Please introduce yourself briefly.

I'm Daniel, the founder and owner of WASNI, an inclusive hoodie manufacturer in Esslingen. WASNI stands for our company motto, "When Being Different Is Normal." As a company operating in the mainstream labor market, we employ people with and without disabilities equally. We produce individually designed hoodies, sweaters, pullovers, and jackets. Colors and all elements can be freely chosen—we tailor each piece precisely to the measurements and needs of our customers.

How long has your brand existed and how long have you been working with clothing made from natural materials?

We are now entering our 10th year. We started in 2015 with three people; now WASNI employs around 17 people and we sew approximately 7,000 hoodies per year. We have worked closely with Lebenskleidung from the very beginning.

How does your business model work and why does this particular model make sense for you?

We purchase our fabrics either directly from the manufacturer or through Lebenskleidung, depending on selection and availability. Customers choose colors and fabrics from the Lebenskleidung range. Production is made to order, and billing is handled by Lebenskleidung. This allows us to operate very flexibly and sustainably. We source approximately 80% of our fabric directly from Portugal; in addition, we have colors that are produced specifically for us.

What advantages does this offer you?

We can also order smaller quantities directly from the manufacturer and simultaneously benefit from Lebenskleidung's expertise and capacity – for example, in supplier selection, quality assurance, or certifications. We don't operate in a traditional supplier-customer relationship, but rather as equal partners. Direct deliveries eliminate intermediate storage, which also offers financial advantages.

What transformation has your brand undergone and how can Lebenskleidung support you even better in the future?

Our core business is inclusive employment. We demonstrate that people with and without disabilities can work together on an equal footing in the regular, socially insured primary labor market. At the same time, we recognize our responsibility to make further progress in the environmental sector. Sustainability in production is a given for us, but we want to develop our fabric selection even more consistently. Lebenskleidung supports us in finding new fabrics, identifying trends and innovations, and jointly advancing sustainable solutions.