Offset printing blankets are the rubber-coated sheets wrapped around the cylinders of large commercial printing …
Offset printing blankets are the rubber-coated sheets wrapped around the cylinders of large commercial printing presses. They transfer ink to paper. After around 250,000 impressions, they are replaced. Unless we rescue them, they will go to landfill.
We reclaim them, combine them with decommissioned British fire-hose, and make bags, wallets and accessories from them. The printing blanket gives this collection its distinctive matt black finish - no two pieces are identical because each blanket carries its own history. The fire-hose provides the structural base.
Where the matt black comes from.
-
Reclaimed printing blankets: We collect offset printing blankets from commercial printing operations, they are rescued just before disposal. The black surface is the rubber face of the blankets; it is not dyed and not painted.
-
Decommissioned fire-hose: We collect British fire-hose that are retired from service, and it is used as the structural base across the range.
-
Metal hardware: High quality metal hardware is used across this collection.
Two rescued materials. One very distinctive object.
- Certified B Corp
- Certified Social Enterprise
- Certified Living Wage employer
- No-outsourcing: Everything is handmade by our own team across our two sites, one in Kent and one in Istanbul
- Queen Award for Enterprise winner
- Cartier Women Initiative winner
- Over 300 tonnes of materials rescued to date
- 50% of profits from this collection donated to The Fire Fighters Charity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a printing blanket?
An offset printing blanket is a rubber-coated canvas sheet used in commercial printing presses to transfer ink from the printing plate to the paper. They are used extensively by newspapers, magazine publishers and packaging printers. After a certain number of impressions they are replaced.
Why is the finish matt black?
The black surface is the rubber layer on the canvas printing blanket. We do not paint or dye it. The matt finish comes directly from the blanket material itself. Because each blanket has been used in a printing press, there are slight surface variations between pieces - which we think makes them more interesting.
Does the printing blanket feel different from fire-hose?
Yes. The printing blanket material has a smoother and softer texture compared to the ridges or dimples of fire-hose. Both are robust and water-resistant. The printing blanket range has a more minimal, urban look.
Where do the printing blankets come from?
They come from commercial printing operations across the UK. When a blanket reaches the end of its working life it is replaced - we collect it before it reaches disposal.
