Rapanui: Eco-Clothing Brand Unveils a World First in Fashion

An Eco-Clothing brand has made history by becoming the first clothing company in the world to establish on page traceability for all products.

An ethical clothing company which unveiled a new range of clothing which aims to mix eco-fashion with trend to inform a generation about the environment. The Isle of Wight based brand makes its clothes using wind and solar powered factories in which the whole process is audited by the Fair Wear Foundation.

The brand believes that it is not that people don't care about what they buy, it's just they don't know the facts. They aim to inform and inspire with product specific interactive maps and images where shoppers can investigate the complete product lifecycle on page. Information is packaged simply so that consumers can shop quickly with a conscience.

Rapanui, based on the Isle of Wight, was founded by brothers Rob and Martin Drake-Knight in early 2008.

They take a holistic approach to sustainability, using sustainable textiles like organic cotton, bamboo and hemp. Clothes are manufactured in a wind powered factory, where the entire process is audited by the Fair Wear Foundation. Critically though, this isn't a clothing brand ticking the green box; Rapanui believe that sustainability is not just about the design of products, technology or economics, it's about communication design and dialogue.

Sustainability Director Martin said: "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-fashion with trend to inspire people to think about the environment in their wider lifestyle, we will have done our job"

As well as sound ethical and environmental credentials, the fabrics used in Rapanui's collection have some impressive properties. "The great thing about using eco-fabrics is that often they are softer, more breathable, and stretchier, our bamboo tops are hypoallergenic and antibacterial too." Said Mart. "

Find out more about Rapanui's traceability at: www.rapanuiclothing.com/eco/traceability-textiles.html

About Rapanui:

• Rapanui is about making cool eco-fashion for young people; that means clothing that is eco-friendly, ethical and sustainable. They make clothing from natural organic fabrics in a Fair Wear Foundation audited, wind powered factory.
• Rapanui was set up by brothers Mart and Rob Drake-Knight in early 2008. Through surfing they 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 is an Eco-fashion brand that is about informing people where products come from and how they are made: Achieving sustainability through informed choice. The aim is to inform through the brand and mix eco with trend - if Rapanui can inspire people to go green in wider lifestyle choices, it will have succeeded.
• 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 like Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and The Marine Conservation Society.

Rob and Martin Drake-Knight 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 reach the finals of the Sustainable Business Awards in 2008 and has recently been nominated for ISPO Brand New Awards.

For further information please contact Joe Rolle, on 01983 873430 or email Joe@rapanuiclothing.com.