NSW Sustainability Award 2026 (Circular Economy Award) Nominee
Bags with a Backstory.
RECOLAB (repurposed, eco-friendly, collaborative laboratory) creates custom made bags from repurposed sail fabric (our favourite thing to do!) along with other materials such as billboard skins, abandoned festival tents and upholstery fabrics all diverted from landfill. Each piece tells it's own unique story and is a bespoke piece of sustainable craftsmanship handmade in Tasmania, Australia.
Recent Collaborations
.png)
Meet The Maker
Lyn Hellewell is the Designer and Maker behind RECOLAB. Every bag that leaves her workshop carries a piece of her passion for sustainability and craftsmanship. Lyn believes that a lot of waste is just a misplaced resource, and she loves transforming all manner of reclaimed materials into beautiful, functional pieces.
From yacht sails that have navigated the water's of Tasmania and beyond, to decommissioned billboards from high-end advertising campaigns and community art projects, each material brings its own one-of-a-kind character and story to your custom bag.
When you work with RECOLAB, you're not just getting a product – you're becoming part of a movement towards conscious consumption, a circular economy and maritime heritage preservation.
Repurposed with Purpose
Rugged and Ready
Each bag begins its journey in our Tasmanian workshop where creativity meets maritime heritage. We carefully select retired sailing materials based on their quality, character, and nautical story.
Our process combines traditional sail making techniques with innovative design thinking, ensuring every piece is not only beautiful but built to withstand years of adventure.
All bag hardware is marine grade and UV protected and webbing is auto-industry grade. All seams are double-sewn and bound with polyester binding tape.
Ready to Build Your Bag?
Tell us about your vision and we'll work together to create a unique, sustainable bag from our vast range of repurposed materials (or from something you provide such as uniforms, your own sail cloth or other materials that have significance for you). We will design a bag that reflects your personal style and values. We are also happy to discuss adding personalisation to your bag such as initials, numbers and/or logos.
What Happens Next?
1
We'll review your requirements and get back to you within 24 hours
2
We'll discuss design options, sail materials, and provide a custom quote
3
Once approved, we'll craft your bespoke bag and arrange delivery to anywhere
Custom Bag Timeline
Most custom bags are completed within 2-3 weeks from design approval.
Larger orders or complex designs may require additional time.
Sustainable, handmade bags crafted in Tasmania from repurposed sails and materials. Unique stories, built to last.
Contact
0459615513
© 2025 by RECOLAB. Web Design by MadWeb.