OneSails GBR South becomes the second OneSails loft and the latest pioneering team within the OneSails network – to take part in this growing initiative for sustainable sail reuse and repurposing.
This partnership marks another significant step in reducing waste and extending the life cycle of sail textile. Today, OneSails GBR South at Hamble Point, Southampton, officially opens its doors for the donation of end-of-life sails.
Sails are strong and durable, made to withstand Earth’s toughest environments including UV light, saltwater and wind. Made from complex synthetic materials, with the exception of OneSails’s 4T FORTE™ membranes, sails aren’t formally recycled anywhere in the world; currently over 97% of sails end up in a landfill or are incinerated at the end of their life.
As the first sailmaker brand in the world to join ReSail by Clean Sailors, OneSails has been a leader in committing to a more circular and sustainable future for the sailing industry, underlined by their development of 4T FORTE™, a continuous yarn composite that achieves both high performance and durability. Launched back in 2013, the glues, resins and solvents used in the sailmaking process have been replaced by heat fusion, and the base polymer is 100% recyclable in a standard waste separation process – this has been recognised with an ISO 14040 Life Cycle Assessment Certification.
“Driving sustainability forward has been at the heart of the OneSails brand for over a decade. Joining ReSail by Clean Sailors is a natural extension of our commitment to responsible sailmaking, and OneSails GBR South is proud to be part of a pioneering movement that actively helps sailors and businesses find environmentally friendly solutions for end-of-life sails and sail textile,” said Wilf Chaplin, Lead Sail Designer at OneSails GBR South. “We look forward to providing our local sailing community with a drop-off for their old sails, and in turn, to providing local organisations and businesses the opportunity to utilise sail textile for a variety of use-cases.”
ReSail by Clean Sailors is a global platform dedicated to promoting the reuse and repurposing of sails, keeping valuable materials in circulation for as long as possible. By joining the initiative, OneSails GBR South is reinforcing this vision – helping sailors, sailmakers and marine businesses find new uses for pre-owned sails, reducing landfill waste and contributing to a more sustainable sailing industry, alongside inspiring other lofts and industry players to take action towards reducing waste and maximising the lifespan of sail cloth.
Holly Manvell, Founder of Clean Sailors and ReSail, added, “We are delighted to welcome OneSails GBR South to ReSail! OneSails continues to demonstrate leadership by being the first global sailmaker brand to commit to this initiative, and their continued participation through additional lofts joining us, only strengthens our industry conversation around end-of-life materials. Their involvement underlines the importance of collective industry action in prioritising sustainability and circularity.”
Through this collaboration, OneSails GBR South will collect pre-owned, end-of-life sails at their sailloft in Hamble Point, Southampton, ensuring they find a second life – whether through reuse, upcycling, or innovative repurposing. This commitment is both another step forward for OneSails, and an invitation for others to follow suit, building momentum for a global movement in responsible end-of-life management.
For more information about ReSail by Clean Sailors and how to get involved, visit www.resailbycleansailors.com
