Simon Light is managing the new business.
ENTRPRENEURS Rob and Martin Drake-Knight, who founded award-winning eco clothing brand Rapanui, have launched a wholesale company encouraging businesses to be more eco-friendly.
The brothers plan to release their eco clothing into the corporate wear and promotional clothing market. They hope to spark a change in the industry by making organic, ethical and sustainable clothing for businesses, brands and events.
Their aim is to allow businesses to respond to growing consumer demand for green alternatives by accessing sustainable products, which have been impossible or cost-prohibitive.
Rapanui makes clothing from organic natural fabrics in a wind-powered factory audited by the Fairwear Foundation, ensuring every worker gets a fair wage and clean and safe working conditions.
The commitment to sustainability has allowed the company to reduce the carbon footprint of their products by 90 per cent, compared to the high street standard, which has earned the brothers national recognition, winning the 2010 Sustainable Business Awards and a runners-up place at the Enterprise UK Young Brits awards.
Rob said: "We wanted to open up the eco clothing market and make it accessible to all business, no matter how big or small. And as people are becoming more conscious of environmental issues, we aim to make it easy and affordable to choose more sustainable alternatives.
"The really exciting thing is that Simon Light, who joined us as the first member of staff on the Future Jobs Fund Scheme, is managing it. It is a really great example of what people can achieve if you put time and faith into their ability to grow and develop."
Since launching their first company, Rapanui, Rob and Martin have been contracted by household brands Ben and Jerry’s, the Marine Conservation Society and the International Network on Offshore Renewable Energy to make their sustainable clothing.
Martin added: "Sustainability is a trend that is not going to go away. We want businesses to recognise sustainability in a company can be won through a hearts-and-minds campaign.
"Other businesses can benefit from our specialisation in award-winning eco clothing and make their staff think green by feeling the difference in wearing eco-friendly organic uniforms that don’t cost the earth."
• To find out more about their range of eco clothing or how their custom service can help your business, get in touch at www.rapanuiclothing.com
Reporter: jamiew@iwcpmail.co.uk