Coming soon: Retulp introduces products made from old fire hoses

Most people know Retulp from drinking bottles, lunch products and other reusable on-the-go solutions. In August, an entirely new product group will be added. The new Retulp Fire Hose Collection consists of premium bags and accessories made from discarded fire hoses. Materials that have been used for years during firefighting operations are thus given a second life as bags for everyday use. The result is a collection that immediately stands out with charisma, character and a story you don't often
encounter.

What makes this collection special is that no two products are the same. Each
fire hose has acquired marks, markings and its own structure during its use. Those characteristics remain visible in the final product. This gives each bag its own look. So you are not buying a standard product from a factory, but a bag with a history.

The collection consists of different models for work, travel, commuting and everyday use. There will be single panniers, double panniers, bicycle handlebar bags and bicycle laptop bags for people who are on the move a lot. In addition, Retulp is introducing backpacks, laptop bags, shoppers, weekend bags, toiletry bags and key chains.

For consumers, the products will soon be available individually through the webshop. For companies there will also be the possibility to have products personalized with their own logo, name or message. From 25 pieces, organizations can use the collection as a business gift, anniversary gift, Christmas gift or part of a loyalty program.

Just that combination of look, functionality and personalization makes the collection interesting for both private and business users.

Fire hoses are designed for extreme conditions. They must withstand water, dirt, intensive use and high loads. Once they no longer meet fire department safety requirements, they are replaced, while the material itself can often last for years. Retulp sees in this an opportunity to reuse valuable material.

This is not about recycling where raw materials are processed into something new. The fire hose remains recognizable as a material and is given a different function. This is also known as upcycling. This preserves many of the original properties, such as the strength, abrasion resistance and water-repellent properties of the material. In addition, the use of existing materials gives each bag its own character. Use marks, stamps and small differences make each product unique.

In the coming months, we will take you behind the scenes of this new collection. In July we will show you how the products are made, who is working on them and what impact this project has. In the process, we'll also tell the story of the craftswomen who produce the bags and transform the used fire hoses into high-quality products.

The official introduction of the full collection will follow in August. Want to see how Retulp worked with upcycling before? Check out our page on upcycling and reuse.