Staffan Gunnarsson is a qualified engineer who, following a trip around the world, chose to set up his own business with his wife Eva. Today, their tarp clips sell best to boaters, outdoor and garden enthusiasts and to the events industry. The tarp clip allows you to easily secure tarpaulins, and the grip tightens the heavier the load.

Staffan is a qualified engineer and worked in Stockholm, where he also met his wife Eva. Steffan worked hard during his time in the Swedish capital, but after a while the stress became too much. This led to the couple’s decision to leave everyday life behind and go traveling.

“We sold the flat and travelled the world. Traveling and cleansing your thoughts really helps you figure out what you want in life.”

When the couple came back, they started importing plastic fabric for advertising purposes.

“We produced the plastic for advertising signs and banners. At that time, there weren’t many people importing this material so demand was high and we filled a gap in the industry.”

But a few years later, new technical innovations arrived and they were competed out of the market.

Staffan develops on Gerhard’s tarp clip

“Around the same time, I received a letter from Gerhard Svensson. He sent a sample of his tarpaulin clip and wanted to help with the marketing.”

Staffan says that although Gerhard’s clip was really clever, it didn’t sell. Gerhard understood that he was an inventor and not a marketing professional, and Staffan bought a patent for the clip.

“Since then, I have developed Gerhard's tarpaulin clip further. His clip was still for farming tarp and for people with large hands and a strong grip. Instead, I have adapted the clip so that it suits everyone.”

Staffan continues that Gerhard’s clip didn’t take the manufacturing costs into account. He tells us that a large part of his work was getting costs down while still maintaining the quality and performance.

“Our clips stand out. Gerhard’s clip had grooves, which meant you had to be very strong to be able to attach it. Instead, the clip I have developed has teeth on one side, making it easy to put together, and it gets tighter the more you pull.”

Two clip models: holds 45- or 100 kg

When the tarpaulin is pulled tight, the clip tightens and pinches the tarpaulin to prevent it from tearing away. When you no longer need the tarpaulin, the clip can be detached and reused on another canvas.

“The tarp clip is removable and grips tighter the heavier the load.”

The tarp clips are available in two different sizes. The small clip “Mini” holds up to 45 kg and the large clip “Midi” can hold up to 100 kg.

“The biggest challenge is getting people to understand that the tarp clip can be used instead of eyelets, and what makes it clever is that you attach the clip to the edge of the canvas. The clip can therefore be used on tarpaulins with broken eyelets.”

”The clip is perfect for those who do a lot of gardening or enjoy going camping”

Staffan says that the pandemic didn’t negatively affect his business. On the contrary, as the clip sells best to gardeners and outdoorsy people.

“It’s perfect for those who do a lot of gardening or enjoy going camping, and use the clip to stretch out the tent. During the pandemic, people travelled less and tended to their gardens or spent more time outdoors. Hence our product was still needed.”

But the tarp clip isn’t just a good tool for gardening enthusiasts or outdoors types, it’s also appreciated by people with an interest in boats.

“Recently, I have also noticed that the tarp clip sells well to events companies. It’s a new industry that needs the clips when they construct stages and the like. People come up with new uses for the clip all the time.”

The tarp clip is made of fibreglass-reinforced nylon and all production takes place in western Sweden. Staffan says that in the future, he wants to continue to improve on his clips and thinks it fun to work on them.

“A new product is being launched around the new year. Keep your eyes peeled!”