Discover the Unique Mission of Flotsam Flo
Founded by Kate in 2021, Flotsam Flo is dedicated to transforming non-recyclable waste into stylish fashion items, including bags and accessories. By repurposing materials that would otherwise contribute to landfill or incineration, we’re making a tangible impact on reducing waste.
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental crisis, affecting our health, wildlife, and oceans. At Flotsam Flo, we tackle this issue head-on by giving new life to materials that are notoriously difficult to recycle, such as wetsuits, life jackets, paddling pools, marketing banners, and inflatables. PVC, for instance, is one of the hardest materials to recycle, often ending up in the sea or landfill with microplastics posing significant risks to wildlife and ecosystems.
Our mission is to address this significant problem by creatively repurposing these materials and raising awareness about the environmental impact of plastic waste. Through our work, we aim to reduce waste and educate others about the importance of sustainable practices. Join us in our effort to make a difference, one unique creation at a time.
How Flotsam Flo Makes a Difference
At Flotsam Flo, we welcome donations from the community and organisations, with one guiding principle: the items must be broken or no longer in use. Our mission is to be the last stop before these items head to waste. We strive to repurpose waste and offcuts from various businesses to prevent them from ending up in incineration or landfill.
One of our valued supporters is Fabric Works, a fantastic business that provides us with offcuts from their canopy production.
Each item at Flotsam Flo is handcrafted in Cornwall by me, Kate. Due to the unique nature of our materials, along with varying patterns and shapes, no two items are exactly alike. The creations you see in our shop are a direct result of the materials we receive, meaning if you find something you love, it might be one-of-a-kind!
Our inventory is continually evolving, so we encourage you to check our website regularly and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on new arrivals.
We are committed to sustainability in every aspect of our business. Most of our packaging materials—cardboard boxes, brown paper, and fillers—come from local shops and the community. We use biodegradable tape and recyclable thank-you stickers. If you purchase a Flotsam Flo item, please consider reusing the packaging and share photos of your unique finds with us!
Thank you for supporting our efforts to reduce waste and create something special from what would otherwise be discarded.