WHAT'S NEW AT REEFER SAILS?
Report. Remark. Read... Reefer
January 2012 (2)
We're just recovering from exhibiting at the Giving & Living 2012 trade fair where we formally launched our unique Q.R code sail tracing feature.
It was a very successful show with many retailers placing orders and commenting on our original ideas, branding and professional approach to supplying trade.
Thanks to all those who expressed an interest in our products and company philosophy, it's great to know original design and British manufacturing is appreciated by many retailers.
Here's a photo of the stand before we became rather busy!
January 2012
After a manic December where every man and his dog decided they'd like a Reefer wash bag for Christmas we had hoped to take a few weeks break to 'chillax' but with new branding to launch and VAT registration now in force we've been busy both in the loft and the office.
Good news is the introduction of our smart phone compatible QR coded 'Reefer Original' branding on our core range. This allows the tech-savvy enquirer the ability to easily check sail provenance on their iPhone or Anderoid device. Our teenage children think it's a cool feature so that's praise indeed.
Bad news is prices have inevitably had to rise on most products due the the 20% cut the Chancellor is now demanding. We've absorbed some of the price increases but with sub contractors advising us of big price increases this year prices on products containing timber especially have had to rise. We could switch to non-FSC certified foriegn timber of less desirable provenance but we prefer to continue supporting fellow British manufacturers.
December 2011
Despite being incredibly busy with Christmas orders we're making progress with the loft refurbishment and at last we won't be brushing snow off the cutting table if winter ever arrives here.
Mark found time to be interviewed by Kate Hills for her excellent 'Make it British' blog which champions British based manufacturing after she spotted our news item about the introduction of the smart phone compatible Q.R sail tracing code on many of our 2012 products. From her blog 'At Make it British we believe that a product’s provenance is of the utmost importance. By buying authentic British clothing and accessories, produced by skilled craftsman using the finest materials, we are helping to keep these skills alive in the UK.'
You can read the article here
Talking of blogs, if you're a fan of Charlie Gladstone's excellent example of the genre you may have spotted our (t)rusty Land Rover Defender featured as 'Land Rover of the Week'. Who is Charlie? Well, he also owns a Defender too, lives in a castle and runs the fantastic Pedlars store with his wife Caroline. Our kind of guy. Check out his blog here
November 2011
Reefer on national TV 27 November
So, who spotted the Reefer bag on the final River Cottage episode of this series? Our friend Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall has always been a loyal Reefer devotee and eagle eyed viewers will have seen an '09' 'Reefer' bag featured on his end-of-veggie summer fishing trip. Hugh often waxes lyrical about how practical our Reefer shopper is as a fish bag, albeit at the expense of his wife's shopping bag fleet.
Unfortunately a 4 month lay off from meat and fish meant Hugh's fishing skills were a little out of practice and the bag's capacious design didn't need to be made use of!
Watch the episode on Channel 4's 4OD here.
Check out our all purpose Reefer bag here.
Hugh and Mark's fishing buddy Nick Fisher is currently working on some crafty crabbing tips for inclusion with our children's crabbing net, a very popular Christmas gift available here. You may know Nick from the River Cottage 'Fish' book, his 'Screaming Reels' fishing series, or maybe as 'Just 17' magazine's Agony Uncle. Nick's new play 'Basketcase' featuring Nigel Havers finishes its successful national tour in Chichester this week. Read about the play here.
New products for Christmas!
Mark's always sketching up new designs on his travels and having taken a break from hanging gates and re-organising the sail loft he's found time to jump on a sewing machine and finish prototyping a number of new products.
Our new iPad slip case and piston hank key rings both make great Christmas presents and are available in a number of different versions to satisfy even the most pedantic recipient. He's also revised the doorstop design with a great 3-D sail shape that you'll see more of next year in a number of new products.
iPad Case
Available in 7 different styles our iPad slip case is a development of our popular iPhone slip case, incorporating a thick recycleable felt lining and business card window or printed monogram personalising with handy paraglider line grab cord for easy retrieval from your bag or case.
It's an ideal product to use the many windsurf and hang glider sails we have stored away that really aren't substantial enough for use on chairs and bags as well as composite racing sails which are prone to delamination in less appropriate roles.
Choose from colourful retro style windsurf and hang glider sails, monocrome black and white, high tech Carbon or Kevlar or monogramed classic white or vintage tan canvas styling both which feature leather trim.
The design fits both the iPad 1 and 2, the latter is a snug fit with the Apple fold back cover and a looser fit without.
More details here
Piston Hank key ring
Having recycled hundreds of sails since we started our then unique business back in 2008 we've accumulated a fair few piston hanks!
Piston hanks are often used to attach jibs or genoa (the front sail for the uniniatiated) of yachts to the forestay (rigging) every foot (30cm) or so up the sail and use a spring loaded piston similar to a dog (4 legs, barks) lead clip to snap securely over the cable.
Made from cast bronze or brass they're always rich in character having gently acquired a unique distressed patina after many years service on the high seas. Rather than polish them up and lose their great character we gently brush them clean and leave the contents of your jeans pocket to do the rest.
The piston grip offers a very secure fixing of the key ring to a trouser belt loop or bag.
We're well known for adding useful features to our products and we offer the key ring with a choice of useful accessories. Choose between handy LED mini torch, aluminium bottle opener as featured on our wind breaks or diminutive 4GB Verbatim USB memory stick.
Oh, and rather than a miserly standard sized split ring we use an oversized ring that allows keys to sit neatly together rather than bunch out like a uncomfortable spikey flower arrangement. It's made from stainless steel too. No nasty chrome plating here!
Choose your version here
New doorstop
Our new doorstop design is a clever pyramid design that also serves as a wedge for when weigh alone won't suffice.
Available in bright retro windsurf or hang glider sail derived versions, classic white or vintage tan canvas. The latter feature a leather grab leash and discrete organic cotton logo.
More details here
October 2011
New branding & QR code roll out
In conjunction with the launch of new products and our impending Facebook and Twitter pages we're now including QR codes, not just on our point of sale swing tickets but also branding and as a product feature. The total integration of QR codes is a global first in the world of sail recycling and we're proud to yet again lead the way with this innovative feature.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, the Quick Response (Q.R) code is a unique bar code type graphic which can be read by the camera of a smart phone and automatically guide the viewer to additional web based information about the subject.
Our web designer is beavering away with some dedicated smart phone format web pages linking to the main website, sail trace page and social media sites and we'll be incorportating QR codes into the branding on a number of our products in 2012.
Our globally unique sail provenance tracing feature will be further enhanced by the use of discrete QR codes allowing instant tracing of the source sail.
More details soon.
July 2011
Recycled sailcloth chairs for Town Quay marina, Southampton
We've just finished construction of a set of director's and deck chairs for the Town Quay Marina in Southampton and we're very pleased with the results.
Town Quay are very mindful of environmental issues and we were a logical choice when they decided to source some nautical furniture for the marina office. The UK made FSC certified European Beech frames feature recycled sailcloth slings from a genuine round the World racing sail.
If you're interested in similar corporate branded sailcloth items call or email our Technical Director Mark Turner for more details.
Crabbing Kit featured in Saturday Telegraph 9 July
More great national media coverage on Daisy Bridgewater's page with a feature on our crabbing kit. A glowing review of our original and very successful take on a children's classic:-
"GOOD CATCH Crab hooks always seem like such a good idea at the beach, but they can be stinky and lethal after a single use, and their cheap orange handles are easily stamped on and shattered between car–park and rock pool. The Reefer Sail Company makes this lovely weighted crab net with a hook–free spring–release bail trap at its centre, attached to 10m of brown line with a sturdy wooden winder. It comes in a dinky storage bag made from recycled sail fabric, and should outlive your child's desire to torture crabs in small plastic buckets. £24.95 (01404–831333; reefersails.com)"
Deckchairs and windbreaks featured in Coast magazine August 2011
Following on from the great feature last month in Country Homes and Interiors we've more media coverage with our deckchairs and windbreaks in the current issue of Coast magazine.
Coast chose to feature a limited edition version of our double decker 2 person deckchair, a bespoke toddler deckchair and a one-off three panel windbreak which incorporated part of the original sail number.
If you have a quirky design idea in mind for any or our products, or indeed a idea for an item made from sailcloth give us a call, we'd be pleased to help.
6 Page feature on Reefer Sails in July Country Homes and Interiors magazine
When the popular lifestyle magazine Country Homes and Interiors magazine contacted us last summer wanting to run a piece about Reefer little did we know it would end up as a six page feature!
We had fantastic weather for the photography back in September and the results were so great even we've decided we'd love to live the life they portray!
It's great to have recognition for our original concept after all our hard work since we started Reefer back in 2008 and as a result of the article we've picked up orders not just from the Uk but as far afield as the USA, Finland, Sweden, France and Greece.
With additional coverage recently in The Financial Times, Living Etc and Coast global sales are better than we ever expected and we're extremely busy supplying both retail and trade customers alike. So days on the beach are a rare treat at the moment!
You can pick up a copy of the magazine in a newsagents or supermarket, price £3.80.
Short listed for Not On The High Street 'Make Awards 2011'
After a very successful year associated with the leading on line gift retailer notonthehighstreet.com we were thrilled to be nominated for two awards in their annual competition for trading partners. Only one other partner was nominated for two awards and we're waiting to see if we make the final cut!
Irrespective of whether we do win a prize it's great to be recognised as an up and coming company both designing and manufacturing original products in Great Britain. Even if each month we find another emulator has copied those original ideas...
April 2011
It's busy here!
Well, it's only April and we're flat out with retail and reseller orders alike.
We've had plenty of media coverage in the last few weeks, with features in The Evening Standard Magazine ( A director's chair we made for their interview with Plan B, who won the Brits a week later), The Guardian colour supplement (our William and Kate double deckchair), and even Heat magazine!
Living Etc will be featuring us soon, as will Country Homes and Interiors. The latter has a big feature lined up, with some great photos.
The new GBR and 247 ranges are proving very popular which is great, the latter appeals to the younger customer with more subtle branding.
Don't forget our new 'GBR' red white and blue recycled sailcloth bunting for the end of the month! It will come in handy next year too for the jubilee celebrations and of course the Olympics. 20 metre long party lengths are now available.
March 2011
FSC Certification on chair frames
We're very pleased to advise that all our deckchair frames are now Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, with Director's chairs soon to follow suit once supplier stocks have been replenished. Our supplier now has full certification and we're thrilled to be able to offer frames of the highest provenance.
We buy our frames exclusively from the last remaining deckchair manufacturer in Great Britain. We could source cheaper, uncertified frames from the far east but choose not to as provenance is so important to us. If a frame maker can't offer FSC certification then provenance must be questioned, irrespective of any marketing spin put on the excuse why not.
We invented the concept of recycled sailcloth deckchairs way back in 2008 and since then a number of clones on cheap, far eastern frames have appeared on the market. Flattering but ethics aren't obviously as important to some companies!
You can read more about FSC certification here
February 2011
Imitation is flattery! But in some cases illegal too..
We like to keep an eye on the global sail recycling scene and we're very aware of a number of opportunist UK companies who have pretty much ripped off our product range. Whilst imitation is of course flattering it's of great concern to us that these individuals obviously haven't done their homework on a number of items.
Fire proofing is a big issue with sailcloth which is extremely flammable. We're VERY concerned to see a number of companies offering sailcloth beanbags and floor cushions that obviously aren't fireproofed, which is legal requirement in the UK for even items branded for 'outdoor' use only.
If you're tempted to buy one of these items do ask the question as to whether the manufacturer can supply copies of batch fire proofing certification in compliance with the Fire And Furnishing regulations (1988). We doubt they can, and as such they could well have a very expensive dispute with Trading Standards on the cards.
Our beanbags and big cushions will be available again soon, we have finally found a cost effective fire proofing solution and are working on new designs for re-launch this summer.
Competition is healthy, but not when it involves breaking the law and potentially putting lives and property at risk.
September 2010
Happy Birthday The Green Blue!
The RYA's Green Blue environmental initiative celebrated their 5th birthday in style at the Southampton Boat Show and we were pleased to have been asked to provide some of our bunting in a special colour scheme to decorate the stand. As well as being invited to the party!
Jon Eads from MDL marinas welcomed all the gathered guests and introduced speakers, RYA CEO Sarah Treseder and BMF CEO Rob Stevens.
Sarah Treseder commented: “The Green Blue has had a huge and positive impact upon the boating community since its launch and a massive congratulations should go to the whole team.
“It’s now important to widen the net and message to local businesses and authorities around the country, but I am extremely proud of what has been achieved so far and I look forward to the next 5 to 10 years.”
Rob Stevens went on to say: “The Green Blue has made enormous progress over the last five years, with some £150,000 worth of savings across the spectrum of the boating world and in the last year alone has made 7.5 million litres of improvements in recycling.
“The Green Blue is now a well-developed and recognised brand which I hope will go from strength to strength. Happy Birthday The Green Blue.”
We were commissioned to make a Green Blue branded director's chair for the show which you can win in a free competition. If you've time to visit the show which ends on 19 September do drop down to the RYA stand to enter the competition to win a very unique product made from the sail of the 60' Schooner "Maitella".
Our association with the Green Blue is very important to us and we wish the team every success for the future.
Read more about the Green Blue and how they promote sustainability to UK sailors here
August 2010
Media coverage
We've had a busy time after great coverage in the UK media this last month.
Our double deckchair featured in The Sunday Times, our reAction deckchair in Coast magazine and director's chair in Country Living. The BBC have been on the phone and another magazine is lining up a photoshoot down here for publication next year.
We've also been featured in a number of blogs with global enquiries and sales as a result.
It's great to have positive feedback from the media as well as satisfied customers!
July 2010
ReAction deckchairs - You saw the idea here first!
Following on from our coverage in 'Coast' magazine this month we've been beavering away making more deckchairs from windsurf sails having sold out of most of our existing stock. We have plenty more in production with lots of great coloured 'vintage' windsurf sails to choose from.
Obviously colour details differ depending on where we cut the chair panels but we always incorporate interesting detail from the original sail to add style to a totally unique seating concept.
If you have a hankering for a particular colouring or are loyal to a particular brand give us a call and we'll have a look to see what we have in stock.
If you have any old windsurf sails please consider recycling them with us. If we can make use of them (not all are reuseable) you'll receive a free shopping bag worth £30 for each sail.
June 2010
River Cottage commission Reefer products
Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's team at River Cottage are great friends of us here. They've been selling our products for a while in the Canteen shop and Hugh is an enthusiastic Reefer fan.
We've recently been asked to make a range of River Cottage branded products for sale alongside our own both in the shop and on-line and in addition are working with the guys at the Park Farm HQ on a number of recycled sailcloth features for their new wooden deck area.
We're thrilled to be involved with a great company that share our vision for sustainable, local produce.
June 2010
Our new website
At long last we're live with our new website with a number of new products and interactive features. Thanks for you patience with the updates, we've been juggling lots of balls these last few months.
As well as a number of new products such as our classic duffel bag and children's items you'll also see we have a new 'trace the sail' page which allows you view the provenance of the sail used to make your Reefer product on-line. We think it's a great feature for any recycled product but one that works really well with our raw material.
You'll find a number of new products coming on line over the next few months, watch out for increased range of bags very soon!
In case you're interested most of the photography is by Mark, with guest photography by Simon Foord and Marie Derome.
We hope you like the site.
Feb 2010
Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy appointed as the first Reefer Sails Regional Sail Collection Centre
We're thrilled to announce the appointment of our first regional sail recycling centre - The Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy. Hosts to the 2012 Olympics and regular National and International competitions, the WPNSA are now able to accept old and damaged sails for us to recycle.
If you are local sailor or visiting for an event simply drop off your sail at their reception and fill in a simple tag which records contact details and information about the sail. Once we've collected and processed the sail we'll send you one of our highly coveted Supporter shopper bags.
The WPNSA are enthusiastic supporters of the RYA Green Blue initiative and their appointment as a sail recycling centre builds further on this at a real grass roots level. If you are visiting the Academy don't forget that old sail!
The WPNSA can accept all types of sail.
Nov 2009
Town Mill Bakery, Lyme Regis
With a very successful reseller in Lyme Regis - the wonderful Ginger Beer emporium it wasn't long until the popular Town Mill Bakery and Cafe suggested we might be able to help them out.
Proprietor Clive Cobb knows a thing or two about design and marketing- he used to be a creative director at Saatchi's. He loves our concept and we were flattered to be asked to make some covers for their bread provers from old sails. We bounced some ideas around over a huge almond scone and the result was a new design of bread bag. It's a shoulder tote and has our vintage style finish with taupe webbing shoulder straps.
The bag is available from all three of their outletss in Lyme Regis, Dorchester and Sherborne, as is their delicious bread! Check them out here.
June 2009
New! Recycled Sail Double Deck Chair
In time for the forecast Great British Summer we're pleased to announce a new Great British Product, our recycled sail cloth double deck chair. Why hog the view or newspaper when you can share?
The recycled sailcloth sling is wide enough to accommodate two normal sized adults and the frame can be reclined to suit at least one of the user's tastes. Uniquely we customise the sling with a six figure 'sail number' of your choice. Why? Because it then makes a fantastic wedding, anniversary or birthday gift! Clever eh? We're rather pleased with our idea and know the recipients of your present will be too.
The double deck chair features our own heavy duty recycled sailcloth sling and a durable wooden frame made for us in the UK from sustainable European Beech. The frame factory employ workshop staff with learning difficulties so we reckon you'll have to try hard to find a more original and ethical product on which to park your backside(s).
Also available with your own logo or text, or made from bespoke materials for promotional uses.
Ikea gets involved!
Ikea play an active part in their local communities with recycling and corporate social responsibility and we are thrilled to report that they have helped out organising our sail loft and workshop.
We contacted Ikea to see if we could make use of old customer store bags to help rationalise our sail and product storage. With a considerable number of sails to store and move around their store bags seemed a perfect solution. Ikea thought so too and were keen to help out.
Mark recently visited our local store in Bristol where they have been putting by less-than-perfect bags for us to collect the bags from their recycling officer, Annette Lloyd. Expecting to collect about 50 bags we've ended up with nearly 200, nearly half of which are already in use.
They're a great size and far more convenient than rigid storage boxes which can't be collapsed down if they aren't completely full. We've now got sails organised pre and post laundering, sorted by boat or aircraft type and in various stages of use. The bags are also great for holding cut components ready for sewing and are perfect for batch delivery and collection as we gear up to out worker production.
Ikea would have sent the bags for internal recycling and Annette is very pleased to see them used for a new practical role for a change, fundamental of course to our own efficient recycling business.
Thank you Ikea!
For more details of Ikea's Corporate Social Responsibility go to:
www.ikea.com/ms/en_GB/about_ikea_new/our_responsibility
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