The sailing industry, like many others, generates waste both during the manufacturing process (pre-production waste) and at the end of the product’s life cycle (post-production waste). Here’s an overview of the types of waste and the issues associated with each.
Pre-production waste (new sails)
- Material offcuts: During the manufacturing of sails, boats, and other sailing equipment, there are often leftover materials such as fabric, resin, and composite offcuts. These materials may not always be reused or recycled, leading to waste.
- Defective products: Items that do not meet quality standards may be discarded rather than reworked or repurposed.
- What can we do with it? Off colour or off spec materials can be very useful for bag or textile manufacturing in applications where strength or durability of the material is of less concern
- Advantages: It comes clean and on rolls from the manufacturer at a discounted price
Post-production waste (used / end of life sails)
- Old sails and rigging: Sails and rigging wear out over time and need to be replaced. Traditional sail materials like Dacron (polyester) and newer materials like carbon fiber composites can be challenging to recycle.
- What can we do with used sails? Use them for bag and other textile manufacturing, awnings or rain shelter
- Advantages: Relatively cheap, available in large quantities, but it can be dirty and there is some work to take appliances and reinforcements off
Overall, while the sailing industry faces challenges related to waste, there is a growing awareness and effort to address these issues through innovation, better practices, and sustainable development.
Resail, there is always a second life for sails!