Sustainability at wunderwerk- responsible fashion right from the start.

For wunderwerk, sustainable fashion does not begin with a single material, a certificate or a green promise. It begins with the question of how a garment is designed and manufactured, how it feels – and how long it can be worn.

For wunderwerk, sustainability means thinking and acting as holistically and with as long-term a perspective as possible, going beyond immediate utility – and deriving a sense of responsibility for the future from this.

Sustainability is by no means a new concept. One of the origins of the term used today dates back more than 300 years: in 1713, Hans Carl von Carlowitz used the term ‘sustainable’ in his work *Sylvicultura oeconomica* in the context of forest management.

Put simply, his basic idea can be summarised as follows: only harvest as much timber as can grow back.

A simple idea that remains astonishingly relevant to this day: thinking long-term and not consuming natural resources faster than they can be replenished.

Since wunderwerk was founded in 2012, design, quality, comfort and responsible manufacturing have been inextricably linked. We develop fashion that impresses in terms of both aesthetics and quality, whilst ensuring that its production is as responsible as possible.

Precisely because the term ‘sustainability’ is now applied to such a wide variety of products and measures, it is crucial for us to take a closer look. A single sustainable aspect does not, in itself, make for a sustainable product.

In doing so, we consider a garment as a whole: from the origin and local sourcing of raw materials, through to yarns and fabrics, dyeing, finishing and trims, right through to the manufacturing process. Nature and the environment, animals and people are all part of the same responsibility.

Our aim is not to view sustainability as an additional selling point. It is part of our ethos and our day-to-day decisions, whether regarding our products, the coffee, the cleaning products we use, or the design and fit-out of our shops.

What does sustainability mean for wunderwerk?

Sustainable fashion means considering all aspects simultaneously.

The classic three-pillar model of sustainability combines three areas:

Ecology

Economy and

Social issues.

For wunderwerk, it is not a question of singling out just one of these areas. Sustainability only emerges when the various impacts are taken into account simultaneously.

This is precisely why individual claims such as ‘organic cotton’, ‘Made in Italy’, ‘fairly produced’ or ‘water-efficient’ are not enough on their own.

A pair of jeans made from organic cotton, for example, is not automatically produced responsibly if problematic chemicals are used in their manufacture.

Production in Italy, Poland or Greece is, in principle, a positive factor for us, but this alone does not say enough about a garment. It is also crucial to consider where raw materials, yarns, fabrics and components come from, how they are produced and processed, and under what conditions the individual production stages take place.

Fair pay is essential, but it does not automatically answer questions about raw materials, water consumption, chemicals or animal welfare. Furthermore, there can be a significant difference between a statutory minimum wage and a wage that actually provides a living.

And a water-saving wash alone does not make a garment sustainable.

For us, the key concept lies in the interplay: nature and the environment, animals and people must be taken into account and respected throughout the entire value chain.

wunderwerk adds a fourth aspect to this perspective: health.

After all, manufacturing affects not only resources and the environment; it also affects the people who produce and process the materials, and ultimately those who wear the clothes against their skin. That is why we do not view health as a side effect, but as an integral part of our vision of responsible fashion.

For us, health does not end with clothing. We extend this commitment to other products in our range as well. That is why, in our wunderwerk stores, you will find a carefully curated range of cosmetics, delicatessen products and dietary supplements from brands and manufacturers that adopt a similarly holistic approach.

Here, too, we pay close attention to quality, ingredients, origin and the responsible use of resources. In this way, our understanding of health is not an isolated aspect of textile production, but rather part of the overall ethos we pursue at wunderwerk.

Sustainable materials and raw materials.

Choosing the right material has a major impact on quality, comfort, durability and a garment’s impact on nature and the environment. That is why we prioritise high-quality, natural and regenerated fibres, and carefully select our materials based on their intended use and comfort.

An essential component of our collections is organic cotton from certified organic cultivation (kbA). We also use selected materials such as TENCEL™ Lyocell, TENCEL™ Modal, organic virgin wool, alpaca and cashmere, utilising their specific properties for different products.

Modal Edelweiss™ from Lenzing in Austria holds a special place in our range. The fibre is produced from local beech wood and was launched – just like wunderwerk – in 2012. When Heiko Wunder was introduced to the fibre at the Premiere Vision fabric fair in Paris in 2012, he was immediately impressed and set about developing these unique fabrics straight away. wunderwerk was thus the first fashion brand to use this fibre, which was new at the time. It is a partnership that remains particularly special to us to this day.

However, we do not simply classify a material as more sustainable based on its name alone. What matters most are its origin and proximity, quality, workmanship, functionality and how durable the finished product can be.

We also take a nuanced approach to synthetic fibres. Where they can be avoided, we do without them. Where a small proportion, for example, significantly improves fit, freedom of movement or durability, we carefully weigh up function against material use. Nevertheless, fibres such as polyacrylic or polyamide are off-limits for us.

As few synthetic fibres as possible, as many as are necessary for the desired function.

You can find out more about our raw materials and their properties on our pages about organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, organic virgin wool, cashmere and alpaca.

Sustainable clothing also means taking a closer look at the processes involved.

A high-quality fabric alone does not make for a responsibly produced garment. That is why we also consider dyeing, finishing, washing and treatment.

This is particularly evident with denim. Conventional washes and distressed effects can be created using processes that place a strain on water resources, the environment and the people involved in production. Since its foundation, wunderwerk has avoided problematic chemicals and processes such as chlorine compounds and potassium permanganate in our denim washes.

At the same time, we use modern washing and finishing techniques to minimise our water and energy consumption as much as possible.

This is also a matter of health: which chemicals are actually used in production, what do people in production – and later the wearers of the products – come into contact with, and which substances can we avoid using from the outset?

For us, it’s not just about what can be detected in the finished garment. It’s just as important which substances aren’t used in the first place during production. After all, responsible textile production affects nature and the environment just as much as the people involved in the manufacturing process.

Sustainable fashion: regionality and local sourcing are integral to our approach.

Wherever it makes sense and is possible, we prioritise short supply chains and a clear European focus. A large proportion of our materials, fabrics and production stages therefore originate in Europe or take place within the EU. For us, it’s not just about the distance in kilometres. Proximity also means being able to better trace supply chains, collaborate with our partners over the long term, and monitor the individual stages more closely – from material development right through to the finished garment.

Particularly in a globalised textile industry, this is a conscious decision on our part. Rather than spreading production stages around the world solely on the basis of the cheapest quote, we favour European partners and established structures wherever this is feasible for the product in question.

However, regionality alone does not make a product any more sustainable than organic cotton or a water-saving wash. Here, too, our guiding principle applies: what matters is the interplay of origin, material, workmanship, transport routes, social conditions, health, quality and durability.

Durability is an essential part of sustainability.

A garment may be made from selected materials and manufactured under good conditions. If the cut, quality or comfort are not up to scratch and it is therefore hardly ever worn, little has been gained.

That is why, for wunderwerk, sustainability always begins with the product itself.

We develop fashion with the aim that it will be enjoyed for a long time, fit well, be comfortable to wear and retain its quality over the long term. Contemporary design rather than short-lived trends, high-quality fabrics rather than random materials, and careful craftsmanship rather than quick replacement.

For us, using resources responsibly also means developing clothing that people will want to wear for as long as possible.

For wunderwerk, therefore, sustainable fashion is not a single state of being nor a label. It arises from many decisions throughout the entire value chain – from the fibre to the finished garment.

If you’d like to know more about how we put this responsibility into practice, you’ll find further information on our materials, our responsible production, our certifications and our approach to denim and resource-saving washes.

Discover fashion that combines design, quality and responsible manufacturing.