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23.01.2024

North Sails GmbH

Introducing Sustainable Materials For Cruising Sailors

Dusseldorf, Germany (January 23rd, 2024): North Sails today launched RENEW, a North Paneled Laminate (NPL) sailcloth for cruising boats 25 to 45 ft. RENEW sailcloth is constructed from more than 90% sustainable sources, with no sacrifice in performance or longevity.
North Sails is a pioneering force in sailmaking, boasting an impressive legacy marked by groundbreaking innovations and technological advances that have revolutionized sailing. As the global industry leader, North Sails is equally committed to finding solutions for sustainable sails, low-impact manufacturing, the use of alternative fibers, and opportunities for material circularity. The launch of RENEW sailcloth therefore marks an important shift towards building more sustainable sails with the best materials.

RENEW Product Director Tom Davis commented, “There's been a lot of rigorous work behind the scenes over a number of years to ensure RENEW is a sailcloth with legitimate sustainability credentials. This product has been tested to the absolute limit, and we are confident that a sail constructed with RENEW will offer unbeatable durability and sail shape for our cruising customers without compromising on performance.”
North Sails’ close relationships with the big companies supplying films, fibers, and fabrics, as well as their shared commitment to creating more sustainable products, have been the foundation of the journey to RENEW. For RENEW, North Sails was able to source recycled polyester film and yarn, and bio-based Dyneema, with no compromise on performance, to create a highly durable cruising laminate cloth that features more than 90% alternative bio-based and recycled raw materials. The supplier products for RENEW are all Bluesign Certified and ISCC compliant to guarantee the validity of the sources and processes used in their manufacture.

North Sails President Ken Read noted, “We have been deliberate and comprehensive in vetting the authenticity of sustainability claims and thoroughly testing the materials before bringing a product to market. We wanted to be 100% certain with RENEW that North Sails could stand behind the improvements in the carbon footprint and authenticity of the sustainable materials in our sailcloth. With our wider commitment to continuous improvement and our push to strive for more sustainable solutions across the business at all levels, RENEW will not stop with panel laminates, and we will look to apply this approach to sustainable raw materials across our broader range of products.”

Under the RENEW program, North Sails will continue to partner with suppliers to identify and refine the raw materials needed to produce ever more sustainable sails for all customers. North Sails is working on new solutions for sustainable sources across all North Sails technologies, including 3Di sails.

Davis continued, "North Sails has committed to adopting Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to learn about the ecological impact of all products and to establish goals for reducing waste and pollution. An important aspect of achieving these goals is to introduce more recycled content. By 2025, North Sails will implement a Responsible Product Scorecard for all products and will also establish measurable goals for circular products that can be recycled at the end of their lifecycle."

Contact Information
For more information on RENEW or to request an interview, please contact press@northsails.com

About North Sails
North Sails is a global innovator in sailmaking, action sports, and apparel. Founded in 1957 in California by aerospace engineer and revolutionary sailmaker Lowell North, North Sails is driven by the spirit of the ocean. Innovation defines its past, present, and future, to deliver performance that constantly pushes limits.

As a pioneering force in sailmaking, North Sails boasts an impressive legacy marked by groundbreaking innovations that have revolutionized sailing. Recognized as the preferred sailmaker for prestigious events like the America's Cup and amongst Grand Prix, Ocean Racing, Olympics, and Superyachts, North Sails offers a comprehensive range of sails underpinned by an unwavering commitment to all sailors.

Further solidifying our position as the world's leading sailmaker, North Sails proudly holds an unmatched track record of one design National, World, and Olympic Class victories, surpassing all competitors combined.

Whether the goal is to claim the America's Cup, enjoy a day of sailing with family and friends, fly a North kite, wear the world’s best Foul Weather Gear, or simply commute to work, our brand’s legacy of innovation sets the tone for a portfolio that transcends performance sailing.

Find out more at northsails.com

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