
MATERIALS
We choose materials that are best suited for the intended use of our products and can be trusted in tough wilderness conditions. Firstly, the materials we use must be durable, easy to maintain and as environmentally friendly as possible.
Different recycled materials have been used in our collections for decades. For example the cotton-polyester blend we use is made from organic cotton and recycled polyester, the raw material for which comes from used plastic bottles. Our classic Sarkawool consists of recycled wool, which is old wool waste that has been torn into fibres and then remade into fabric. Our merino wool items consist of mulesing-free merino wool, which guarantees better living conditions for sheep. Finally, most of the cotton we use is organic.
We try to also look beyond just the materials we use, and as an example, the cardboard boxes used as packaging material are partly made from recycled materials - and in our own operations, we re-use boxes as much as we can.
We work hard to minimize the use of substances, that are harmful to the environment. We have been phasing out the use of long-chain perfluoroalkyl compounds in the material finishes (so-called C8 finishes) for many years. Many of our products have already a C0 finish (PFC free) and our goal is to move to it step by steps, as material suppliers are able to offer us such options. We also keep a close eye to avoid material loss and carefully plan the use of all the materials we procure.
We are constantly investigating the availability of various new materials and their suitability for our needs and for the type of garments we produce. Whenever possible, we switch to more environmentally friendly materials, unfortunately they are not yet available for all needs. For example, virgin polyester is still widely used in hunting products, as we have not found suitable alternatives made from recycled materials. Our suppliers continuously keep developing more responsible materials and give us a an even wider range of responsible material alternatives to choose from. That allows us to keep improving on the amount of responsible materials used, without making compromises on the quality and function of our clothes.
The proportions of different raw materials in the fabrics we used in 2023:
Fibre | % |
Polyester | 36,43 |
Recycled polyester | 24,37 |
Organic cotton | 13,13 |
Recycled wool | 12,14 |
Cotton | 5,34 |
Other fibres | 2,23 |
Polyamide | 2,21 |
Wool | 1,95 |
Recycled polyamide | 1,48 |
Merino wool | 0,72 |
You can find more detailed information about the materials we use, their origin and certificates on our Materials page.
REPAIR SERVICE
Extending the lifespan of a garment can significantly reduce its carbon footprint. Therefore it is especially important to us that our products wear well against both time and use.
We have also provided a repair-service for our products throughout its history, since 1969. If the garment breaks down, or needs smaller repairs, we advise you to repair the product rather than discarding it or buying something new. More information about our repair service can be found here.
Alongside repairs, caring for your products is as important to extend the life of a garment. Detailed care instructions for Sasta products can be found on our website - and by following these instructions, you can extend the life of your clothes even further.
Nearly all Sasta products are manufactured in the EU, with a minority produced in selected factories in China and India. Thanks to our established supplier relations, we are confident that the products are produced responsibly and meet our high-quality criteria. We continuously work together with our partners to ensure best practices, while also monitoring them.
Sasta Q. 33
Sasta Q.33 fabric is used in a variety of trekking, hunting and outdoor clothing. The composition of the fabric is 65% recycled polyester and 35% organic cotton. The paraffin wax finish on the surface of the fabric gives more body to the fabric and makes it dirt-repellent. Thanks to the PFC-free C0 (PFC Free) Nikwax Cotton ProofTM treatment, Sasta Q.33 fabric is water-repellent. Sasta Q.33 fabric is durable despite its light weight. The fabric also protects against wind and mosquitoes and is highly breathable.
Garments made of Sasta Q.33 can be retreated by Nikwax Cotton ProofTM when needed. Please explore more about retreatment https://www.nikwax.com
Wool
Wool is a breathable material with excellent thermal insulation properties. It absorbs and transfers moisture effectively, without ever feeling wet. It is the only fibre that keeps you warm even when it is wet. Wool has natural water- and dirt-repelling properties, and it is easy to keep clean by airing.
Recycled Wool
Recycled wool is made from recycled fabrics and old scraps of knitwear, spun together with virgin fibres using the traditional recycling techniques of Italy´s Prato Green district. Recycled Wool is virtually water repellent and washable field wool. The material is highly breathable, warm and wind resistant fabric due its boiled and tightly woven structure. We are using Recycled Wool in various “SARKA” wool jacket and trousers, and wool flannel shirts.
Ventile® ECO Organic
Ventile® ECO Organic is made from sustainably grown organic certified cottons that have not been exposed to pesticides or chemical fertilisers and use low-impact processing methods and materials. Ventile Organic is woven from premium extra-long-staple cotton that represents only 0.04% of the overall cotton produced worldwide. This unique fully twisted cotton yarn increases garment durability and lifespan. This reduces the unnecessary frequency of consumer purchases, limiting the negative impact of textiles production upon the environment. Ventile Organic is produced using PFC free Durable Water Repellency (DWR).
Ventile® is a densely woven, very breathable and durable fabric from 100% cotton. Ventile® is not coated or laminated. Instead, the cotton fibres swell when wet, making the fabric tight and water-repellent. Thus the fabric provides excellent protection against wind, rain, snow, and cold.
www.ventile.co.uk
Polartec® Thermal Pro®
Technical fiber compositions maintain a soft texture and air pockets for thermoregulation and breathability. Knit with premium polyester yarns, Thermal Pro® is cozy, resilient, and stylish. The products made of Thermal Pro® can be used as a mid-layer or as its own. Sasta is using Thermal Pro® fleece fabric which is made of 77 % recycled polyester (pet bottles).
Kenytex®
Kenytex® is a hardwearing fabric made of polyester and Kevlar® brand fabric. This super protective material, with superior strength and durability is made of 93 % polyester, 7 % Kevlar®. The material is easy to care, and is water, oil and soil repellent.
Organic cotton
Cotton is a soft, breathable material that absorbs moisture extremely well. Organic cotton is produced without harmful fertilisers, with minimal effect on the environment.