Our Journey
Bambak was born in 2024 from a simple question: "What happens to old sails?"
Our founder, Leon Wilson, a passionate sailor from Sydney's Northern Beaches, faced this dilemma while upgrading the sails on his own boat. After researching options, he was surprised to find out that a staggering amount of old sails (over 80%) end up in landfills, leaving environmentally conscious boaters with limited options for recycling their sails.
Determined to make a difference, Leon had an idea to repurpose these recycled sails into bags. He reached out to his brother-in-law in Vanuatu to see if he knew of any local bag makers, which is where he was introduced to a skilled local who was seeking work at the time. Inspired by their conversation, Leon packed his 29kg sail as luggage and headed to Vanuatu.
The name "Bambak" derived from the Vanuatuan language, means "reborn," symbolizing the new life given to discarded sails.
The deeper Leon ventured into the depths of sail waste, the more he realized just how large this problem actually is. What started out as making bags, quickly evolved into a vision for a national recycling and sustainability initiative, involving Sailing clubs , corporate partners and government nationwide.
Our Vision For The Future
We're on a mission to reduce sail waste. We believe that every sail tells a story, and that story shouldn't end in a landfill. But in order to combat sail waste effectively, we need to embrace a broader vision—a circular economy.
Bambak aims to create a sustainable model involving key stakeholders; the Government, Australian Sailing, clubs, and corporate partners, to address the environmental challenges on a larger scale.
What Sets Us Apart
Local Engagement
We regularly organize community recycling days, inviting sailors and boat owners to bring their old sails for recycling. These events not only help us collect materials but also raise awareness about the importance of responsible disposal and the potential for upcycling.
Sailing Towards a Better Future
Our sustainability program extends beyond product creation. We're proud to contribute to communities in need by building shelters in Vanuatu using recycled sail materials. This initiative not only provides shelters, but also demonstrates the versatile potential of repurposed sails.
A Story in Every Stitch
When you choose Bambak, you're not just buying a product – you're continuing a journey. Our bags and accessories are crafted from materials that have weathered storms, caught winds, and sailed across vast oceans. Each item carries with it a rich history and the promise of new adventures.
Milestones That Matter
Although we are a new small business, we consider these large milestones, as each one is getting us closer to our sustainability goals.
- May 2024: Built our first shelter in Vanuatu through our sustainability program.
- July 2024: Hosted our first recycling drop-off event at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC).
We're more than just a company – we're a movement. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or simply someone who cares about our planet, we invite you to be part of our journey. Together, we can turn the tide on waste and sail towards a more sustainable future.