Rapanui

Rapanui is an ethical and sustainable clothing brand from the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2009 by brothers Rob and Mart, it makes casual clothing from organic and recycled materials in a renewable energy powered factory.

What is Rapanui?

Rapanui is a British clothing company based on the Isle of Wight. It was established in 2009 by brothers Rob and Mart and is recorded by the Science Museum Group as an ethical and sustainable clothing manufacturer. The brand sells mainly through its own website and offers free UK returns.

Products and positioning

Rapanui makes casual clothing, with the printed cotton T-shirt at the heart of its range. The company states that its garments are made from organic and recycled materials in its own factory powered by renewable energy, and it frames its model around circularity, designing products with their end of life in mind.

• Organic and recycled fibres
• In house production in a renewable energy powered factory
• Circular approach to product life cycles

History

A Rapanui T-shirt printed with an illustration by cartoonist Steve Bell is held in the Science Museum Group collection, with a collar label naming Rapanui as the manufacturer. The piece reflects how the brand has used printed tees as a vehicle for commentary and collaboration.

Why it matters

Rapanui is often cited as an example of a vertically integrated, direct to consumer brand that controls its own manufacturing in the UK. Its emphasis on material choice, factory energy and circular design makes it a reference point in discussions about how smaller fashion businesses can build sustainability into their operating model rather than treating it as a marketing add on.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Rapanui from?

Rapanui is a clothing company based on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom.

Who founded Rapanui?

Rapanui was founded in 2009 by brothers Rob and Mart.

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