Reset

How do you currently perceive sustainability in the fashion industry?

Jochen Smuda & Martin Fussenegger, founders of Ucon Acrobatics: Just two or three years ago, sustainability was the dominant topic at trade fairs - visible, relevant, at the center of discussions. Today? To be honest, the focus has shifted. Instead of responsibility, price and speed count again. We find this not only disappointing, but also extremely short-sighted. Of course, the global situation is complex. But that's exactly why we need to think long-term and not go backwards. We have converted our entire production chain to a circular economy. This was not a marketing project, but a decision with consequences. There is no way back for us. The future is circular. Period.

You have set out to present a counter-design to the previous statement. You are driving progress in fashion. Looking back, what are you particularly proud of?

When we started with recycled PET backpacks ten years ago, it was almost a risk. Sustainability was seen as expensive, complicated and supposedly uninteresting. Today, everyone is talking about impact. We talk about action. We never waited for investors, never waited for permission. We did it - step by step, series by series. Today we are at a point where our entire collection is made from recycled textiles - not just the outer material, but every detail.

Over 90 percent recycled content per product. Made possible by three different recycling processes: mechanical, depolymerized, downcycled. We recycle openly, honestly and open to technology. Not because it sounds good, but because it's necessary. We are proud of the fact that we are not just talking about change and that we have found partners who will go along with us - against all odds.

What will the new season bring and what points are on your agenda for the near future? 

The next season is not a facelift, it's a reset. We are radically reorganizing our collection. New materials, new models, new standards. Anything that isn't better, more recyclable or more functional will be dropped. No more compromises.