The Spread Group has made it its mission to actively address the challenges of the fashion industry and to pursue more sustainable approaches to producing and distributing apparel. Issues such as high return rates, overproduction, and the responsible use of resources have shaped the industry for years. With its brands, the Spread Group relies on innovative solutions to counter precisely these developments. Thanks to its print-on-demand model, the Spread Group only produces items once customers actually place an order. This business model prevents overproduction from the outset and thus contributes significantly to a more conscious use of materials and energy. Another crucial factor is the particularly low return rate of only around 2 percent – a figure that clearly demonstrates that sustainability and customer satisfaction are compatible.

Against this backdrop, the investment in the fashion-tech startup SAIZ is a perfect fit. In April 2023, the Spread Group, through its newly founded VC unit Spread Ventures, invested in SAIZ as lead investor. SAIZ addresses one of the biggest sustainability challenges in the industry: the immense resource consumption caused by returns. Incorrect purchases not only result in unnecessary transport but often also in the destruction of clothing – a practice that is becoming increasingly unacceptable in times of climate crisis and resource scarcity. “With our technology, brands can make better decisions even before production begins and work more efficiently in sales. This has a direct impact: less waste, less overproduction, more customer satisfaction. For us, sustainability is not an add-on but an integral part of our business model,” says Svenja Tegtmeier from SAIZ.

The solution developed by SAIZ tackles exactly this issue. Using a Product AI and the so-called SAIZ Neural Graph, millions of data points from customer feedback, orders, and product designs are linked. This results in precise predictions for the right fit, reducing returns by around 30 percent on average. “Every avoided return saves packaging, transport, and resources – proof that ecological and economic sustainability can go hand in hand,” emphasizes the SAIZ management.

Julian de Grahl, CEO of the Spread Group, sees this focus as clear evidence of the industry’s future viability: “The combination of our print-on-demand model – meaning production only when a customer orders – our extremely low return rates, and data-driven solutions like those from SAIZ is a strong signal for the future. We show that sustainable business practices and technological progress are not contradictions – they actually reinforce each other.”

Looking ahead, the ambition is clearly defined: SAIZ aims to become the standard for sizing and fit in the fashion industry and thus create the foundation for overproduction and mass returns to become a thing of the past. The next step is the evolution toward agentic intelligence—systems that not only provide recommendations but also independently prepare decisions and optimize processes.

For the Spread Group, SAIZ is therefore more than just an investment. It is a clear commitment to the idea that innovation, responsibility, and economic success belong together in the fashion industry – and that technology can play a decisive role in solving one of the industry’s biggest sustainability challenges.

The Spread Group is consistently continuing its expansion course in the B2B sector and is taking over Berlin-based BerlinTextil, an established provider of screen printing and embroidery finishing. With this acquisition, Spread Group strengthens its production capacities and expands its technology leadership in the textile finishing sector. BerlinTextil will continue to operate as an independent brand and business unit under the Spread Group umbrella, ensuring that customers continue to receive the high-quality services they are accustomed to. BerlinTextil’s existing business will continue seamlessly.
“This acquisition is an important step for the further development of our B2B business,” explains Dr. Julian De Grahl, CEO of Spread Group. “With BerlinTextil as part of our company, we gain valuable expertise and expand our portfolio of modern finishing technologies to offer customized solutions at the highest quality level, especially to corporate and live entertainment customers.”

The acquisition includes BerlinTextil’s existing infrastructure and experienced team and secures Spread Group direct access to specialized finishing techniques, including screen printing, laser engraving and advanced embroidery techniques. The integration of these technologies creates the basis for further growth in the Spreadshirt Pro and SPREADlive business units and strengthens Spread Group’s position as a leading B2B provider of individualized merchandise and teamwear solutions.

About Spread Group

Spread Group is a global provider of individualized fashion and lifestyle products. With the brands Spreadshirt, Spreadshirt Pro, Teamshirts, Spreadshop, and SPREADLive Spread Group offers consumers, companies and content creators digital services for the individualization of fashion and lifestyle products. This includes not only product design, marketing and sales via marketplaces and online stores, but also production, payment processing, worldwide shipping and customer service. The made-to-order pioneer was founded in Leipzig in 2002, today operates four production sites in the USA and Europe and has an annual turnover of around 170 million euros. The Spread Group has over 20 million customers worldwide in over 170 different countries.

We are thrilled to announce that Spread Group is now proud partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the most iconic teams in the NFL! With their rich history and passionate fanbase, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the perfect partner to help Spread Group extend its influence, not just locally in the Greater Pittsburgh community but across the globe.

What Does This Sponsorship Mean for Spread Group?

As an official sponsor, Spread Group will enjoy some exciting benefits, including:

– Spreadgroup Ads at Steelers Home Games: Look out for our brand at Acrisure Stadium, where Spread Group will be showcased at every Steelers home game!

– Supporting Youth Football: We are thrilled to partner with the Steelers in their youth football development programs. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering talent and building communities.

– Empowering Girls in Sports: A highlight of this partnership is our joint effort to make Girls Flag Football a varsity sport. Spread Group is proud to be a driving force behind this initiative, promoting inclusivity and growth in sports.

– Spread Group-Sponsored Coaches Clinic: Supporting the next generation of coaches, Spread Group will sponsor clinics that train and mentor football coaches at all levels.

– Local TV Spot: As part of the sponsorship, we’ll be kicking things off with an exciting new TV spot!

Taking Our Partnership Global: Establishing Roots in Germany

This sponsorship goes beyond the United States! In March, the Pittsburgh Steelers were awarded a ‘Global Markets License’ in Germany, allowing them to connect with fans and host in-person events like youth football programs. Spread Group is excited to support the Steelers as they build their brand in Germany, and we look forward to further expanding our own global reach alongside them.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we embark on this thrilling journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Together, we’ll continue to inspire, innovate, and grow.

The Spread Group continues its mission to drive sustainable innovations by partnering with biotech start-up Living Ink. The goal is to reduce the use of petrochemicals in our products and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.

Living Ink is a pioneer in developing sustainable algae technologies to create products free of petroleum derivatives that even have a negative CO2 footprint. A groundbreaking innovation is their Algae Black™, a black pigment derived from algae that offers a safe and eco-friendly alternative to conventional screen-printing inks.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Living Ink and use their algae-based ink in our products,” says Julian de Grahl, CEO of the Spread Group. “The partnership allows us to offer our customers high-quality products that are not only durable but also make a positive contribution to the environment.”

As the start of this collaboration, Spread Group sponsored crew shirts for the MACHN Festival in Leipzig last year as a test. Due to the positive feedback, the company will present more shirts with the CO2-negative ink at the Rock am Ring and Rock im Park festivals in June this year. However, the ink can be used not only on textiles but also, for example, on cardboard, highlighting its versatility. In addition to Spread Group, renowned brands like Adidas, Nike, and Patagonia have also used Living Ink’s innovative color. Their Algae Ink™ products are sustainable and also characterized by their resistance to UV light and their high color density.

“Our goal is to revolutionize the fashion and merchandise sector by integrating eco-friendly technologies like those from Living Ink,” says de Grahl. “Through our partnership, we want to support young companies dedicated to innovation and sustainability.”