Climbing Rope Belts & Product Information

How does climbing rope belt sizing work?

Our climbing rope belt sizes refer to your waist measurement, not the total length of the belt.

The overall belt length, including the buckle, is approximately 8 inches / 20cm longer than the stated size. This provides enough excess length for comfortable adjustment and allows for natural changes in waist size.

If you're unsure which climbing rope belt size to choose, feel free to contact us for advice.

Can I choose a specific climbing rope colour, size, or buckle?

Yes.

At Forma Designs Collective, many of our products are made to order, and we're happy to accommodate custom requests wherever possible. Whether you're looking for a specific rope colour, buckle style, or belt size, get in touch and we'll see what we can do.

Are your climbing rope products made from real retired climbing rope?

Absolutely.

Every belt, keychain, bracelet, and accessory we create is made from genuine retired climbing rope that has reached the end of its safe working life for climbing or rope access activities.

By repurposing retired rope, we help reduce waste and create unique, sustainable products with a story behind them.

Are the colours as bright as a new climbing rope?

Not always.

Because our products are made from recycled climbing rope, each item is unique. Some ropes retain vibrant colours, while others may be slightly faded, fuzzy, or show signs of wear from years of use.

These characteristics are part of what makes every product one of a kind.

Recycling & Donating Climbing Rope

How do I donate retired climbing rope?

If you have retired climbing rope that you'd like to recycle, we'd love to hear from you.

Simply contact us through our website and we'll arrange the best way for you to send your rope. Donating rope helps keep valuable materials out of landfill while supporting sustainable manufacturing.

And there's a free keychain in it for you as well!

What should I do with old climbing rope?

Retired climbing rope should never be used for climbing or safety-critical applications.

Instead of throwing it away, consider donating it to Forma Designs Collective. We transform old climbing rope into belts, keychains, coasters, dog leads, and other useful products, giving the material a second life.

Can my own climbing rope be turned into a belt or keychain?

Yes.

Many customers send us rope that has personal memories attached to it, whether it has been used on climbing trips, expeditions, rescue work, or rope access projects.

We can often turn your own retired rope into a custom keepsake that preserves those memories for years to come.

What happens to the rope cores and internal fibres?

We currently have over half a metric tonne of rope cores stored and ready for reuse.

We're actively working with businesses and organisations that are interested in finding innovative ways to repurpose these materials. If you're looking for rope cores for crafts, education projects, product development, or creative applications, please get in touch.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Products

Why do you use retired climbing rope?

Retired climbing rope is an incredibly durable material that often ends up in landfill once it can no longer be used safely for climbing.

By repurposing rope into everyday products, we reduce waste, support the circular economy, and create sustainable alternatives to mass-produced accessories.

Are all your products environmentally friendly?

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.

Our products are handmade using retired climbing rope, helping divert waste from landfill while creating durable accessories that can be used for years.

Are your products handmade in the UK?

Absolutely. I hand-make everything myself, even the packaging.

Is your packaging biodegradable?

Yes. We make our own packaging using thick kraft card. The only part that isn't biodegradable is the adhesive strip we use to hold it together.

Simply remove the adhesive strip, and the rest can be recycled or composted. It's just laser-engraved card.

How much climbing rope have you saved from landfill?

To date, we've saved roughly 6km of climbing rope.

That's approximately 400–500kg of nylon waste diverted from landfill and given a second life.

Shipping & Delivery

How long does shipping take?

Most orders are dispatched within 24–48 hours.

Many orders leave on the same day they are placed, while delivery typically takes between 1–3 working days after dispatch. Most customers receive their order within 3–5 working days.

Do you offer tracked delivery?

Where available, orders are shipped using tracked services to ensure your products arrive safely and on time.

Care Instructions

How do I clean a climbing rope belt, keychain, or bracelet?

We recommend hand washing only.

Use warm water with mild soap, gently clean the product, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to air dry naturally. Machine washing is not recommended, as it may affect the appearance and longevity of the product.

Wholesale & Trade Enquiries

Can I stock Forma Designs Collective products in my shop?

Yes.

We already work with independent retailers, climbing centres, charities, outdoor stores, and online shops across the UK. If you're interested in becoming a stockist, we'd be delighted to discuss wholesale opportunities.

Do you offer bulk orders or custom branded products?

Yes.

We can produce bulk orders for retailers, organisations, climbing gyms, charities, events, and corporate gifts. We also offer custom products made from supplied climbing rope where possible.

Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Do you work with climbing walls and rope access companies?

Definitely.

We have partnerships with several climbing and rope access companies who donate their retired rope rather than sending it to landfill.

In return, we provide them with some free items, stock our products in their gyms and centres, and feature them as a Friend of Forma on our website.

Gifts, Repairs & Workshop

Can I buy a gift for someone if I don't know their belt size?

Definitely.

We can help recommend a rough size, or you can buy a gift card and let them choose for themselves.

Do you offer gift cards?

Yes, definitely.

Can I visit your workshop?

Unfortunately, not just yet, as my studio is currently my flat.

As soon as I have a dedicated workshop, I'll be running open workshop sessions, classes, and meet-the-maker events.

Do you repair products if they become damaged?

Sometimes, yes.

It's not often that our products break, but when they do, you're welcome to get in touch. I'd be happy to assess the item and, where possible, re-sew or repair it for you.

Most of our products are designed with DIY repairability and longevity in mind.

Additional Questions

Can I buy rope off you or use your products for climbing? 

No, absolutely not. The rope we use is donated to us precisely because it is no longer safe to climb with people donate it because they want to see it given a new life as products rather than go to waste. 

Safety Notice: Our products are handmade from this retired climbing rope and are sold as lifestyle accessories only. They are not safety equipment and must not be used for climbing, lifting, rescue, PPE, load-bearing, or any safety-critical purpose. 

What is the most unusual rope you've ever turned into a product?

Ooo, that's an interesting one.

I think my favourites are the rainbow ropes, as they're already made from recycled rope fibres themselves. So turning them into a new product feels like rope-ception recycled rope squared which I think is pretty cool.