In the fast-paced world of theatre, TV, film, and events, materials such as sets, props and costume are often discarded after the production is over, contributing to unnecessary waste. We know that this is due to lack of time, budget or storage space, and so we set up our resource hub to change this.
We offer a free-to-use platform that connects creatives with props, set materials, and sustainable event materials, ensuring that resources are reused rather than ending up in landfill.
A Circular Economy for the Creative Industries
We know that events, theatre, TV and film productions often operate on tight budgets, and our hub provides a cost-effective solution by supporting set design reuse, sustainable stage design, and reclaimed theatre sets. Through a circular economy for creative industries, we aim to extend the lifespan of materials, reducing waste and making sustainable choices more accessible to all.
How the Resource Hub Works
Using our platform is simple. Whether you need free materials for theatre and film or you have props and sets to rehome, our hub connects people looking to donate with those in need. The items available come from two main sources:
- Direct Listings – Individuals, theatres, film productions, and event organisers list materials they no longer need, making them directly available to others in the industry. You then liaise directly with those people for collection, and obtain sustainable materials for your next project.
- SAIL’s Resource Hub – We collect and store items at our 5000 square foot hub in Saltaire, ensuring a steady supply of sustainable costumes, circular economy props, and set materials. If you’re short on transport options, we can help facilitate pickups and deliveries.
How to Reuse Props and Sets
Whether you’re a theatre company, film production, or event organiser, integrating reuse in the creative industries into your workflow is easier than you think. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Browse Available Items: Need sustainable stage design materials or reclaimed theatre sets? Check our listings regularly to find what you need, or sign up to our mailing list to receive a regular email of all items added to the platform.
- Donate Unwanted Materials: If you have items left over after a production, don’t let them go to waste. Post them on our platform or bring them to our hub.
- Arrange Collection: If you’re near the end of a show or event and you don’t have a way to get the items to us, we can collect the resources directly from your venue rather than see them disposed of. Contact us to arrange.
Where to donate props and materials
Many creatives struggle with the question of where to donate props and materials, and our resource hub provides a solution. By donating your unused materials, you ensure that they continue to be useful, benefiting other productions and reducing environmental impact. This supports initiatives like the Theatre Green Book reuse guidelines and Albert sustainable production principles, both of which advocate for lower-carbon, waste-conscious creative practices and ensuring that you have a plan in mind for what happens to your materials when your production is over.
Waste Reduction in Theatre, Events, TV and Film
The creative industries generate significant amounts of waste, from set materials to promotional assets. Our hub plays a crucial role in waste reduction in theatre, events, TV and film by giving materials a second life. Reusing props and costumes reduces demand for virgin materials, minimises landfill waste, and supports a sustainable circular economy.
Why Choose Reclaimed and Sustainable Materials?
Beyond environmental benefits, using reclaimed sets, props and sustainable costumes can also add character and authenticity to a production. Many of the materials donated to our hub come with history, pieces that have graced stages and screens before, adding depth and story to new projects.
We catalogue all items that come through the hub, taking pictures, weighing and calculating the embodied carbon using industry recognised greenhouse gas conversion factors. We track where all items have come from, where they are going and provide everyone that donates items to us with a certificate of what happened to their items and how much carbon has been avoided by the reuse of their items.
Get Involved Today
Whether you’re looking for free theatre props or want to donate materials after a production, our resource hub makes it easy to embrace sustainability.
We hope to see you soon!