Natural Materials
We proudly use 100% Australian Superfine Merino Wool in many of our products. Known for its softness, durability, and natural sustainability, our Merino wool is not only biodegradable and renewable but also ideal for both performance wear and everyday fashion, thanks to its natural elasticity and temperature-regulating properties.
- Natural: Merino wool is a naturally grown fibre. Merino sheep roam free, consuming a simple blend of grass, water, air, and sunshine.
- Biodegradable: When disposed of, Merino wool naturally decomposes in soil within a few years, slowly releasing valuable nutrients back into the earth.
- Renewable: Every year, Australian superfine Merino sheep produce a new fleece, making Merino wool a completely renewable fibre source.
- Low-Input Care: Superfine Merino fibres have a natural protective layer that resists stains, sweat, and odours. This means you can wash your garments less often and at lower temperatures, reducing your eco-footprint.
Our Merino fabric is sourced from a Melbourne-based mill with decades of experience. This mill works directly with some of Australia’s most respected wool growers, selecting only the highest quality wool from non-mulesed sheep to ensure ethical standards. With full oversight from fibre to fabric, they maintain strict quality parameters to produce exceptional materials. Known for its craftsmanship and innovation, this mill has earned the respect of leading fashion houses worldwide. Collaborating with local experts gives us full transparency, allowing us to bring you garments crafted with true Australian expertise and care."
Environmentally Conscious Materials
Our commitment to environmentally responsible materials is reflected across our entire collection. In many of our garments, we proudly use 100% Australian Superfine Merino Wool—a natural, biodegradable, and renewable fibre locally sourced for its softness, durability, and performance qualities.
Our performance leggings are crafted from OEKO-TEX® certified and REACH compliant fabric, ensuring they are free from harmful substances and meet strict safety and environmental standards.
For our Softshell Hiking Pants and Shorts, we work with a Bluesign certified textile manufacturer committed to green initiatives. They have set a science-based carbon reduction target for 2030 aligned with the Paris Agreement and operate using solar energy. The PFC and PFAS-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish on these garments is applied by an experienced garment finishing service based in Melbourne, further reducing our environmental impact without compromising on performance.
For more information on PFAS and its environmental impact, you can visit the Australian Government PFAS Taskforce.
Sustainable Production
Our fabrics and materials are chosen carefully after extensive research. We select only sustainable, ethical, and high-quality options that align with our commitment to responsible fashion. All of our fabrics are dyed and finished in Melbourne, and our garments and bags are manufactured locally in Australia, allowing us to oversee each step of the process to maintain high standards.
By producing in small runs, we focus on quality over quantity, reducing the waste associated with mass production and ensuring that each piece is crafted to last. Local production also helps minimise transportation emissions, further supporting our sustainability goals.
Ethical Practices
At Šumska, we are committed to maintaining ethical production practices. By manufacturing locally in Melbourne, we ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and strong support for local craftspeople. This dedication allows us to uphold high standards throughout the production process.
We’re proud to collaborate with skilled artisans, including Pattern Maker, Helen, Bag Maker, Kim, and David and the team, who sew each product with precision. Sustainability, for us, isn’t just about the environment—it’s about valuing the people who bring our creations to life.
Thoughtful Packaging
We prioritise eco-friendly packaging to minimise waste. Our packaging is either recyclable or home compostable, and it’s important to understand the difference. Home compostable packaging, such as the Natureflex film and Herolabels we use, breaks down naturally in your home compost. In contrast, industrially compostable materials require specialised facilities to decompose, and many areas lack access to these, meaning they often end up in landfill.
Want to see how our Natureflex film naturally breaks down? Watch this cool video of its composting process in action!
Additionally, our dust bags are made from natural cotton gauze fabric sourced from repurposed stores, reinforcing our commitment to reducing waste.
