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Article: Why Choose Recycled Ocean Plastic Canvas for Your Surfboard Bag?

Why Choose Recycled Ocean Plastic Canvas for Your Surfboard Bag?

Every surfer has a bond with the ocean—but for many, that connection runs deeper than the waves they ride. It’s about protecting the place that gives us so much joy. And it begins with the gear we choose.

 

Surfboard bags are essential for protecting your board, whether you’re headed down the road or across the globe. But what if that same bag could protect the ocean too?

 

In this guide, we explore the recycled ocean plastic surfboard bag benefits, focusing on FARO’s industry-leading material innovation—StokedPlastic™—and their commitment to sustainable materials, low-waste production, and a circular business model that puts the planet first.

 

Let’s dive in.

 

What Is Recycled Ocean Plastic Canvas?

Recycled ocean plastic canvas is a hard wearing fabric crafted from discarded plastics collected from beaches, coastlines, and waterways. These materials—primarily PET—are cleaned, melted down, and spun into new fibres that are woven into durable canvas.

 

FARO has taken this a step further with StokedPlastic, their proprietary fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled ocean plastic. Purpose-built for surf travel, it balances durability with environmental responsibility—without compromising performance or aesthetics.

 

To understand the technology behind this game-changing material, explore FARO’s materials breakdown.

 

The Key Benefits of Recycled Ocean Plastic Surfboard Bags

 

1. Direct Impact: Removing Plastic from Our Oceans

Every metre of StokedPlastic™ used in a FARO bag represents ocean-bound plastic removed from circulation. With over 11 million tonnes of plastic entering the ocean annually, even small interventions matter.

 

By choosing a bag made from recycled ocean plastic, you’re directly contributing to a cleaner, healthier marine environment—while supporting ethical recycling networks and coastal economies. According to National Geographic, plastic pollution affects more than 700 marine species and is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

 

2. Durability that Rivals (and Often Beats) Traditional Materials

Recycling doesn’t mean flimsy. FARO’s canvas is abrasion-resistant, water-resistant, and UV-tough. In fact, StokedPlastic™ was engineered specifically to withstand the wear and tear of surf travel—whether it’s bumpy roof racks or salty sand.

 

Every FARO board bag is reinforced with sturdy stitching, rust-proof YKK zippers, and padded protection at the nose and tail. This means you’re not just getting sustainability—you’re getting serious board protection.

 

Check out the ruggedly refined Canvas Surfboard Bag in Harbor Tan to see how form and function align.

 

3. Low‑Waste Production Model

Mass production dominates much of the surf gear industry, generating unnecessary waste and encouraging overconsumption. FARO flips that model on its head.

 

Each surfboard bag is made in small batches, reducing textile offcuts and overstock. Designs are efficiently cut and carefully assembled to minimise landfill contributions. This low-waste production strategy ensures your gear reflects conscious craftsmanship, not careless mass manufacturing.

 

4. Lower Carbon Footprint

The textile industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. The production of virgin polyester and conventional cotton also consumes enormous amounts of water and energy, contributing heavily to pollution and climate change.

 

FARO takes a fundamentally different approach. By sourcing recycled ocean plastic and prioritising small-batch, ethical production, they significantly cut down the emissions and environmental impact associated with traditional manufacturing. This results in a noticeably lower carbon footprint per product—without sacrificing durability or performance.

 

Their efforts align with global sustainability goals, as highlighted by the United Nations Environment Programme, which advocates for circular design and responsible materials as key solutions to fashion’s environmental crisis.

 

Even FARO’s packaging reflects this ethos—plastic-free, recyclable, and minimal by design.

 

5. Circular Design, Built to Last

A circular business model isn’t just about recycling—it’s about rethinking the entire lifecycle of a product.

 

FARO designs every bag with longevity and end-of-life recovery in mind. They prioritise durable, repairable components and timeless aesthetics that won’t go out of style. In a throwaway culture, this approach is radically responsible.

 

By supporting brands with a circular model, you invest in gear that works harder, lasts longer, and leaves a lighter footprint.

 

Explore the ethos behind every product in FARO’s full range of surfboard bags.

 

StokedPlastic™ vs Traditional Surf Bag Materials

Feature

StokedPlastic™

Virgin Polyester/Cotton

Source

100% recycled ocean plastic

Oil-based or industrial farming

Water Use

Minimal

High

Durability

Excellent

Moderate to high

UV & Water Resistance

Built-in

Varies

Sustainability Rating

High

Low to moderate

Circular Design Compatibility

Yes

Limited

As the data shows, recycled ocean plastic canvas isn’t a compromise—it’s a clear upgrade.

 

Why Not Just Use Organic Cotton?

While organic cotton is biodegradable and grown without harmful chemicals, it’s less water-resistant and abrasion-proof than plastic-derived fibres—making it ideal for dry, low-impact use rather than long-haul travel.

 

The Value of Small-Batch Manufacturing

Small-batch production isn’t a buzzword—it’s a design principle. By limiting batch sizes, FARO ensures:

  • Minimal material waste
  • Hands-on quality control
  • Ethical labour standards
  • Flexibility for testing and innovation

This approach allows for a level of craftsmanship and intentionality often lost in industrial supply chains. You’re not buying a mass-produced product—you’re buying gear that was carefully made with you, and the planet, in mind.

See what FARO’s full product range has to offer here.

 

Sustainability Without Compromise

FARO proves that eco‑friendly surf gear doesn’t have to be basic. Their surfboard bags combine:

  • Padded board bags with reinforced protection
  • Lightweight board socks for everyday use
  • Waterproof surfboard bag options for wet environments
  • UV-resistant surf bags that prevent board damage

 

Whether you’re loading up the car or checking your board at the airport, your gear is made to perform—with less impact on the environment.

 

Learn more about FARO’s eco-first philosophy on their website.

 

Ready to Rethink Your Surf Travel Gear?

If you love the ocean, your gear should love it too. FARO’s recycled ocean plastic canvas surfboard bags are designed for surfers who care—not only about their boards, but about their planet.

 

Protect your board. Protect your coast.
Shop FARO’s surfboard bags now

 

Final Thoughts: Surf Smarter, Not Harder

The ocean gives us waves, wonder, and wild adventure. But it also asks for our care in return. By choosing a recycled ocean plastic surfboard bag, you’re not just protecting your gear—you’re contributing to a future where the gear itself helps protect the sea.

 

FARO’s approach blends performance with purpose, letting you paddle out with peace of mind—knowing you’ve made a more sustainable choice. And as highlighted by Ocean Conservancy, reducing ocean plastic pollution begins with everyday decisions—from the products we buy to the materials we support.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes StokedPlastic™ different from regular recycled polyester?
StokedPlastic™ is made exclusively from ocean-bound plastic and engineered specifically for surf conditions. It offers a higher environmental impact and surf-specific durability.
Are FARO surfboard bags waterproof?
They are water-resistant, not fully submersible. Designed to repel splashes and wet conditions, they’re perfect for beach days, wet car rides, or unpredictable weather.
Do recycled bags last as long as virgin plastic ones?
Yes—FARO’s recycled canvas is abrasion-resistant and reinforced for longevity, meeting or exceeding the durability of traditional materials.
Is organic cotton better than recycled plastic?
It depends on use. Organic cotton is biodegradable and great for dry storage. Recycled plastic canvas is better for travel, water resistance, and heavy wear.
Can I recycle my FARO surfboard bag when it’s worn out?
FARO's circular model means components can be separated and reused, depending on the condition. You can also reach out to them for repair options or guidance.
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