Thursday, 20 March 2025

Global Recycling Day (18 March 2025): Waste Isn’t Waste


Caption: On Global Recycling Day (18 March 2025), we celebrate the power of rethinking waste. These dedicated hands belong to Maggie Milanzi, a proud team member of the Re.Bag.Re.Use team in Koedoespoort, Pretoria. Maggie is skilfully transforming empty Blue Ribbon bread bags into a beautifully handcrafted, multifunctional bag. By upcycling, we extend the life of plastic before it enters the recycling stream, proving that waste can hold real value. True sustainability goes beyond recycling—it’s about reducing, reusing, and repurposing to create lasting environmental and social impact. (www.rebagreuse.com)

We’ve all heard about the importance of recycling – it’s a message that is constantly in front of us, whether it’s the triangular recycling symbol on packaging or an advertisement for an eco-friendly product. But, if we truly want to reduce our waste footprint, we need to think beyond recycling and also consider waste reduction, reuse and repurposing (upcycling). Our waste holds significant value, and by embracing recycling and upcycling, we can unlock this value and create an entire secondary resource value chain – one that drives sustainability, economic opportunities, and environmental impact. With Global Recycling Day on 18 March 2025, now is the perfect time to explore what the waste economy is really about and how we can all play a role in it.

As a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), Polyco helps ensure more plastic is collected, processed, and kept in the recycling value chain. “Almost everything we throw away could have a second life. With new regulations like the Extended-Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, products and packaging are being designed with recyclability in mind.  This means that majority of products can and should be recycled,” says Patricia Pillay, Polyco CEO.

But it doesn’t stop with recycling. With a bit of creativity products and packaging, in many instances, can be upcycled. We have seen so many exciting innovations in the upcycling space.

Global Recycling Day highlights the power of rethinking waste. Understanding the difference between recycling and upcycling allows us to see opportunities where we can close the loop on waste. Let’s explore this more.

Recycling breaks materials down into their core elements to create something entirely new. For example:

  • Glass bottles → New glass jars and windows
  • Aluminium cans → Bicycle frames and airplane parts
  • Plastic bread bags → Pipes, rubbish-bin liners and even furniture

Upcycling keeps materials as they are, simply transforming them into something useful. For example:

  • Glass bottles → Decorative vases or drinking glasses
  • Aluminium cans → DIY stationery holders
  • Plastic bread bags → Beautifully crocheted shopping bags have become a popular functional item that are replacing plastic shopping bags. Have a look at the work that Re.Bag.Re.Use  is doing; a prime example of upcycling.

Both processes reduce waste and contribute to a secondary resource economy, but they do so in different ways. Recycling breaks materials down and reshapes them into entirely new products, whereas upcycling preserves the original material, giving it a fresh purpose.

Although recycling remains the top priority due to its scalability and long-term impact, upcycling plays an important role in extending the lifespan of plastic before it eventually enters the recycling value chain

"For us at Blue Ribbon, it’s about making the most of every material," adds Stephanie Hoy, Marketing Executive for Bakeries at Premier FMCG. "Our bread bags are 100% recyclable, and we actively support responsible recycling. But at the same time, we love seeing upcycling projects like Re.Bag.Re.Use giving plastic a second life before it reaches a recycling facility. It’s about sustainability with impact!"

Not every piece of plastic makes it into the recycling system right away. That’s why Blue Ribbon proudly supports upcycling initiatives like Re.Bag.Re.Use, which collects used bread bags and transforms them into crocheted, functional products – all while creating jobs and empowering women in the community.

"We take something that would usually be thrown away and turn it into something beautiful and practical," says Regine le Roux, Founder of the Re.Bag.Re.Use initiative. "Upcycling isn’t just about reusing plastic – it’s about creating opportunities, promoting material sustainability, and finding value in our waste."

This Global Recycling Day, let’s rethink waste together – because every bag, bottle, and can has more to give.

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Above: Fashion with a purpose! This moonbag and sun hat, crafted by the Re.Bag.Re.Use team, were once empty Blue Ribbon bread bags. By repurposing plastic into functional, stylish accessories, we extend the life of waste, reduce environmental impact, and empower local communities. This Global Recycling Day (18 March 2025), let’s embrace recycling, upcycling, and rethinking waste to create a more sustainable future!


Media Contact

Regine le Roux

0833021528

regine@rebagreuse.com

 

 

About Blue Ribbon Bread

 

Flour. Water. Yeast. The three simple things that make a loaf of bread, but it’s the ability to share, care and connect over Blue Ribbon bread, which has been bringing South Africans together since 1882. Continuous improvements to our product recipe means that our loaves are packed full of flavour and freshness – always delivering on that mmmm Yum Taste.

 

About Re.Bag.Re.Us


Re.Bag.Re.Use is a community-driven initiative that repurposes discarded bread bags into handcrafted, multifunctional items. Launched in Hout Bay, Cape Town, the project empowers local women by providing them with skills and income opportunities, while promoting environmental sustainability. Each product tells a story of social upliftment, with a portion of the proceeds supporting local charities, including the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA. Re.Bag.Re.Use is transforming waste into opportunity, one stitch at a time.

 

Thursday, 12 December 2024

Don’t Head Out This Summer Without Your Hat!


Caption: Margaret Nyika (left) and Sakile Ndlovu (right) from the Re.Bag.Re.Use team have your head covered this holiday! These beautiful sun hats have been crocheted using empty Blue Ribbon bread bags. Approximately 40 empty bread bags are used to make one hat—meaning 40 fewer plastic bags end up in landfill when you support Re.Bag.Re.Use by buying a hat. With each sale, a percentage is also donated to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA.


Summer is here, and so are sunny days, beach trips, and outdoor adventures. But before you head out to soak up the sun, make sure you’ve got your ultimate summer essential: a Re.Bag.Re.Use hat!


These hats are not just stylish—they’re light, comfy, and sustainable, making them the perfect accessory for sunny adventures. And get this: they’re made from repurposed empty bread bags! Each hat in this year’s collection uses approximately 40 empty Blue Ribbon bread bags, turning waste into a fabulous fashion statement.


Four Reasons Why You’ll Love your Re.Bag.Re.Use Hat:

  1. Stay Sun-Safe: A wide-brimmed hat is your best friend for protecting your face and neck from harmful UV rays. Pair it with sunscreen, and you’re ready to enjoy the sunshine!


  2. Stylish: These handcrafted hats aren’t just practical—they’re a true statement piece.


  3. Care for the Planet: Each hat keeps approximately 40 bread bags out of landfill, transforming waste into wearable art.


  4. Support Communities: Every purchase not only supports the team who creates these works of art but also contributes to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA. It’s truly a hat with heart!


Where to Get Yours


Catch us at the Kuier @The Castle market this weekend (14 and 15 December 2024)

and grab your new favorite summer hat in person. Can’t make it? No worries! These beauties are also available online at www.rebagreuse.com


Don’t let the sun ruin your fun! Protect yourself, look fabulous, and make a positive impact—all with a Re.Bag.Re.Use hat. This summer, it’s all about staying coolstylish, and sustainable

 

Caption: Make a Fashion Statement with Re.Bag.Re.Use Sun Hats! These stunning hats are crocheted from empty Blue Ribbon bread bags. Each hat uses approximately 40 empty bread bags, keeping 40 plastic bags out of landfill with every purchase. Plus, a percentage of each sale is donated to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA.


Ready to step out in style and make a difference?

Visit www.rebagreuse.com/blueribbon.html to order your very own Blue Ribbon hat.


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Contact

Regine le Roux

0833021528

regine@rebagreuse.com

www.rebagreuse.com



Friday, 29 November 2024

Parachutes to Purpose: Crafting Change with Creativity

 


Caption: This stunning Green˚ beach bag, crocheted from discarded paraglider wings, is proof that every material deserves a second chance. Thanks to a collaboration with the Re.Bag.Re.Use team, its life as a paraglider wing may be over, but something new and beautiful has been created.


From denim pencil cases to paraglider bags, the Green˚ duo proves that no material is too tough to transform into new products, create employment opportunities, and make a meaningful environmental impact.


The dynamic duo Anne Henderson and Cheryl Macdonald, founders of Green Degree (Green˚), have made a significant impact by repurposing discarded denim into pencil cases filled with essential stationery for children in under-resourced areas. Over the past four years, they have taken Capricorn Primary School in Vrygrond, Westlake Primary School, and most recently Caravelle Primary School in Rocklands, Mitchell’s Plain under their wing and have distributed more than 7,100 stationery packs, ensuring young learners are equipped to begin their school careers while spreading an important message about finding value in our ‘waste’ and being mindful about the environment.


But their creativity doesn’t stop there. Driven by a mission that doesn’t harm the earth, create employment opportunities, and raise environmental awareness, Green˚ continually seeks innovative ways to expand their impact and creatively raise funds to support their mission.


Both Anne and Cheryl’s families share a passion for the outdoors, particularly kitesurfing—an activity that relies on large amounts of material. These materials require regular maintenance and eventual replacement, which raises a critical question: how can they be discarded sustainably? Unfortunately, most old kitesurfing sails, paraglider wings and parachutes end up in landfills.


With Green˚’s knack for innovation, Anne and Cheryl saw an opportunity to give these sails a second lease on life—transforming waste into purpose.


“We are continuously looking for initiatives that share our values and align with our mission,” shares Anne. “We also wanted to experiment and try something different. After a successful test run of crocheting with the fabric, our paths crossed with Re.Bag.Re.Use; it felt like everything fell into place—pure synchronicity.”


This Hout Bay-based initiative empowers women from Imizamo Yetho to crochet multifunctional items by repurposing empty bread and plastic bags. They have also made different products and exhibition pieces using fabric. “It was a perfect fit,” Anne continues. “We resonate with their ethos: spreading the impact and love of their work far and wide, keeping the environment clean, providing additional earning opportunities for the local community, and donating a percentage of their sales to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH)and the SPCA.”


Anne shares, “With this new crocheted product range, we aim to create something truly special— pieces that are incredibly aesthetically pleasing, artistic and durable. Every item is handcrafted and unique. We’re not just making products for the sake of it or churning out items; we want to craft something that stands out.


“There is still so much life left in each piece of material. Its time as a kitesurf sail or paraglider wing might be over, but from it, something new and exciting is born, giving it a second lease on life for many more years. Fast fashion places a huge amount of stress on our natural resources, and we need to be much more mindful about our consumption and the lifecycle of the items we use.”


“100% of our profits are used to fund the pencil cases and stationary for the three schools that we support,” adds Cheryl. “This year alone, we have contributed over R50,000 to the local economies of Masiphumelele in Noordhoek, Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay, and Westlake.”


How You Can Support Green˚:

  • Donate materials: If you have a kitesurf sail, paraglider wing or parachute you’re no longer using and don’t want to send to landfill, please consider donating it to Green˚.

  • Shop their products: View the delightful products on:

    www.instagram.com/greendegree_

  • Make a donation: Green˚ is a registered NPO.

  • Sponsor a pencil case: Help equip a school child with a pencil case filled with essential stationery.


For more information, contact Green˚ via email: anne@greendegree.org or cheryl@greendegree.org


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Media Contact

Regine le Roux

0833021528

regine@rebagreuse.com



Tuesday, 26 November 2024

South African initiative, Re.Bag.Re.Use receives global recognition


 

We Won the Global Alliance World Public Relations & Communication Award in the ESG Category!

The winners of the prestigious Global Alliance World Public Relations and Communication Awards 2024 were unveiled earlier this week during the World Public Relations Forum in Bali, Indonesia.
This year’s awards program attracted over 100 entries from across the globe, with 19 exceptional campaigns and initiatives emerging victorious in their respective categories. Winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges comprising renowned industry experts and communicators worldwide.
Re.Bag.Re.Use was the only winner from Africa—a proudly South African initiative—taking home the top honour in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Category.
Justin Green, Global Alliance President and CEO, shared, "The ESG category celebrates initiatives that go beyond words to deliver meaningful, sustainable change. This year’s winner, Re.Bag.Re.Use, exemplifies the power of innovative public relations to address pressing global challenges. By repurposing waste into functional products, they are not only reducing environmental footprints but also driving economic empowerment within their community. Re.Bag.Re.Use stands out as a shining example of innovation, purpose, and impact. A project with a global impact, truly deserves world recognition."
Re.Bag.Re.Use founder, Regine le Roux, added, "We’re so humbled, thrilled, and incredibly grateful to every single person and organisation who has contributed—and continues to contribute—to this beautiful initiative. Who would have thought that a simple hobby, an experiment, and a single empty bread bag would snowball into this remarkable, globally recognised initiative?"
To learn more about this initiative, visit www.rebagreuse.com or contact Regine le Roux at regine@rebagreuse.com or 083 302 1528.
For more information about Global Alliance: www.globalalliancepr.org
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Contact

Regine le Roux
0833021528
regine@rebagreuse.com

About Re.Bag.Re.Us
Re.Bag.Re.Use is a community-driven initiative that repurposes discarded bread bags into handcrafted, multifunctional items. Launched in Hout Bay, Cape Town, the project empowers local women by providing them with skills and income opportunities, while promoting environmental sustainability. Each product tells a story of social upliftment, with a portion of the proceeds supporting local charities, including the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA. Re.Bag.Re.Use is transforming waste into opportunity, one stitch at a time.

Wednesday, 20 November 2024

We WON! 🏆

 


We've just received the incredible news that we’ve won the Global Alliance World Public Relations & Communication Award in the ESG Category!

We’re so humbled, thrilled and incredibly grateful to every single person and organisation who has contributed—and continues to contribute—to this beautiful initiative.

Thank you for being part of this amazing journey!

The Re.Bag.Re.Use Team

🤗🏆🧶🤗🏆🧶🤗

Thursday, 14 November 2024

Cheers to 19 years!🥂

 

Cheers to 19 years!🥂  Thank you for being part of our journey and making every day truly G.R.E.A.T.E.R and sharing in our values of Growth, Respect, Excellence, Authenticity, Trust, Ethical practice, and building Relationships. Here’s to many more! 💫

Quantifying your value.

The Reputation Matters Team

🟩🥂🟩🥂🟩