Our Story
Sustainable Canvas, About Us
The Story Behind Our Recycled Art Supplies
Welcome! I’m Alanah Jarvis, founder of Sustainable Canvas, artist, ocean lover and former scuba diving instructor turned recycled plastic innovator.
Like many artists, I struggled with a growing conflict: I adored creating, yet the amount of plastic waste in my practice grew at a rapid rate.
After years spent diving some of the world’s most breathtaking reefs, I began witnessing an uncomfortable truth, plastic was infiltrating even the most pristine waters.
I felt like my art was contributing to the problem.
So I merged my two worlds art and conservation then set out to create a solution for artists who care deeply about their craft and the planet.
Design Meets Sustainability
Creating Australia’s first premium canvas made from 100% recycled plastic bottles wasn’t easy.
It took:
✓ Years of research
✓ Countless prototypes
✓ Testing with professional artists
✓ Determination (and a lot of coffee)
But eventually, we cracked it.
What began as a single spark became an award‑winning innovation recognised for pushing sustainability in the art world forward. Today artists describe our canvas as “gliding beautifully,” “perfect tooth,” and “better than cotton.”
And that is something I’m deeply proud of.
The Solution
Sustainable Canvas is made from 37 recycled bottles per canvas, professionally primed in Melbourne and engineered to perform at a gallery standard, without harming the planet.
We now also create palettes from Australian industrial waste, paint pots from reused milk lids and are expanding into two brand new products, these are taking a little longer but will absolutely be worth it!
Our products are built to be:
✓ Archival‑quality & artist‑tested
✓ Australian‑made where possible
✓ Circular, return, recycle, repurpose
✓ Sustainable without compromise
Sustainability isn’t a trend for us; it’s a responsibility and a privilege.
Because art should never cost the earth.
Art heals. Nature heals.
And when the two work together, something truly beautiful happens.
Every Sustainable Canvas you paint on:
• Keeps plastic out of oceans & landfill
• Supports Australian innovation
• Helps protect the marine world that inspires us
• Empowers artists to create proudly & consciously
From the Tiwi Islands to Tasmania, artists across Australia are joining the movement, choosing creativity with purpose.
Thank you for being here,
Whether you’re a professional artist, a weekend creator, or someone rediscovering the joy of painting, we’re honoured to be part of your practice and part of the solution.
With gratitude and paint‑stained hands,
Alanah Jarvis & the Sustainable Canvas Team