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Rapanui is an Eco-Fashion company from the Isle of Wight, that makes Organic, Ethical clothing using Renewable Energy with award-winning traceability. Rapanui is about making eco-fashion cool.

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Rapanui Win Governance Award at the Sustain Magazine Awards

An innovative way to help shoppers go green has been recognised with an Award for corporate Governance at the annual Sustain Awards. Rapanui, an Eco-Fashion brand run by young entrepreneurs, claims its Traceability Tool and Eco Labelling Initiatives make it convenient to shop ethically – and suggest it has industry-changing potential.

The awards, hosted by Sustain Magazine at the Troxy in East London celebrated 16 business’s contributions to a more sustainable UK. Rapanui beat off heavy competition from Balfour Beatty and Aggregate Industries to claim the Governance Award.

Rapanui believe that: “It’s not that people don’t care about where their clothingcomes from and how it’s made, it’s just that they don’t know”; in response they developed a grading system called Eco-Labelling, similar to energy efficient light bulbs, plus an interactive map tool. The maps can be accessed from a shoppers Smartphone and show exactly where Rapanui’s clothing comes from, and how it is made.

Sustain Magazine Editor Jim McClelland said:

“…there is a real commitment within the industry to sustainability, and it's reassuring to see brands like Rapanui at the forefront of this change.”

Mart Drake-Knight said:

“We’re passionate about promoting sustainability; it is core to our business. To win an award for Governance from Sustain is a real honour. To have our ideas and initiatives praised by our peers and people we admire just drives us on to achieve more.”

Find out more about traceability and Rapanui at: http://www.rapanuiclothing.com/eco

ENDS
Notes to Editor
Photos attached – Martin and Rob – co-founders of Rapanui Clothing Ltd
For further information please contact Rob Drake-Knight, on 01983 873430 or email rob@rapanuiclothing.com. Or for specific information on sustainability Martin Drake-Knight on 01983 873430 or email mdk@rapanuiclothing.com

About Rapanui:

Rapanui is about making cool eco-fashion for young people; that means clothing that is eco-friendly, ethical and sustainable: Made from natural organic fabrics in a Fairwear Foundation audited, wind powered factory.

Rapanui has developed a unique traceability tool and eco labelling system which allows visitors to their site to find out exactly where and how their clothing is made and shop quickly with a conscience.

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 including Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and the Marine Conservation Society.

Rapanui was set up by brothers Mart and Rob Drake-Knight in early 2008 with £200 of savings and was listed in the Top 100 Startups of 2008. Rob and Martin 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 win the Sustainable Business Awards in May 2010 and was nominated for the internationally-recognised ISPO Brand New Award in February 2011. Rapanui won a Highly Commended Award at the RSPCA Good Business Awards and recently won the Sustain Magazine Award for Governance.

Through surfing the brothers 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.

March 8th, 2011