KEP Italia: innovation, safety, and sustainability in equestrian helmets
Stories from the Series: Lelia Polini – KEP Italia
KEP Italia, a leading name in the equestrian helmet industry, continues to stand out for its innovation and style, offering unique products that blend advanced technology with cutting-edge fashion trends. The Longines EEF Series has proudly announced its partnership with KEP Italia as the Safety Partner of the Series and had the opportunity to speak with co-founder Lelia Polini to learn more about the brand.
“When we founded KEP Italia, our vision was to create the highest quality helmets in the world, with safety as our top priority. Our goal was to use the best materials and manufacture the helmets in Italy so that we could meticulously control every single piece and aspect of production,” Lelia explained.
KEP Italia’s heritage is deeply rooted in Italy, with the founding principle of “100% Made in Italy” This proximity to production, design, and materials ensures that every helmet in their range maintains the same level of precision, something Lelia is particularly 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,” she added.
Maintaining this level of quality is not always easy, especially in today’s market where many companies seek to cut costs by outsourcing production overseas. However, for Lelia and the KEP Italia team, the “100% Made in Italy” label is non-negotiable.
“Achieving the 100% Made in Italy certification is extremely challenging, and we are honored to be the only Italian factory producing 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,” Lelia noted.
Beyond local production, Lelia has instilled a strong company culture that respects sustainable practices. From event displays made of recycled cardboard to processes implemented within the factory, environmental consciousness is key.
“Sustainability is a principle that should be embraced by everyone, though it is often challenging to fully implement. We recognize the importance of environmental sustainability and strive to minimize any potential risks to it. While the nature of our products sometimes requires the use of materials that are not entirely eco-friendly, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact wherever possible,” Lelia emphasized.
KEP Italia also understands that true sustainability in equestrian sports is not just about environmental issues. Supporting the people within the sport is equally crucial, and this social responsibility is brought 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, backing initiatives promoted by young people, and involvement in artistic projects. KEP Italia has made social commitment a constant activity, conducted with a pragmatic approach and constructive spirit,” Lelia shared.
Looking ahead, Lelia expressed her hope for the brand’s future achievements. “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 learn more about KEP Italia and explore their full range of products, visit www.kepitalia.com.
