WEARABLE SCIENCE
Sourcing the future of fashion
Substanz promotes the bio-based and circular economy by connecting fashion brands with verified bio-based and low-impact materials — from vegan leather alternatives and innovative textiles to specialist trims.
MATERIAL SOURCING
Verified materials, ready to source
Every material is vetted for origin, composition, and certifications before it reaches our network.
MIRUM® is an innovative, 100% bio-based leather alternative developed by Natural Fiber Welding.
MIRUM® delivers the appearance of premium coated leather with a natural, non-plasticky hand feel and no noticeable odour. Best suited for structured bags, small leather goods, belts, and accessories with top machine stitch. Due to its thickness and stiffness, it is not recommended for garments or designs requiring significant drape, heavy pleating, or high seam tension.
Composition: 100% USDA Certified BioPreferred® and completely plastic-free. Made from FSC-certified natural rubber, plant oils, agricultural by-products (including cork, coconut husk, and natural fibres), mineral fillers, and natural pigments.
Biodegradability: Fully biodegradable.
Petroleum Content: Free from petroleum-based PU and PVC.
Durability:ISO durability testing is not currently available. However, MIRUM® has demonstrated strong durability in commercial use and has been successfully adopted by multiple brands, supported by consistently positive long-term user feedback.
Water Resistance: Water-resistant.
Chemistry: Made using natural, non-toxic, petroleum-free pigments and ingredients.
Manufacturing: Produced in Illinois, USA; supplied from a warehouse in Germany.
Smell: Neutral, natural scent with no plasticky odour.
Technical Specification: Thickness 1.2 mm; backing: Lyocell jersey.
Colours / Finishes: Olive Pebbled & Cognac Pebbled.
Engraving: Suitable for laser engraving. Embossing and heat stamping may produce inconsistent results and are not generally recommended.
For B2B orders please get in touch via : info@substanz.team
Elevate™ is an innovative bio-based leather alternative developed by Uncaged Innovations.
Elevate™ Signature Pebble has soft, premium grained leather appearance with a natural, non-plasticky hand feel. Ideal for structured, flat, top machine stitch designs & products with minimal drape. Low stretch.
Composition: 95% bio-based plant content, 5% mineral content. Made from non-food agricultural grain by-products, creating a circular material that does not compete with the food chain. USDA Certified BioPreferred®.
Biodegradability: Fully biodegradable. Contains less than 1% bio-based PU coating, which does not affect overall biodegradability. Third-party biodegradation reports available.
Petroleum Content: Free from petroleum-based PU and PVC.
Durability: Meets key ISO performance standards for the fashion industry. Unlike laminated synthetic leathers, Elevate features a solid grain-protein core (85–90%) and does not peel over time.
Water Resistance: ISO Water Spotting Grade 5; withstands 16 hours with no bubbles or halo formation.
Chemistry: Made using natural, non-toxic, petroleum-free pigments and chemistry.
Manufacturing: Produced in New York State, USA; supplied from a warehouse in Germany.
Smell: Scented - the current production batch features an amber wood fragrance.
Technical Specification: Thickness 0.9–1.1 mm; backing: 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton interlock.
Engraving: Suitable for laser engraving. Embossing and stamping are not recommended.
Sample book is available for 30€ - choose in the Colour / Size drop menu
For B2B orders please get in touch via : info@substanz.team
Elevate™ is an innovative bio-based leather alternative developed by Uncaged Innovations.
Elevate™ Luxe is delivering a soft, supple drape and elasticity. The refined hand feel captures the quality of fine “calf skin”, in a material built for the future. The edition is a new development by Uncaged Innovations and is available only in Onyx Black Napa finish. Suitable for draped, soft designs with medium stretch.
Composition: 95% bio-based plant content, 5% mineral content. Made from non-food agricultural grain by-products, creating a circular material that does not compete with the food chain. USDA Certified BioPreferred®.
Biodegradability: Fully biodegradable. Contains less than 1% bio-based PU coating, which does not affect overall biodegradability. Third-party biodegradation reports available.
Petroleum Content: Free from petroleum-based PU and PVC.
Durability: Meets key ISO performance standards for the fashion industry. Unlike laminated synthetic leathers, Elevate features a solid grain-protein core (85–90%) and does not peel over time.
Water Resistance: ISO Water Spotting Grade 5; withstands 16 hours with no bubbles or halo formation.
Chemistry: Made using natural, non-toxic, petroleum-free pigments and chemistry.
Manufacturing: Produced in New York State, USA; supplied from a warehouse in Germany.
Smell: Scented - the current production batch features an amber wood fragrance.
Technical Specification: Thickness 0.7-0.8 MM; Backing: 100% TENCEL™ LYOCELL interlock
Engraving: Suitable for laser engraving. Embossing and stamping are not recommended.
For B2B orders please get in touch via : info@substanz.team
MIRUM® is an innovative, 100% bio-based leather alternative developed by Natural Fiber Welding.
MIRUM® delivers the appearance of premium coated leather with a natural, non-plasticky hand feel and no noticeable odour. Best suited for structured bags, small leather goods, belts, and accessories with top machine stitch. Due to its thickness and stiffness, it is not recommended for garments or designs requiring significant drape, heavy pleating, or high seam tension.
Composition: 100% USDA Certified BioPreferred® and completely plastic-free. Made from FSC-certified natural rubber, plant oils, agricultural by-products (including cork, coconut husk, and natural fibres), mineral fillers, and natural pigments.
Biodegradability: Fully biodegradable.
Petroleum Content: Free from petroleum-based PU and PVC.
Durability:ISO durability testing is not currently available. However, MIRUM® has demonstrated strong durability in commercial use and has been successfully adopted by multiple brands, supported by consistently positive long-term user feedback.
Water Resistance: Water-resistant.
Chemistry: Made using natural, non-toxic, petroleum-free pigments and ingredients.
Manufacturing: Produced in Illinois, USA; supplied from a warehouse in Germany.
Smell: Neutral, natural scent with no plasticky odour.
Technical Specification: Thickness 1.2 mm; backing: Lyocell jersey.
Colours / Finishes: Cognac Plain & Black Plain.
Engraving: Suitable for laser engraving. Embossing and heat stamping may produce inconsistent results and are not generally recommended.
For B2B orders please get in touch via : info@substanz.team
· LINEARITY · NULL GRAD · LOOMMU · CONFITURE · ESTER CELLUTTI · LUCKY NELLY · IRO · MACNAS · ANJARA · ARTAVAZD · LOUÉ · University of the Arts London · CISL Alumni · Singapore Fashion Council
· LINEARITY · NULL GRAD · LOOMMU · CONFITURE · ESTER CELLUTTI · LUCKY NELLY · IRO · MACNAS · ANJARA · ARTAVAZD · LOUÉ · University of the Arts London · CISL Alumni · Singapore Fashion Council
TRUSTED MATERIAL SUPPLIER & CONSULTANT TO 20+ BRANDS & INSTITUTIONS
CONSULTANCY
Sustainable materials strategy for fashion brands
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Material Selection for Application & Design helps fashion brands navigate the rapidly evolving universe of bio-materials and identify the right sustainable materials for a specific product, design and production process. We assess performance, aesthetics, technical requirements and intended application to find materials that are not only a strong fit for the design, but also support the brand’s environmental fashion goals.
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We help fashion brands to source the complete sustainable materials package for a design — from shell and lining materials to trims, hardware and other components. By combining our knowledge of bio-materials with a trusted network of material producers and suppliers, we help brands find the right materials for their aesthetic, technical and production requirements while supporting their environmental fashion goals.
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From first prototype to final production, we connect brands with our network of 25+ trusted European manufacturers specialising in bags, accessories and garments, with experience working with innovative materials and biomaterials. We support material sourcing, sampling, product development and production coordination, helping you navigate technical requirements, minimum order quantities and quality standards while turning your concept into a production-ready product.
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We offer digital design and textile printing services for innovative and conventional low-impact textiles, combining creative development with technical expertise. We collaborate with four designers and illustrators, each with a distinctive artistic style, to develop original prints and textile concepts tailored to your brand. From artwork and print development to high-quality printing in Como (Italy), we help bring distinctive textile designs to life using carefully selected materials and printing processes.
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We help innovative material and fashion brands build visibility and connect with the right industry audiences through targeted marketing, PR and B2B placement. We collaborate with high-profile fashion stylists and styling influencers, and can arrange product placements in leading magazines and during fashion weeks. With a network of 60+ B2B buyers globally, we help brands generate industry exposure, build commercial connections and create opportunities for market entry and growth.
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We create unique, elaborate prototypes that showcase bio-based leather alternatives in their most compelling form. Designed primarily for showrooms, trade fairs, exhibitions and industry presentations rather than commercial production, each piece is developed to highlight the material’s distinctive qualities, textures and creative potential. From sculptural accessories to statement garments and experimental objects, we transform innovative biomaterials into striking physical showcases that capture attention and communicate their possibilities to brands, designers and industry professionals.
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We hold stock of Orange Fiber® blend fabric suitable for foulards, twillies, blouses and lightweight garments. We can develop bespoke print designs tailored to your brand or collection and produce them directly on Orange Fiber® blend fabric in Como, Italy. From creative concept and digital artwork to final printed textiles, we offer an end-to-end service for distinctive, high-quality Orange Fiber® applications.
From material selection and sourcing to prototyping and production, we help brands make better material decisions and build more reliable supply chains.
TESTIMONIALS
What partners say
"Working with Anastasia is like unlocking a secret superpower. She moves effortlessly between craft, concept, and people — she makes things work."
Revoltech, Material R&D company
"Anastasia, through Substanz, has become a key figure in the world of bio-based materials — one of the only real bridges between emerging materials and production."
Confiture, Independent Brand
"We are truly thrilled with the products – they are beautiful. We're especially pleased because we have worked for a long time to make the material easier to work with and to find someone capable of showcasing it at its best. We believe we have achieved both goals"
Grado Zero, Material R&D company
Frequently Asked Questions
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Substanz promotes the bio-economy and circular economy in Europe by facilitating access to locally & globally produced bio-materials and supporting brands and manufacturers in material decision-making. For EU produced materials, all materials are ordered through Substanz and shipped directly to you from EU producers, making the sourcing process simple and efficient. Samples, colour cards and prototyping quantities from non-EU suppliers are kept in European stock and available for direct purchase. For commercial quantities, we manage the sourcing process, including supplier vetting for sustainable production practices, material selection and supplier coordination.
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Browse our source materials to see what's currently available, or book a consultation if you'd rather talk through your project first. Most brands start with a short call so we can point them to the right materials from day one — no generic catalog browsing required.
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Every material in our network is vetted for origin, composition, and circularity before it reaches a brand. We don't just list suppliers — we understand how each material performs in real production, which is where most self-sourced projects run into trouble later.
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Both. We've worked with material R&D companies developing exhibition pieces, independent designers sourcing fabrics for a single collection, and established brands building full circular economy supply chains.
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A first conversation covers what you're building, what materials you're considering, and where your current sourcing or compliance gaps are — from EU regulatory readiness to supply chain mapping. From there we scope what makes sense for your project.
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This is exactly the gap we exist to close. Every material we work with goes through origin, composition, and certification review before we recommend it — the same audit process we offer as a standalone service if you want to check materials you've already sourced elsewhere.
STAY INFORMED
