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Our Roots
From day one, we’ve created our own higher standards for research and testing to develop products that offer the highest level of protection. There’s a lot at stake. We don’t forget that.
An Idea Was Formed
An idea for a new type of company was born, one where he can call his own shots, and make community-driven marketable products. Company President Kurt was in partnership with NFL Hall of Famer Gayle Sayers on selling view Finders but ultimately saw more potential with the Sawyer Extractor Pump Kit.
Established the Sawyer Extractor in the US
The Extractor Pump Kit was shown to Roger Fortier and the wheels where set in motion. SV marketing (Sports View Marketing) was shut down and Gayle Sayers got on board with the Extractor Pump Kit.
First Aid Kits Added
While attending a conference in 1984 at the University of Arizona, John Sullivan and Doc Forgey were leading the way in First Aid Kit discussions when wilderness medicine was determining what various protocols would be for specific real world scenarios. Sawyer was able to help build higher standard First Aid Kits that used the same boxes as the Extractor Pump Kit.
Sunscreen and Repellents Added (MAXI-DEET and DEET+ formulas)
Sawyer won the sunscreen bid for the US Military during Desert Storm.
Permethrin Added
The founders of Coulston who originally developed Permethrin Fabric Treatment for military uniforms perfected an odorless after drying consumer grade formula. Sawyer went on to acquire Coulston. Permethrin insect repellent becomes widely available in consumer markets.
Controlled Release Added
The still popular Controlled Release Time Release Lotion comes on the market and briefly wears the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.
Horn of Africa Study
Tulane University proved that using permethrin treated bed sheets reduced malaria by 70-80%. A study on permethrin treated shawls in Horn of Africa was also conducted.
Sawyer Begins Exploring Water Filtration Category
After being introduced to some water filtration technology through Passport Health, we begin to work with Innova which was not only the closest company to us but also had the most advanced fibers on the market at this time
Introduction of 0.1 Micron Filter and 0.02 Micron Purifier
Sawyer's proprietary Hollow Fiber Membrane filters and purifiers enter the market.
Picaridin Spray Added
The active ingredient Picaridin is added to our topical lineup. Temporarily sold under the "Fisherman's Formula" name due to it's gear safe nature. However the formula was very well received by an even wider audience so we later dropped the "Fisherman's Formula" name.
Low Cost Gravity System Created
Pilot programs of sustainable impact projects (beta Sawyer INTL)
July - Water With Blessings formed and installed the first Sawyer Filters.
The Fiji Project Begins
Sawyer Partners with GCW with bucket filters
GIS Tracking is Introduced in Ongoing Fiji Projects
Give Clean Water starts tracking household data outcomes with filters - GCW started using basic GIS now, and upgraded to full-blown GIS in 2012.
Ultra 30 Formula Added
First big International Filter Implementation in response to earthquake in Haiti (120,000+ filters)
Once other NGOs saw what the filters were doing in Haiti, they were impressed and now interested
Introduction of Squeeze Filter
Squeeze Filter won Editor's Choice from Backpacker Magazine
Introduction of Sawyer MINI
Picaridin Lotion Added (March)
We knew that Picaridin was a good active but all the 5-15% formulas up until now were not effective.
Begins Partnership with The Last Well to bring border to border clean water to all of Liberia
Begins a partnership with The Last Well to bring border to border clean water to all of Liberia. The Liberia project had already started but they were struggling with "the last mile" installations. That is when they realized that the tracking dynamic was vital to the success of these rural installations and prove that these filters were not going to get people sick.
Introduction of Select Series of Foam Filters and Purifiers (as well as Micro Squeeze)
Puerto Rico Hit by Two Hurricanes, 200,000+ filters
Began Marshall Islands Project
Clean water project for all of the outer Marshall Islands in every household on the way to border-to-border clean water by 2022.
Tap Filter Launched
We were excited to offer this to the domestic audience but we are even more excited to see the impact these systems can make internationally.
Liberia Completed - Border to Border clean water (137,000 filters)
Kibera Slums Program Launches
The next major project starts, bringing clean water to one of the world's largest slums with the Tap Filter.
Marshall Islands Completed
Meet the incredible women behind KIO - the all-volunteer group that led the collaborative charge between community and government to help bring a sustainable clean water access to the Marshall Islands.
Better Protection, Bigger Purpose
If there’s a way to keep you better protected, we find it. If there’s new science, we discover it. Profit never comes before our mission to create best-in-class products that offer you better days in nature. This higher standard also applies to our charitable giving. Since millions don’t have access to clean drinking water, we donate our filters to save lives. Your purchase does a world of good by funding 40 charities in more than 80 countries.
Sustainable and supported with research and data
Water Filters tested
Gallons of water per filter