Written by Menswear Style in Interviews on the 15th July 2024

Sheep Inc. is a pioneering clothing brand that uses proprietary technology and supply chain innovation to deliver next generation knitwear essentials with a naturally carbon-negative footprint. Achieved by working with cutting-edge regenerative farms and supply chain partners that run on 100% solar power. Custom built supply chain technology gives real-time insight into production processes and NFC technology is integrated into each supremely soft garment. A tap of the phone shows each garment’s unique digital fingerprint. Giving detailed information about the environmental impact and background about the farms and manufacturers. It even connects you with a sheep from the same farm the garment’s wool is from. Sheep Inc. aims to fundamentally change how we view and purchase clothing. Delivering best-in-class products with a unique customer experience and unparalleled sustainable credentials.

Co-Founders Michael and Edzard are both experienced founders and saw first hand the impact of fashion on the environment. So their journey didn’t begin from a single moment but a series of realisations that the fashion industry's footprint was too heavy a burden for our planet to bear. It was the understanding that they could shift the approach and thinking. To do more, be more. Influenced by both the majestic simplicity of nature and the complex web of our global ecosystem, they were inspired to create a brand that mirrors the balance between the two.

“I was interested in how a fashion brand should behave in regard to the environment. I started the Sheep Included knitwear brand to offer a sustainable offering. The challenge was how to set up the supply chain and set up technology in a smart way. If you look at the real impact of fashion on the environment it is supply chain that creates the most emissions. Not only that but fashion brands don’t really understand their own supply chain. A lot of brands don’t truly know where they’re manufacturing their garments because factories will outsource to others.”

This is a shortened transcribed edit of episode 216 of the MenswearStyle Podcast with Edzard van der Wyck, Co-Founder of natural merino wool clothing brand sheepinc.com. You can listen to the full version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player.

We interview Edzard van der Wyck of Sheep Inc to talk about his knitwear brand and the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry.