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If you're looking for something sustainable that doesn't cost 300+ euros right off the bat, I'd check out Patagonia - yeah, they're pricier than budget brands, but they last forever and the quality justifies the price. Alternatively, there are brands like Veja or Armedangels that offer fair production and better materials without you having to spend thousands. With the latter, you can often get decent jackets for between 120-180 euros.
Honestly, it's also worth looking at secondhand for winter jackets - on Vinted or eBay Kleinanzeigen you can find almost-new stuff from better brands for less than half the price. I've scored finds there myself plenty of times and save a ton that way. When you're buying, also pay attention to whether recycled materials are used if sustainability matters to you - lots of manufacturers nowadays use plastic from ocean waste or recycled polyester, which is cheaper than completely new raw materials.
Patagonia is already good, but the price range is bigger than you might think - some of their jackets are definitely under 250 euros, others go above that. The more important thing is: sustainable and cheap only works if you're willing to buy secondhand or wait for sales.
My experience: secondhand platforms like Vinted or Rebag constantly have good winter jackets from established brands that nobody needed before. You get high-quality stuff for half the price there. Otherwise, it's also worth checking out brands like Vaude or Jack Wolfskin - they're not quite as expensive as Patagonia, they repair their stuff, and they're working on better production conditions. Sure, still 150 - 200 euros and up, but that's just the price for jackets that don't fall apart after one season.
In my friend group, Fjällräven has proven to be a good middle ground - not quite as expensive as Patagonia, but way more durable than fast-fashion stuff, and the jackets really do last for years. You should also check out smaller labels like Armedangels or Melawear - they're often more transparent about materials and cost less if you're not going for their premium lines. It's also worth checking beforehand whether the brand offers secondhand items or repair services - that way you save money if something breaks.
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