In Conversation With… Down The Line Surfboards
We chat to Ryan from the Down the Line team.
One of the first adopters of Flexi-Hex® packaging, we’re delighted to work closely with Down the Line to support their sustainability efforts.
Why did Down the Line convert to Flexi-Hex?
We converted to Flexi-Hex as a solution to eliminating plastic packaging when sending our boards. Surfboards are very fragile and previously required a lot of bubble wrap to protect them in overseas transport. We always re-used packaging when possible, but this wasn’t enough. Since using Flexi-Hex, we haven’t looked back and our plastic usage is zero
Have you found that Flexi-Hex has cut down time spent packaging boards and if so, how?
Yes absolutely. Previously we would cut the bubble wrap to wrap the board, then custom cut cardboard to cover the rails, nose and tail, before fitting them in a custom external box.
Now it’s simply cut the Flexi-Hex to size top and bottom, tape the nose middle and tail, (using eco brown paper tape) fit into a box and we’re done.
What do your customers think?
Our customers love it! We receive numerous emails just to say how impressed they are with the packaging. The boards arrive immaculately and the customer isn’t left with a bunch of plastic packaging they’ll never use again.
Since using Flexi-Hex, we haven’t looked back and our plastic usage is zero.
2020 was a turbulent year for everyone, how have you had to adapt at Down the Line?
Ha, you’ve got that right! Craziest year for sure.
When the initial lockdown was eased we operated a click & collect service in line with government guidelines where customers could purchase on our website and collect safely outside the store. We also operated our usual courier service for customers who don’t live local or were unable to come to the store.
3ft day at your local beach break, what would be your board of choice and fin set up?
Don’t you just love those days!? It’d have to be the 7’4” Christenson Flat Tracker with a True Ames Greenough 4A fin.
