Keela x Polygiene – A conversation on performance, collaboration and sustainability

For more than four decades, Keela has been crafting high-performance outdoor gear trusted by professionals, rescue teams, military units and adventure seekers around the world. With their roots in Scotland, the brand has built its reputation on innovation, reliability and designs that are tested in the harshest environments. Keela is taking its commitment to both performance and sustainability even further through its partnership with Polygiene! 

We sat down with Steph, Laura, and Sam from the Keela team to talk about their journey, the story behind the collaboration and how Polygiene’s technology is helping them deliver garments that’s not only built for extremes but also built to last.

Q: To start off, could you introduce yourselves and your roles at Keela?

Steph: I’m part of Keela’s in-house design team as Design & Garment Technologist. I work across the full product journey, from concept through to final product, making sure our designs meet both performance and quality standards. My focus is technical functionality, fit and fabric innovation.

Laura: I’m in the Design & Development team. I work across all stages of the product lifecycle, helping turn creative ideas into functional, high-performance garments that really meet user needs.

Sam: I’m Keela’s Sales Director. My role is about overseeing our sales strategy in the UK and internationally. Building strong relationships with retailers, distributors, and industry partners, and making sure our ranges connect with what customers actually need.

Q: If you had to describe Keela in just three words, what would they be?

Steph: Innovative, reliable, and friendly.

Sam: I’d say reliable, responsible, and real. Reliable, because our gear is built for the harshest environments. Responsible, because sustainability is at the core of what we do. And real, because our kit is tested by real people doing real work, like rescue teams and expedition leaders.

Q: How did the collaboration with Polygiene come about?

Sam: The first contact came during the COVID-19 pandemic. We explored Polygiene’s ViralOff® treatment as a way to give customers extra reassurance when travelling post-lockdown. That initial conversation opened the door to a broader partnership. Polygiene’s reliable, science-backed approach made them a natural fit for Keela as we continue to innovate in sustainable performance apparel. 

Laura: I met the Polygiene team at the ISPO Outdoors trade show in Germany. They stood out not just because of their technology, but also their passion in explaining it. StayFresh™, in particular, caught our attention it was a perfect solution for extending the life of garments between washes. For our customers, especially those spending long periods outdoors, that was a huge benefit.

Q: What was the motivation for integrating Polygiene into Keela products?

Laura: Our goal was to add real value for our customers—offering them products that not only perform better in the field but also reduce the need for frequent washing. That means greater convenience for the user and a smaller environmental impact.

Sam: Exactly, our primary motivation was to enhance functionality while delivering real value to our customers. Whether on expeditions, deployed in the field, or tackling multi-day hikes, our users need kit that stays fresh, comfortable, and dependable without the need for frequent washing. 

Polygiene’s StayFresh technology supports exactly that—extending wear-time between washes and reducing odour build-up. This not only increases convenience for the user, but also contributes to a lower environmental impact, aligning with our commitment to more sustainable, long-lasting gear. 

Which Keela products are currently using Polygiene technology? 

Q: Are there any technical or performance aspects that Polygiene particularly enhances? 

Laura: Polygiene’s StayFresh treatment significantly reduces odor buildup, allowing garments to be worn longer without washing. This is especially beneficial for high-activity users in remote or multi-day environments. 

Sam: From a technical perspective, it also helps preserve fabric integrity by reducing the need for frequent washing. That means improved long-term comfort, extended garment life, and a more sustainable overall product. It’s a subtle enhancement, but one that has a real impact on daily performance. 

Q: And what feedback have you received so far from customers or partners?

Sam: Yes, we’ve had great feedback – particularly from customers who use our kit in remote or extreme environments. They appreciate not only the freshness but also how the garments maintain their integrity over time. It’s often something they don’t expect until they experience it, and then they actively look for it in future purchases. 

Q: Sustainability is clearly important to Keela. How does Polygiene fit into that bigger picture?

Steph: It is very important, and having a product that helps to keep products fresher for longer means we can really push for less water wastage through washing.  

Laura: Sustainability is a growing priority for us & we are always keen to find genuine solutions not just jumping on the green washing band wagon. While durability has always been at our core, integrating technologies like Polygiene allows us to go a step further—reducing water and energy consumption through less frequent washing, and extending product life. 

Sam: Sustainability is a core focus for us – not just in materials, but across our entire supply chain and product lifecycle. Polygiene supports this by directly reducing water and energy usage, since garments don’t need to be washed as often. That fits into our broader strategy of extending product life and reducing overall consumption. 

Q: Looking ahead, do you see this partnership expanding in the future?

Laura: Definitely. We already have additional products featuring Polygiene technology coming out later this year.

Sam: We’re looking at new categories, especially base layers and lifestyle wear—where odour control and longevity are increasingly relevant. Polygiene remains a key partner in our innovation roadmap. 

Q: Finally, what’s one tip you’d give for anyone heading into the mountains– a place, a mindset, or a habit you’d like to share? 

Sam: One practical tip for the mountains is to stay adaptable. Weather, trail conditions, and your energy levels can change quickly. Being flexible with your plans – whether that means turning back early, taking a different route, or just slowing your pace – makes all the difference. It keeps the experience safe and enjoyable instead of stressful. The mountains don’t always go according to plan, so being ready to adjust is key. 

Thank you to the team over at Keela for sitting down with us. 

Learn more about Keela.

Explore more about Polygiene’s technology.