Sustainability is the buzzword of the moment, and it’s a fraught space for a fashion brand.

Everything from the fabrics we choose to how we package our goods makes a difference + is an opportunity to make a sustainable choice.

We certainly don’t profess perfection. Truth be told, we're not fans of spraying the word 'sustainable' around - our stance has always been to not contribute to animal exploitation (and the inherent environmental disaster that is industrial animal agriculture) + to work hard to reduce our impact on the earth, always knowing it's impossible to have zero impact.  There are key steps in the design, manufacturing + packaging processes that we feel are crucial to minimising our footprint on the earth. 

Designing with 'vegan' fabrics is a core starting point. We know that using animal leather has a higher environmental impact than using synthetic or bio based fabrics – you can read more on this here + here – so for both ethical + environmental reasons, we choose cruelty free every time.

Our bags are made from virgin, recycled or bio based fabrics, with our latest collection taking us to more than 90% of the range constructed using certified recycled PU coated fabric and/or webbing. 2023 will see us move to zero virgin materials in our offering – it’s a big goal but progress is well underway. Stay tuned.

We also embrace a slower fashion cycle.  We produce just two collections a year, with a small number of styles + many that repeat season after season.  Thoughtful design ensures timeless shapes + practical functionality, which will always last longer in the wardrobe + continue to be worn and loved – not put in landfill. Creating quality products that will be used repeatedly + will last is the essential foundation for sustainability. 

Having taken care to choose thoughtful design, responsible fabrics + a slower cycle overall, we wouldn’t package our products in just anything when sending to customers. The ethos of cruelty free + environmental responsibility has to carry through every touchpoint of a Sans Beast bag.

Our team thoroughly check each + every order that leaves the warehouse and packs it in an undyed, recycled cotton dust bag. We add a product care card – because taking care of things helps them last longer – and postcard printed by local business Print Together, both made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

We then wrap it all in branded tissue from noissue. It’s made from FSC certified recycled materials + printed with soy based inks, and lets us put our cruelty free message front + centre. The noissue stickers add to our sustainable packaging suite – they are made from FSC certified, acid free, lignin + sulfur-free pulp, so they compost without leaving any residue behind.

We are proudly part of noissue’s Eco Alliance, contributing positively to global reforestation with every order we make with them – just like we plant a tree via One Tree Planted for every order our customers make with us. Like-minded brands working together can absolutely make a difference to the planet.

The final step in the sustainability circle is repair + reuse. We've upskilled ourselves in basic repairs, so that we can fix minor wear issues + extend the useful life of Sans Beast pieces. We've also joined with circular wardrobe business AirRobe to enable customers to easily rent or sell their bags after they've finished using + loving them. 

As we continue our responsible business journey - and it is a journey, with materials + technologies constantly evolving - we're very intentional about our choices in design, materials, manufacturing + packaging. We encourage you to support businesses + brands that prioritise the values + ethics that resonate for you.

Look for cruelty free products, recycled materials, the option to repair + recycled or compostable packaging. We can all be conscious consumers + we welcome you to join the revolution.

XO, 

Studio Sans Beast