The young founders of an Eco Surfwear Brand are calling on unemployed Surfers who want to work in the industry to take advantage of the opportunities the recession has left – two years ago they were beach bums – now they own their own award winning Company and employ 12 people.
Bembridge, Isle of Wight -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/03/2010 -- Eco Surfwear brand Rapanui was started by surfing brothers Mart and Rob Drake-Knight, inspired by a real passion for surfing and the environment, they decided to make a water sports brand with an eco twist.
Through surfing they could see the changes to the marine ecosystem and the effect of climate change on their environment, mainly at their local beach, even becoming ill from water polluted by field run-off.
The business was started on a minuscule budget of just £200 back in 2008, in those two short years the brand has scooped countless awards for their commitment to sustainability. They use organic, natural fabrics, free from artificial fertilisers and pesticides in wind powered, Fairwear Foundation audited factories; this ensures every worker throughout the supply chain gets a fair wage and clean, safe working environment. Customers can find out exactly where and how their clothing is made using interactive maps. Mart explains why:
“If we can inform and educate people as to where clothing comes from and how it is made they can make informed decisions as shoppers. As a brand, if we can mix eco with trend and inspire people to think about the environment in wider lifestyle choices, we will have done our job”.
“It's not that people don’t care about our marine ecosystems, pollution or climate change, it's just they don’t know. At Rapanui we make it easier for people to see where their clothing comes from and how it is made, so they can then make informed choices.” says co-founder Rob.
“It would be great to see other young people getting involved with environmental issues in such a creative and entrepreneurial way.” Martin Drake-Knight, co-founder of Rapanui continues “we hope that our story will show other young people out there that you can be successful in any economic climate, whether you wear a suit or flip flops.”
Notes to Editor
Photos attached – Martin and Rob – co-founders of Rapanui Clothing Ltd
For further information please contact Rob Drake-Knight, on 01983 873430 or email rob@rapanuiclothing.com. Or for specific information on sustainability Martin Drake-Knight on 01983 873430 or email mdk@rapanuiclothing.com
About Rapanui
Rapanui is about making cool eco-fashion for young people; that means clothing that is eco-friendly, ethical and sustainable: Made from natural organic fabrics in a Fairwear Foundation audited, wind powered factory. Through surfing the brothers saw and experienced the changing environment and climate at their local beach and as inspired, unemployed graduates in a recession, they took a different path; if you can't find a job, make one.
Rapanui has held Seminars and Lectures at UK and EU universities and multinational companies such as Centrica PLC on Sustainable Business and sit on the Panel at Plymouth University's All our Future Conference.
Rapanui has made bespoke versions of its clothing for multinationals and charities including Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and the Marine Conservation Society.
Rapanui was set up by brothers Mart and Rob Drake-Knight in early 2008 with £200 of savings and was listed in the Top 100 Startups of 2008. Rob and Martin are listed on the Future 100 List of Top young Entrepreneurs and were recently finalists in Enterprise UK's Young Brits awards. Rapanui was the youngest company to win the Sustainable Business Awards in May 2010 and has recently been nominated for the internationally-recognised ISPO Brand New Award.