We design the highest performing equipment, built in ways that protect the maximum amount of soil and water.
For over two decades, we’ve obsessed over design innovation, alternative materials and manufacturing processes that produce the highest performing equipment, built in ways that protect the maximum amount of soil and water.
Recycled Materials
Acutely aware of how much plastic ends up polluting the water cycle, the majority of Astral footwear is made with 100% post-consumer recycled materials.
- 64% of our footwear uppers are rPET
- 61% of our footwear liners are rPET
- 22% of our PFD shells are rPET
bluesign®
In 2021, Astral became the first life jacket brand to complete the rigorous bluesign® third-party certification process to become an official bluesign® System Partner.
- 22% of our PFD shells are now made with bluesign® fabric
PFAS
Astral is committed to removing toxic PFAS from all of our products.
- 95% of our footwear is free of PFAS
- 100% of our PFDs will be free of PFAS by 2026
Natural Materials
As a company founded on a farm, we aspire to use more materials that are grown in soil than in plastic barrels. Designing products made of materials like organic kapok and hemp not only reduce our collective reliance on petroleum products, but can have a positive impact on soil quality.
The first of its kind
Ceiba
The most comfortable lifejacket we make also happens to be the most environmentally friendly PFD made today. The front is filled with kapok, a naturally buoyant fiber that feels like down, while the back uses recyclable PE foam for protection. The shell is made from bluesign® certified 100% recycled Polyester.
Nine points of adjustment provide a precise fit. Complete with fleece lined pockets and a zone for clipping hardware this vest is ready for all kinds of paddling adventure.
Inteded use: Whitewater, Tour, Canoeing
Nature First Timeline
2002 /////
Astral introduces four life jackets made from PVC alternatives; recyclable polyethylene, phthalate free NBR, air and organic kapok.
2005 /////
Within 3 years of introducing our PVC-free life jackets, the entire life jacket industry follows Astral away from the use of toxic PVC.
2006 /////
Astral begins using organic kapok for buoyancy within select PFDs.
2008 /////
Astral discontinues the use of highly toxic chloroprene
(aka neoprene).
2012 /////
Astral begins manufacturing high performance footwear that use less glue and heat to manufacture, reducing the industry’s reliance on petroleum-based materials and energy consumption.
2017 /////
Astral introduces footwear made with hemp, which is a naturally antimicrobial material, uses significantly less water to produce, and does not deplete the soil it’s grown in.
2020 /////
Astral begins producing footwear with 100% post-consumer recycled materials.
2021 /////
Astral completes the rigorous bluesign® third-party certification process and becomes a bluesign® System Partner.
