‘Love it’: Byron Bay couple fix annoying Aussie beach issue
A controversial beach item recently exploded in popularity – but a Byron Bay couple spotted a problem with it instantly, and set out to fix it.
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A Byron Bay couple who were fed up with an unsightly issue plaguing Aussie beaches decided to tackle the problem head on – and the result has been a roaring success.
Karla Rose, the co-founder of fashion labels Zulu & Zephyr and Millk, and her partner Ben Martineau have always been frequent beachgoers.
But they hated one thing about spending time at our golden shores – the fact most beach furniture was made out of plastics and non-sustainable fabrics.
As a result, the pair – who have three kids – decided to tackle the problem head on and launched Sunday Supply Co in 2017.
Initially the brand started with just its cult umbrella, then expanded to include folding chairs and a beach cart, all of which have proved incredibly popular with customers.
But when beaches began filling up with huge cabanas a few years ago, which are so loathed by some Australians the trendy item has been dubbed an “epidemic”, Ben and Karla decided to make a sustainable version.
“Honestly, we sat on this product for over two years thinking of a way we can create a ‘nice’ version of this new beach trend,” Ben told news.com.au.
“We had welcomed our third child and felt a larger shade for our family was necessary.
“But we wanted to create a cabana that was aesthetically beautiful in the most sustainable way possible — using our own quality recycled polyester (RPET) fabric, FSC-certified timber poles and powder-coated aluminium hardware.”
Ben, who is a graphic designer by trade, said the pair used their experience from designing their original beach umbrellas to create the now “really popular” item, which sells for $349.
“The recycled fabric we use to make our products is all repurposed waste from other businesses and consumers,” he explained.
“We have strong sustainability values as a company and make the best choices at every product touchpoint so it is quite a big commitment to choose this material opposed to the many other fabrics used for cabanas that use virgin nylon or that end up in landfill.”
The dad-of-three said that since launching the alternative to the popular beach item, it has been a “welcome sight” to see the Sunday Supply Co version on beaches.
“Generally speaking, I think we should all make the best choices we can when it comes to looking after the planet — whether it’s making products or buying them,” he said.
“Other cabanas out there are cheaper to make and use less quality fabrics and materials.
“I would also like to think everything we create as a brand performs to a high quality and stands the test of time as to extend the life cycle of our products.”
Since beach cabanas took off a few years back, there has been huge controversy regarding the somewhat unsightly item, leaving many Aussies divided.
Some have called for local councils to ban the use of the pop-up sun shade while others praise the product for keeping their families safe.
One fan of the item is Anita Dessaix, Chair of Cancer Council’s Public Health Committee, who warned Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world.
“More than one in four Australians said that sun protection isn’t a part of their daily routine in summer. Also one in eight adults and one in five teenagers are sunburnt on an average summer weekend,” Ms Dessaix told news.com.au earlier this year.
“That’s why products like cabanas that are specially designed to protect individuals from the sun and have a high UPF rating are useful to create shade but should be used in combination with other sun protection measures.”
Data shows two in three Aussies will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. However, Ms Dessaix said cabanas shouldn’t be used to extend a person’s time in the sun.
“While not always possible, minimising exposure to UV radiation from the sun is the most effective strategy to prevent skin cancer,” she said.
“To seek shade, use trees, built shade structures, or bring your own gazebo or umbrella with a high UPF designed to offer sun protection. Shade reduces exposure to UV radiation, but it can still reach you via reflection – especially around water – so make sure you use shade in combination with other sun protection measures.”
The Cancer Council encourages Aussies to slip on slip on protective clothing; slop on a minimum of SPF30 (ideally SPF50) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen; slap on a broadbrimmed hat; seek shade and slide on sunglasses.
The sun-protection benefits from the product haven’t stopped Aussies from complaining about the product “taking over” beaches.
However videos filmed at beaches in places such as on the Gold Coast and in Sydney and Perth that show sandy shores “filled” with the colourful cabanas have left many furious as some claim the item takes up “prime real estate” and disrupts the view.
Despite this, many customers have shared rave reviews of the Sunday Supply Co cabana online, labelling beach shade “a complete win”.
“I have four kids and the cabana has been a lifesaver for us,” one shared.
“I’ve had a Sunday Supply Co umbrella for years now but have just bitten the bullet and upgraded to the cabana. Best decision ever,” another agreed.
“It’s so practical and stylish, I love it,” someone else added.
Ben said the brand takes on board all feedback it receives, on orders big and small, to “improve on what we do”.
“We have experienced growth and product success over the years and are extremely grateful for each and every customer,” he said.
“These days we are faced with a very different and competitive market and again very grateful for our loyal customers that choose Sunday Supply Co.
“Seeing our products out in the wild and people at the beach is the reason we love doing what we do.”
Originally published as ‘Love it’: Byron Bay couple fix annoying Aussie beach issue
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