn new and positive things, that others are doing," she reflects. These lessons not only expanded her view of the world but also planted the seeds of her passion for sustainability. Whether it was Finland's early adoption of reusable practices or Spain’s advanced waste collection systems, Claire learned how different societies tackle challenges - and she carried these lessons forward.
Her time in the manufacturing and fashion industries exposed her to realities that shaped her career path. Claire recalls witnessing firsthand the unsafe working environments of factories and subpar production standards. “I saw children working, and the conditions were inhumane. I could not accept it and had to act somehow." she says. These eye-opening experiences became pivotal moments that solidified her commitment to prioritizing ethics and safety in everything she does.
From Concern to Advocacy
For Claire, sustainability isn’t just buzzwords or theoretical concepts - it’s a lifestyle choice. A significant turning point came during a family holiday to Italy, where the sight of waste-strewn beaches, which used to be paradisiac, left her heartbroken. Holding her children's hands, she knew she had to act.
"I was deeply disturbed. This wasn’t just an issue of trash on a beach - it was a bigger problem about our lifestyle and the footprint we leave behind," Claire explains. This realization marked the beginning of her zero-waste advocacy.
Together with like-minded parents and a forward-thinking teacher, Claire started delivering interactive zero-waste sessions at schools in France. "The kids were incredible. They loved learning about this. They even taught parents how to change their habits at home," she laughs. This grassroots movement blossomed into a full-fledged NGO – Planete Zero Dechet – where Claire is the President. Today, the organization continues to grow, employing dedicated individuals contributing to driving individual changes within local communities daily.
Through these efforts, Claire has proven that tangible action, no matter how small, can have an incredible ripple effect.
Key Expertise at Trimco Group
Today, Claire brings her wealth of experience and personal conviction to Trimco Group. As a proud member of the ProductDNA® traceability team, she plays an integral role in supporting brands to meet regulatory requirements while rethinking and refining their supply chains.
"What we do with the ProductDNA® solution is perfectly aligned with my values. It’s about ensuring transparency and giving the right tools for brands to operate responsibly," Claire shares. Her expertise enables brands to identify and address challenges, guiding them with care, patience, and technical precision. From navigating new regulatory frameworks to facilitating impactful traceability solutions with different brands around the world, Claire has become a trusted resource within her field.
Working across departments and geographic regions, Claire thrives in the collaborative and inclusive environment at Trimco Group. "I love diversity - different people, different perspectives. It helps us bring nuanced and creative solutions to the table," she says. Her work is a vital part of Trimco’s capacity to offer cutting-edge traceability solutions that empower brands to take meaningful action.
A Vision for the Future
Claire’s ethos is simple but powerful. She believes in tackling challenges methodically, one step at a time. "When change feels overwhelming, breaking it down into smaller steps is key. Everything is achievable if you’re persistent," she advises.
Her expertise extends beyond solving today’s problems. For Claire, the real goal is to create lasting systems that benefit not just the brands she works with, but also their consumers, workers, and more: society, biodiversity and resources of our planet. Her drive to help organizations and individuals see the broader impact of their actions - whether through implementing sustainable practices or waste reduction initiatives - is the kind of vision that inspires those around her.
The Power of Purpose
Claire Piccinno is proof that expertise guided by core values can inspire meaningful change. Her work at Trimco Group’s ProductDNA® traceability team shows how technical skill and ethical ambition can be merged.
Whether she’s engaging with global clients, collaborating with her team, or empowering her community towards sustainability, Claire epitomizes the idea that real impact comes from more than just knowledge - it comes from purpose. Through her actions and unwavering commitment, Claire continues to inspire those around her to rethink, reinvent, and redefine what’s possible.
Claire’s Go-To Advice for Reducing Waste
If you want to embrace change towards more sustainable behaviours as a consumer, here is Claire’s advice:
At the Buying Stage
- Pause and Question: Do you really need it? Can you make do without it?
- Choose Secondhand First: If you do need it, check if you can buy it secondhand instead of new.
At the Usage Stage
- Think Longevity: What can you do to make it last? Follow instructions for care, repair it when needed, and handle it with care.
At the Waste Stage
Before throwing anything away, consider these steps:
- If it’s broken: Can it be fixed? Look for repair shops or reach out to neighbors and friends who might help.
- If you don’t need it anymore: Can you donate it, give it as gift, or resell it? Someone else could find it useful.
- If you don’t like it anymore: Pass it on! Giving it a second life is better than tossing it.
Small changes in habits can lead to big impacts. Your choices matter, and Together, We Act!