Rareform

The Story Behind Rareform: From Billboards to One-of-a-Kind Gear

At Rareform, every product has a story — literally. What started as a simple idea during a surfing trip has grown into a mission-driven brand that transforms discarded billboards into durable, stylish bags and accessories with a story worth sharing. Where It All Began The journey began in Los Angeles in 2012 when brothers Alec and Aric noticed something unusual while traveling in El Salvador — large billboard vinyls were being repurposed by locals as roofing material because they were durable and weather-resistant. That moment sparked an idea: what if these massive, nearly indestructible materials could be given new life as products people use every day? And so Rareform was born — with a mission to turn waste into something meaningful. Step 1 — Sourcing the Material Billboards are typically made from PVC and PE vinyl, materials that are tough, waterproof, and difficult to recycle through traditional channels. Instead of letting them end up in landfills, Rareform works with partners across the United States to: Collect used billboard vinyl Transport it back to facilities Sort it by size, color, and quality The result? A constant stream of interesting, vibrant material ready for transformation. Step 2 — Cleaning and Cutting Once the billboard vinyl arrives at Rareform’s workshop: Each piece is carefully washed to remove dirt, adhesives, and any residue. Billboards are hand-cut into panels and pieces, which become the building blocks for products. This hands-on approach ensures quality — and means that each cut is slightly different, contributing to the uniqueness of the final product. More than just manufacturing, this step is about craftsmanship. Step 3 — Crafting One-of-a-Kind Products Now comes the design and assembly phase: Pieces of cleaned, sorted billboard vinyl are sewn into bags, slings, totes, backpacks, coolers, and accessories. Because the source material comes from billboards of different sizes, colors, and graphics, no two products are the same — every item is unique. The team pays close attention to detail, constructing pieces that aren’t only eye-catching but also: Durable Water-resistant Ready for everyday use This combination of sustainability and style has become a hallmark of Rareform gear. Step 4 — Reducing Waste and Boosting Sustainability Rareform’s entire process is rooted in environmental impact: Thousands of pounds of billboard vinyl are kept out of landfills every month, giving new life to what was once waste. Scraps and leftover pieces are thoughtfully used to create smaller products — minimizing waste even further. This approach aligns with a broader commitment to ethical production, environmental stewardship, and creative reuse — all while crafting products that resonate with conscious consumers. Step 5 — Sharing the Story Beyond making products, Rareform places emphasis on storytelling. Each item reflects a narrative: 👉 Where it came from (a billboard once displayed outdoors)👉 How it was transformed (washed, cut, sewn)👉 Where it’s headed next (your everyday bag, backpack, or accessory) This storytelling element isn’t just branding — it’s a way to connect consumers with the impact behind their purchase. Why It Matters Rareform isn’t just about bags and accessories — it’s about reimagining waste as opportunity: Reducing landfill impact Celebrating craftsmanship Designing products with character and purpose Encouraging consumers to think differently about the materials around them And that’s the heart of the Rareform process — a simple idea turned into a meaningful journey from billboard to bag.