The move to the 1,100sqm premises, also in the Isle of Wight but double the size of the previous site, took place last Friday, with Rapanui purchasing the premises a year ago and spending the past few months converting it and fitting it with a 12kW photovoltaic solar panel array, LED lighting and insulation.

Rapanui direct marketing executive James Gray said that the relocation was reflective of the 40-staff company’s continued growth and sustainable values.

“The reason it’s cool is that it reflects the values of the company, that was what was behind it,” said Gray.

“All these mod-cons, solar panels on the roof and other features that drive the machinery through renewable energy reflect our brand values.”

Rapanui said that 50% of power on the site is generated by its solar array, with the remainder purchased wholesale from Good Energy; a mix of solar and wind power dependent on conditions. 

“We have a combination of the two, so when the sun is out it is running off panels, and when it’s tipping it down, like it is today, it’s a mix of solar, wind and hydro,” added Gray. 

Founded in 2009 as a sustainable alternative fashion brand, Rapanui launched UK T-shirt Printing around two years ago, and it says it has doubled its turnover every year since.

It runs two automatic M&R screen printers along with 10 digital printers configured with a custom factory management scheduling system.

“I think what we’re doing right is that it all comes from an organic sustainable supply chain, that’s why people are attracted to it,” added Gray.

“In the industry people like to go straight to garment, there’s no waiting around, there’s no big freight from the other side of the world, the technology is speeding the whole process up like we’re doing here. It is organic cotton powered by wind and in a factory that is powered by solar, so it’s ethical as well as being fast.”