FAQ
I received CAPEBAG. How do I unpack it? You´ll find CAPEBAG folded in its bag shape when it comes from the manufacturer. The first time, it only needs a good shake to unfold!
How do I fold CAPEBAG back in the bag?
What is the material made of? The water-repellent sheets are derived from the agricultural sector and are made of cereals. This 1st edition of CAPEBAG is made with custom produced sheets which haven´t been there before with these exact parameters. They are made to be thick enough to be of multiple use, yet thin enough to be compostable in a certified time frame.
Will CAPEBAG decompose while in use? The material will show a mild ageing effect over time, but will never decompose while in use. It is more likely that a seam breaks due to high pressure or pulling, than the material itself getting too weak.
How long will it last? The product can last many seasons or even years, when treated with gently. When used occasionally, e.g. on your way from and to work and during cultural activities, you can use CAPEBAG for years. Or you take it to a music festival, wear it days long under pouring rain and with intensity. After such heavy use, the rain cape might either be repaired or stay at the festival. And there can be anything inbetween.
What can I do to prolong the life span? Wear and care: do not squeeze. Do not store on heating. Do not pull the arm openings hard, they might rip otherwise. Avoid wearing backpacks over CAPEBAG, better wear them underneath. Hang CAPEBAG up to dry after use. Fold back into bag shape or easily hang it on its handles. Use Repairkit, when needed.
Repairkit? We provide round stickers to fix CAPEBAG on the road. Place it on the broken seam or damaged area, press it, and go.
Logo Repair sticker
How to dispose of CAPEBAG after use? The material is certified compostable in industrial compost and biodegradable in soil. If applicable in your area, you can dispose of CAPEBAG in the organic waste bin. Please check your local waste separation rules! Another suggestion: burry it in soil (e.g. large house or balcony plant pot) and have some patience- it takes time, but not centuries. We are curious to hear about your experiences. Email to info@weatherunderground.de
Where does the material come from? The biodegradable sheets are made by a packaging film company in Germany (ISO9001 certified).
Who manufactures CAPEBAG? A family business in Thuringia, Germany, who, thanks to their expertise and creativity is a key partner to our business now.
What is the material certification about? The material is certified OK biodegradable in SOIL and OK compost Industrial (EN13432 and EN14995)- by TÜV Austria, which is an independent organisation.
How to buy? For now, you can buy here online on our Website. In Berlin, find it at Pro qm bookstore in Mitte. In the future, our products shall pop up whenever you need them, on festivals, in concept stores, museumshops, bookstores.
Can I return? Kindly notify us directly in case of any problem or a quality issue. Please consider the environment, when you decide wether to return a purchase and therefore ship it again.
Where do you ship to? We ship within Germany and Europe. If your country is not listed during checkout, please contact us directly. We are happy to ship outside Europe, in case of a minimum order of 10 pieces. Order together, ship less.
How do you package? CAPEBAG itself comes wrapped in its tube collar with handles and can therefore be purchased without packaging. For shipments, we are working on custom mailers for CAPEBAG orders in the exact size of the product. We intend to recycle the scraps from our production facility. Stay tuned for updates. Meanwhile we use available envelopes certified OK compostable and small cardboard boxes for orders of minimum 2 pieces.
Why are bio plastics a step forward for fashion? Fashion´s supply chain is oversaturated with synthetic materials and toxic dyes. On top of that, every item is packaged in seperate plastic bags, like no tomorrow. With plant based plastics, we attempt to offer a much better alternative to waterproof, functional garments which are conventionally made of and wrapped in fossil fuel plastics.
What’s the benefit compared to recyclable plastic in current rainwear? Bioplastics are not one kind of material, but there are many kinds- we choose the parametres we find meaningful for functional and stylish products and transfer the best performing, currently available sheets to the sophisticated fashion design sector. Recycling is not a great solution for fashion, as it is commonly not fossil-free and highly mobile microplastics are released during production / while in use / in the laundry etc.
Who is doing this? Weather Underground is founded by fashion and product designer Verena Michels, who has previous work experience in the fashion and cultural sector. Everything has been pulled together by an extended network of colleagues, experts, supportive friends and business partners.
Special Thanks to manufacturer Sven Kral and family, tax consultant Stephan Theunissen, communications manager Christian Busch, communications designer Janina Vöcklinghaus who made Weather Underground´s logo, finance expert Ines Hecker, brand ambassador and accountant Andreas Liehmann, Stephan Michels and Andrea Álvarez Menéndez.
Where do you operate? Weather Underground is a nomadic concept that easily transits borders. The designer is currently situated in the transdisciplinary OH Studio in Berlin Schöneberg.
Where can I connect with you? Please find Weather Underground also on Instagram, Not Just A Label and Facebook or send us a message by Email.