At Rapanui, whatever we do means going forward. Standing still isn’t an option - we’re in an industry where a truck full of textile waste is burned or buried every second. Black Friday shines a spotlight on this problem and is a moment in our calendar when the industry prioritises volume and profit over quality and sustainability. Many products bought during this period ultimately end up as waste, with the planet paying the real price. It’s a race to the bottom - and it’s not one we’re willing to enter.
We’re here to make quality products that help end waste and protect all we love. We design products to be returned to us when they're worn out and be recycled into new products - keeping waste out of landfill. And we reward our customers for keeping good material in circulation.
This year we’re using November as a time to remind our community that you can send back your products to us for recycling (apart from denim and pants). We can recover our cotton products and 100% cotton clothing from any brand (excluding denim or underwear). It's totally free, as we cover the postage cost, and no printer is required. We cannot accept non clothing items, or items without a care label. This year, we’re increasing the value of the credit you receive from £5 to £10 - as a thank you, and a little extra to go towards any gift buying from us.
A collection community at Kedonganan Beach, Indonesia
We're passionate about increasing our impact so this November, we’re teaming up with our friends at the Plastic Bank, a social enterprise working to stop ocean-bound plastic pollution and support vulnerable communities. Every order made will prevent the equivalent of 20 plastic bottles from becoming pollution. If we hit our target, we’ll double the amount of plastic we recover.
How Plastic Bank Makes an Impact
Plastic Bank partners with communities around the world in regions with high plastic waste and limited recycling infrastructure to create lasting change.
Plastic Bank empower local communities to collect plastic waste from nearby beaches, riverbanks, and neighbourhoods within 50 kilometres of ocean-bound waterways, preventing plastic from entering the ocean and contributing to pollution.
Community members exchange the plastic they gather for secure income and essential benefits, such as health insurance, school supplies, grocery vouchers, and digital connectivity. This initiative not only keeps plastic out of the ocean but also provides a sustainable path out of poverty. The recovered waste is then delivered to our processing partners for reprocessing into Social Plastic® feedstock and reintegrated into products and packaging by partner organizations and brands.
Through safe, reliable, and traceable income, Plastic Bank transforms waste collection into a rewarding livelihood, supporting economic stability and better opportunities. Learn more about their mission at plasticbank.com.
Why We’re Supporting Plastic Bank
Our collaboration with Plastic Bank is driven by a shared commitment to reduce pollution, support vulnerable communities, and promote a circular economy. While we’re proud of the work we’re doing to keep our products in circulation and out of landfill, plastic pollution remains a global challenge. Through our partnership, we’ll prevent more than 6 tonnes of plastic from reaching the ocean this year.
We’re excited to be continuing our work with Plastic Bank this Black Friday to turn waste into resource and help create meaningful change for our planet and communities.
Help us turn waste into opportunity by sending your 100% organic cotton clothing to us and with your purchase this month you'll help to recover ocean-bound plastic waste.
Let's #TakeBackFriday together.
