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The brand had long relied on synthetic materials like polyester to stay price-competitive, but growing scrutiny and internal leadership changes pushed them to rethink this model.
Without a Material Strategy or any clear guidance, design and product teams had no tools for assessing materials from a sustainability perspective. They didn’t fully understand the social or environmental impacts of their current fibres and lacked knowledge of viable alternatives.
We kicked off with a collaborative workshop designed to build knowledge across design and product teams. Through activities and guided discussions, we introduced impact categories (covering social, environmental, and chemical dimensions) and helped teams evaluate materials through a sustainability lens.
One key insight from the workshop: no material is perfect. That message shaped the index. We created a clear, four-tier categorisation system tailored to the brand’s current usage, including over 50% synthetic, and future ambitions. Instead of banning synthetic materials outright, we focused on a structure that allowed gradual improvement and realistic decision-making.
The workshop included case studies from other brands and highlighted next-gen innovations, helping the team understand both risks and opportunities.
The workshop was essential. It brought key teams into the process, built understanding around why materials matter, and created early buy-in for the final material index.
We didn’t create a generic list of dos and don’ts. We mapped their current usage, understood their constraints, and designed an index that could evolve over time, starting from where they are, rather than where others think they should be.
The strategy didn’t just rank materials, it sparked ideas. The client’s Head Designer, Creative Director, and Buyer all described the tool as inspiring.
The Material Index is now an internal reference point across departments. It provides structure for sourcing conversations, encourages more thoughtful decision-making, and offers a credible path away from synthetic dependence, all while keeping the door open for gradual change and future revisions.
Over 60 materials were analysed and ranked by Bergstrand
A Material Strategy can do more than categorise fibres; it builds internal knowledge, drives cross-team alignment, and creates a shared language for impact.
At Bergstrand, we build tailored material tools that balance impact, design, and commercial realities. Whether you’re transitioning away from synthetics, exploring next-gen fibres, or just starting your journey, we make change feel both possible and inspiring.
Materials and treatments are at the heart of every product. Bergstrand helps brands navigate these choices through clear guidance, structured tools, and practical workshops that embed sustainability into design and development.
Read now →Our methods have been tried and tested with some of the world’s most respected brands.
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