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OUR PROCESS
Our goal is to repurpose all parts of the sailcloth and reduce the amount of waste going into the landfill.
The components for our products are carefully selected with consideration for their impact on the environment. From zippers, to tags, to packaging, every choice makes a difference.
Collect & Sort
Collect sailcloth and interview the donor
Input information into the master spreadsheet
Write up sail’s story
Collect the total weight of donated materials, and record
Sort by type, key features, unique stitching, and story/collection name
Add sail to the “sail library”
Clean & Prep
Wash and remove unusable parts of the sail, and record and account for any parts that are deemed unusable
Dissect the decommissioned sail by carefully placing each pattern individually in order to capture each seam and important feature
Clean donated sailcloth with a mix of biodegradable detergent that is gentle on the material to preserve waterproofing
Air dry vs. machine drying to conserve energy
Pattern & Cut
Cut the sails manually to gain precision using a Sailrite Hotknife
Trace odd-shaped leftover pieces for our smaller product items (i.e. dog bandanas)
Cut based on hue and features with a bottom, handles, liner and zipper (where applicable)
Package completed patterns so they are ready for the sewing team
Sew
Every product is sewn on a heavyweight specialised machine (Sailrite) with marine quality thread.
Each product takes between 2-4 hours to sew (not including cutting)
Quality control, inspect and add “Collection” labels.
Why Sailcloth?
Sails are designed to be used in aquatic environments and built to withstand the rigours of the sea. Sailcloth is our main outer layer component because it is extremely durable, fairly resistant to abrasion, flex, and environmental exposures such as heat, UV and humidity. We use original stitching and sail numbers to add originality to the one-of-a-kind piece.
What else do you upcycle?
Our commitment to upcycling extends throughout our products, incorporating innovative materials and sustainable practices. The inner lining of our items utilizes the canopy material from kiteboard kites, not only adding vibrant colors and patterns but also offering a second water-resistant layer engineered for wet environments. We incorporate YYK water-resistant matte black zippers, sourced locally to reduce our carbon footprint and support small businesses. Additionally, our woven labels are exceptionally durable and environmentally conscious, crafted from 90% recycled yarn and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified, ensuring they're free from any harmful substances.
