The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity has launched a new line of sustainable upcycled products. 

Each versatile bag is made from 100% decommissioned Royal Navy life rafts that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. The money raised from the new collection will be donated back to the RNRMC. 

The project has been driven by former warrant officer Bob Field who now works for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity in Portsmouth. 

Bob Field, Head of Support Services and Engagement for RNRMC, said: 

“I knew from my last job in The Royal Navy that the MOD disposed of disused items in varying ways, including some going to landfill at a cost. With the help of my colleagues, I thought there’s got to be a creative solution here. Through this project we’ve managed to take difficult or impossible to recycle materials, materials destined for a landfill, and make incredible products with new value. The value is not just funding for RNRMC, but also for the teams of young people who are helping make this happen. 

“I believe this is just the tip of the iceberg, it would be excellent if this was the way forward with other pieces of kit across all of defence.” 

Rear Admiral Paul Beattie, who’s in charge of the Navy’s Climate Change and Sustainability plan, said: 

 “It's powerful that we can do something that helps the planet. Thank you to everybody who was involved, thank you to the charity for making this possible, thank you to Bob and George for your determination, and thanks to all those working in the background to keep driving us through.” 

Each accessory is unique – hand crafted from a different part of a raft. Items range from a passport holder through to a laptop case as well as various bags and a top-of-the-range rolltop backpack.  

They are available to purchase at: https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/shop