North Sails teams up with 727 Sailbags as European upcycling partner

US sailmaker and sailing apparel brand North Sails has partnered with 727 Sailbags to “provide a second life to old, tired sails” to help minimise the sport’s environmental impact and divert old sails from ending up in landfills.

727 Sailbags creates handcrafted bags and clothing out of 100% recycled sailcloth, and the new arrangement will give it access to 18 North Sails loft locations across Europe storing old sails.

It will mean North Sails will contribute approximately 10% of the raw materials used by 727 Sailbags annually. Additionally, a financial contribution will be made to a charity focused on raising awareness to protect the oceans for all 727 Sailbags products that use old North Sails’ sailcloth.

Jono Macbeth, Sustainability Manager for North Sails, said: “The North Sails sustainability team is super excited to extend our highly successful sail repurposing program into Europe with 727 Sailbags.

“Although a sail may have come to the end of its first life, partnerships like this and the skill of companies like 727 Sailbags give these highly durable fabrics a worthwhile second life.”

Nicolas Veto, Co-Owner of 727 Sailbags, added: “This European partnership illustrates the values that drive both our companies to reduce our environmental impact and take care of the ocean while sharing the exciting stories of these sails.”

Sails accepted into the North Sails x 727 Sailbags programme include 3Di composite, Dacron, nylon spinnakers and intact laminates.

All 727 Sailbags bags come with a certificate of origin that traces the history of the recycled sailcloth, specifying the sail number and the number of products made from that sail.