Sustainability strategy
At esther perbandt, sustainability has never been a marketing add-on, but the natural way in which the brand has operated since its foundation. As a small independent label with an atelier, store, and production network in Europe, we have always sought to combine creativity with responsibility. Our strategy has been formally approved by the founder and creative director and is carried out by a compact, hands-on team in Berlin, supported by long-term partners in Europe.
Environmental Responsibility
The starting point of our approach is design itself. All collections are exclusively black, ensuring stylistic timelessness and long-term relevance. Many garments become part of what we call our “eternal collection” – pieces that can be worn, rediscovered, and collected over decades rather than seasons. Production follows the principle of small batches and no overstock. Each style is produced in runs of only ten pieces. Once a size is sold out, customers can order it again as a unique piece, produced in our Berlin atelier at a surcharge. This keeps quantities limited, eliminates the risk of excess stock, and ensures that every garment finds an owner. Unfinished or less successful samples are completed later in the atelier and sold during our annual sample sale – nothing is wasted. We carefully choose and test all fabrics over many years of use. Standardized summer and winter fabrics ensure consistency and allow us to store leftovers for future productions. One of our most frequently used fabrics is woven in Germany, and many carry Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification. For our statement T-shirts, we use GOTS-certified shirts shipped under a non-flight policy. In addition, we buy from deadstock suppliers, giving new life to existing materials. The majority of our production takes place in Szczecin, Poland, only a short distance from Berlin. We transport all fabrics, patterns, and trims together in a single car trip and return with the finished garments and leftover materials, which are reused in Berlin. This avoids unnecessary shipping back and forth and ensures efficient, low-impact logistics. Prototypes and samples are made directly in our Berlin atelier. Our leather goods (belts and bags) are produced in Germany, as are our high-quality zippers and stone nut buttons. We never use plastic buttons – only buttons made of natural corozo (stone nut), which are durable and biodegradable. Packaging reflects our dual commitment to premium brand experience and environmental responsibility. Customer orders are beautifully wrapped without plastic, using only paper-based materials, and every parcel includes a handwritten card with a personal message. Internal shipments, by contrast, are packed with recycled materials to minimize waste. All customer deliveries are shipped via DHL GoGreen, compensating for CO₂ emissions through certified climate projects and reducing emissions through route optimization and electric vehicles.
Social Responsibility
We believe in respectful, fair, and safe working conditions. Our Berlin team consists of the founder, one full-time assistant, one part-time Ukrainian tailor employed since the start of the war, and a long-term freelance pattern maker. In 2025, we committed to forming an all-female team, including interns, as a conscious statement to support women in the design industry, who continue to face structural disadvantages. We have been collaborating with the same suppliers and production partners for many years, ensuring stability, trust, and mutual respect. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind and foster a supportive, inclusive work culture built on transparency and shared responsibility.
Showcases and Events
Our runway shows and performances are also produced with sustainability in mind. We deliberately choose venues like Säälchen, Holzmarkt Berlin, which are already fully equipped with lighting, sound, stage, and furniture. This avoids unnecessary transport and additional construction. We do not use single-use props, and bars work with real glassware only. All waste is sorted according to local regulations.
Customer Engagement
We communicate sustainability in a direct, personal way. Most of our customer interaction takes place either in-store or directly by email, which the founder still answers herself. On our website and social media, we share insights into our philosophy, including the upcoming “Longevity & Care” section that will guide customers on how to preserve their garments for decades. Our care labels also carry a clear message: “Keep your lover from doing your laundry, use them for romance instead” – a reminder that good care is the key to longevity.
Continuous Monitoring
Because of our small structure, sustainability is not a separate department but part of our daily work. Every decision, from fabric choice to transport to customer care, is made with environmental and social impact in mind. We continuously reflect on our practices and adjust whenever possible, always seeking a realistic balance between sustainability and economic viability.
