The Reefer Sail Company

The Reefer Sail Company has been 'upcycling' old sails and wings into a diverse range of original new products for a sustainable modern lifestyle since we invented the concept back in 2008. Each item is totally unique, often bearing the evidence of its previous life as well as original seams and detailing.

All our products are made from rescued yacht, dinghy & windsurf sails, kites, paragliders, hang gliders & microlights. We source these from individuals and commercial organisations under our nationwide recycling programme. We pride ourselves in ethical, sustainable manufacturing and where possible source all sub-components from UK companies. For instance we buy our Forestry Stewardship Certified chair frames from the UK's last surviving deck chair factory. We could buy cheaper from far eastern suppliers but without FSC certification provenance and shipping carbon footprint has to be questioned.

We're determined to set new standards with the concept of recycled consumer products. Whilst it would be much simpler just to label our products as 'recycled' we believe that the story behind our products is an important and interesting feature that sets us apart from the competition. For that reason the branding on each of our products includes a unique code number which can be used to discover the story of the sail used to make the product. Entering the code number on our website will show a photograph of the sail used and all known history. New for 2012 is the introduction of 'Q.R' codes on many of our designs allowing instant smart phone access to this on line database.

The diverse sources of the sailcloth allow us to offer our products in a number of different finishes to appeal to all generations of customers. We produce vintage style products from tan coloured sailcloth, nautically inspired classic white products and a more youthful range from the vibrant bright modern colours we source from extreme sport sails. Sailcloth specification varies greatly depending on the source and we're careful to ensure the products we make use cloth appropriate to the new role.

Every sail is professionally laundered without harmful bleaching additives before processing and the minor stubborn stains, marks and abrasions that may remain add further rich character to our products without detracting from the suitability for its new role.

All our products are proudly designed and manufactured in Devon using traditional sail making techniques.

You can read more about our original concept in July 2011 'Country Homes and Interiors' magazine.