Mac
From Blue to Green
For more than 50 years, Mac has been synonymous with expertise in trousers. Responsible production and a conscious material strategy form the core of our daily activities—sustainable in economic, ecological, and social terms. This results in innovative strength that has an impact far beyond the region.
Text: Lisa Hollogschwandtner. Photos: Mac, Naomi Baumgartl
A narrow, winding path leads from the parking lot to Mac's headquarters in Wald/Roßbach. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Upper Palatinate, the architectural concept of the company headquarters feels like a deep breath of fresh air. Only three materials dominate the building: untreated wood, marble, and glass. It is a façade that has nothing to hide. The building thus serves as a physical manifestation of the company's values of transparency, credibility, and responsibility.
Inside, around 500 people from twelve countries have been working on the perfect pants since 1973. What is remarkable is that 90 percent of the workforce is female. It is a close-knit team that operates independently of banks and is growing healthily. While the heart of creation beats in Wald/Roßbach – from design to the first prototypes in the in-house sewing room – another 5,000 employees in production facilities in Europe and neighboring countries bring the collections to life. Over 1,000 designs are developed here every year, divided into six women's, six men's, and two Daydream collections.
But for Mac, quantity is not a value in itself. The focus is on how. The company takes a holistic approach to sustainability: economic, social, and ecological. The latest proof of this pioneering spirit is the German Sustainability Award for Products 2026. Mac was honored for Mac Circular Nettle Denim—the first industrially developed jeans made from nettle fibers. "With Mac Circular Nettle Denim, we are showing that true innovation is only relevant if it combines nature and technology in a meaningful way," explains Eveline Schönleber, managing partner. For her, the award is more than just a trophy: it is a sign of geopolitical independence in terms of resources and confirmation for the team that "works tirelessly to make textile innovations marketable."
This award is a milestone in the "From Blue to Green" strategy. Whether hemp, linen, or now nettles, Mac has long been experimenting with alternative fiber raw materials. While 20 bee colonies go about their work outside on the company's own flowering meadows, inside, the future of the clothing industry is being worked on quietly, consistently, and at its own pace.
