Substanz uses materials that combine technology and nature to create low-impact solutions for the fashion industry. Our suppliers in production and research use fields like material science, biotechnology, and environmental science to develop innovative textiles and processes that reduce waste and use resources efficiently. We prioritize materials that have certifications proving their impact through data-driven assessments and lifecycle analyses.

The concept of decoupling in sustainable fashion refers to separating economic growth from environmental harm. This means reducing the fashion industry's environmental impact while still thriving economically. Substanz’s decoupling strategy includes:

• Resource Matters

  : Using midfully grown and harvested renewable materials or those made from food and fashion industry waste to reduce reliance on finite resources and minimize ecological footprints.

• Circular Economy

  : Implementing practices where products are designed for longevity, repairability, and recyclability. Substanz uses only recyclable, non-blended fabrics, minimizes glue in garments to increase repairability, and has agreements for material collection from used garments for recycling. We plan to launch a platform for trading pre-loved Substanz garments.

• Production Efficiency

  : Optimizing design to reduce material waste and producing on a pre-order basis to minimize waste and resource consumption.

• Supply Chain

  : Prioritizing localization and transparency, Substanz collaborates with local craftsmen, artisans, family businesses, and mostly low MOQ European manufacturers. We build strong relationships with our manufacturers, disclose our supply chain, and acknowledge everyone who helps deliver our garments.

• Tackling Consumerism

  : Offering an educational platform to help customers understand the fashion industry's impact and make more informed choices amidst confusing industry claims.

Substanz uses only biodegradable textiles and materials designed to break down naturally and safely when exposed to environmental elements like water, heat, and microorganisms. They are designed to decompose into non-toxic components that enrich the soil rather than contributing to landfill waste. Given that recycling and upcycling industries are underdeveloped in many countries, we decided to rely on natural recycling (biodegradability) as a fallback scenario. While not all the materials we use are compostable, many of them are!

Sustainability is a concept that involves maintaining or improving systems and processes over the long term without depleting resources or causing significant harm to the environment, society, or the economy. While this is what Substanz strives for, achieving absolute sustainability is impossible, as this concept evolves. Therefore, we refrain from labelling ourselves as a sustainable brand to avoid the risk of greenwashing. Instead, we focus on making continuous improvements in our work towards decoupling, low impact and social responsibility.

We choose low-impact materials that are designed to minimize environmental and social harm throughout their lifecycle, from production to disposal.

Substanz is a collaborative brand that makes fashion personal. Why have just one creative director when any customer or partner can be a creator? Our identity isn't tied to the styles we offer but to our purpose and principles. Our styles are produced through a co-creation process with talented individuals from various industries and our customers. We provide anyone the opportunity to work with illustrators and creators to produce unique garments or capsules. This approach allows us to manufacture garments that are cherished and, hopefully, last longer in use.

Substanz doesn’t follow the traditional fashion industry rules of launching predefined collections throughout the year. Instead of starting from design, we begin with the material. Our design is born out of the unique qualities and characteristics of each material, allowing us to create pieces that truly highlight and respect the natural properties of the fabrics we use.

Most of Substanz’s products are customized or customizable, allowing our customers to fit the garments to their unique style rather than follow predefined trends. This approach enables customers to tailor the garment to their existing wardrobe, enhancing personal expression and extending the garment's lifespan.