2025.06.19THU
2024.12.03
Keywords: Minimalist, Recycled Materials, Made in USA! The Next Generation of Equipment from "Flowfold"
In Spring 2024, the much-anticipated brand "Flowfold" has landed in Japan.
With the slogan “Be a Minimalist,” the wallets and bags showcase a consistent commitment to materials and design work.
All products are handcrafted in their own factory in Maine, USA. We spoke with Shiori Miyazaki from Alco International Ltd., in the marketing division PR, who shared insights about this brand that has just arrived in Japan.
Strong yet Flexible, Lightweight yet Durable
Flowfold began in 2010. It is a brand that promotes sustainable products using minimal designs, incorporating leftover fabric from yacht sails, recycled polyester fabrics, and scraps from ropes.One of the founders, Charles Friedman, worked in a sail-making factory, where he learned to use industrial sewing machines to repair sails.
One day, he spontaneously sewed a wallet using scraps of sailcloth from racing yachts. The finished wallet was ultra-thin, lightweight, and incredibly durable. The word "Flowfold" represents the idea of “a layer of rock bending smoothly over time without breaking.” The use of “strong yet flexible, lightweight yet durable” materials marks the moment of the brand's first product creation.
Later, with determination, he formed a team with trusted friends and established Flowfold in 2010.
The "Bifold Wallet" & 2 Notable Materials
Now, let’s take a look at the actual items. The wallet "Bifold Wallet," which was mentioned earlier, is rooted in the brand and is a bestseller. Pay attention to the two materials used for this Bifold Wallet.The design features a main pocket for bills and two pockets for cards, all in a very minimal style.
The Bifold Wallet utilizes two materials: one is EcoPak™ from Challenge Sailcloth, which is a durable and waterproof recycled polyester fabric. About 20 plastic bottles are used per yard (0.9144m) of this material. It is lightweight, flexible, and designed to withstand abrasion and moisture.
Additionally, EcoPak™ does not contain toxic solvents, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), or PFAS (permanent chemicals).
The other material is X-Ply®, which is a canvas developed by Dimension Polyant for elite yacht racing and windsurfing enthusiasts, utilizing recycled sailcloth.
This material features a laminated structure of durable and waterproof membranes made from polyester and aramid fibers, providing an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and outstanding elasticity.
At Flowfold, they recycle portions of this material that were not used as sails, hence the name "Recycled Sailcloth."
The Recycling of Materials Also Leads to Popular Items like "Voyager – Zipper Pouch"
Flowfold's items made from sustainable materials such as EcoPak™ and recycled sailcloth are not limited to wallets; they also come in three sizes as popular items known as "Voyager – Zipper Pouch." These have also become quite popular.These three sizes of pouches are also favored items due to their convenience as bag-in-bag solutions. They are suitable for everyday use, travel, and can hold personal belongings. The strength and waterproofness of this material make it an excellent choice for leisure activities as well.
Flowfold's Suggested Backpack: "Optimist"
Flowfold is also focusing on bag production. Let's highlight the lightweight, durable, and minimalist design of the backpack called "Optimist" made from EcoPak™ material.Share Article
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