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
🤗🏆🧶🤗🏆🧶🤗
Quantifying your value.
The Reputation Matters Team
🟩🥂🟩🥂🟩
Blue Ribbon is excited to announce its sponsorship of Re.Bag.Re.Use, a dynamic community project that transforms empty bread bags into beautifully crocheted, multifunctional items. What began in Hout Bay, Cape Town, has now expanded to Gauteng and Mpumalanga. With Blue Ribbon’s support over the next twelve months, this innovative initiative is set to grow even further. As part of the sponsorship, Blue Ribbon will supply empty bread bags, host a dedicated page on its website linking to the Re.Bag.Re.Use online store, provide online advertising support, and help amplify media exposure—ensuring even greater reach for this impactful project.
Empty bread bags are getting a second lease on life. No longer just discarded plastic, these bags are being transformed into beautiful, functional items. The transformation and repurposing of bread bags not only limits plastic on landfill, but also empowers women. Currently, 24 talented women across the country are involved in the initiative, cutting and crocheting the bread bags, ensuring they don’t end up in landfills.
“This partnership perfectly aligns with Blue Ribbon’s commitment to sustainability and community development. With Re.Bag.Re.Use repurposing bread bags, they not only reduce waste but also provide women with opportunities to develop valuable skills, helping them build more prosperous futures for their families. This initiative reflects Blue Ribbon’s purpose of supporting moms in creating brighter futures for their children, linking environmental responsibility with family well-being,” shares Stephanie Hoy, Marketing Executive for Bakeries at Premier FMCG.
Regine le Roux, founder of Re.Bag.Re.Use, says, “The partnership with Blue Ribbon resonates with us on so many levels. Just as Blue Ribbon uses three simple ingredients to bake their delicious loaves—flour, water, and yeast—our team uses three basic tools to create their unique creations: empty bread bags, scissors, and a crochet needle. And, just as Blue Ribbon continuously improves their recipe to ensure their loaves are packed with flavour and freshness, always delivering on that ‘mmm Yum Taste,’ Re.Bag.Re.Use is constantly finding innovative ways to transform waste into wonder, delivering creativity, sustainability, and purpose with every stitch. Each product is entirely handcrafted, from cutting each bread bag into strips, to the final stitch of the crocheted items. It takes approximately 150 empty bread bags and eight hours to create just one shopping bag,” adds le Roux.
A key goal of the partnership is to create income generating opportunities for women living in underserviced communities. “We’re launching an online platform where the public can purchase a range of products created by Re.Bag.Re.Use (www.rebagreuse.com/blueribbon.html). This not only supports the initiative but also encourages consumers to make sustainable choices by purchasing items where waste has been transformed into something unique and useful. This partnership with Re.Bag.Re.Use underscores Blue Ribbon’s commitment to sustainability and community development. By repurposing waste, educating the public, and empowering women, we continue to champion our mission of supporting moms, helping them turn houses into homes while contributing to a cleaner, greener environment,” says Hoy.
Blue Ribbon’s collaboration with Re.Bag.Re.Use complements its broader sustainability programme. The Packets of Goodness project educates schoolchildren about recycling and encourages them to collect and return used bread bags. Similarly, the Drop and Swop initiative motivates the public to exchange used bread bags for instant rewards. The bags collected through these initiatives are passed on to Re.Bag.Re.Use, where they are repurposed into new, eco-friendly products.
Beyond environmental initiatives, Blue Ribbon remains deeply committed to uplifting communities. The company regularly donates bread through feeding schemes, supports women’s shelters, and engages with youth through soccer tournaments and other activities that help develop skills and create lasting positive impacts in the communities it serves.
Le Roux adds, “With every Re.Bag.Re.Use product sold, a percentage also gets donated to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home and SPCA, spreading the love as far as possible.”
If you would like to support this initiative please visit: www.rebagreuse.com/blueribbon.html or contact regine@rebagreuse.com or 083 3021528. Or visit www.blueribbon.co.za
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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.
It’s only October, but guess what? It’s already October! In exactly two months—just eight and a half weeks—it’s Christmas! The December festivities are right around the corner. Now’s the perfect time to start thinking about stocking fillers. But why settle for the usual when you can surprise your loved ones with something truly special?
This year, Re.Bag.Re.Use has your holiday gifting all stitched up with a fabulous range of products that not only support the community but are also easy on the environment. And here’s the cherry on top, or should we say, the perfect stitch: a percentage of every sale goes to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA. So, while you’re picking out that perfect gift, you’ll also be spreading a little holiday cheer to those who need it most.
Wrapping A Blue Ribbon around Creativity
Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Blue Ribbon (watch this space for more!), Re.Bag.Re.Use now offers an exclusive collection of beautiful, handcrafted items made from empty Blue Ribbon bread bags! From practical shopping bags to moon-bags, these Blue Ribbon creations are not only a fun way to repurpose waste but also serve as a reminder that something as simple as a bread bag can be transformed into a work of art (have a sneak peek here: www.rebagreuse.com/blueribbon.html).
Whether it’s a quirky shopping bag or a cute accessory, every piece is lovingly handcrafted by talented craftswomen. From cutting the strips to the final stitch, it takes approximately 150 empty bread bags and eight hours to create just one shopping bag.
Why Re.Bag.Re.Use Makes the Perfect Gift
Finding gifts that are meaningful, sustainable, and support a good cause can be a challenge. But with Re.Bag.Re.Use, you can slip those worries away. Our products make the perfect stocking fillers for friends and family who care about the environment and love unique, handmade items.
Get Your Orders In Today!
Don’t get tangled up in last-minute holiday shopping. Order your Re.Bag.Re.Use gifts today and make sure your stockings are filled with love, creativity, and a whole lot of community spirit.
Visit www.rebagreuse.com to browse the full range and place your orders ahead of the Christmas rush!
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Today, on World Statistics Day, we celebrate the vital
role statistics play in understanding and shaping the world around us. At
Reputation Matters, our commitment is to help businesses and communicators
quantify their value and leverage data and insights to elevate their
reputations. Our focus extends beyond just numbers – we aim to build
G.R.E.A.T.E.R. businesses through our core values of Growth, Respect, Ethics,
Authenticity, Trust, Excellence, and Relationships.
At
Reputation Matters, we give your brand a stronger voice by helping you measure
the intangible. Measuring and quantifying your reputation enables you to
identify the areas that you are excelling at and the areas that need some work.
More often than not, issues can be resolved through strategic communication. Numbers
provide credibility to business and communication strategies, allowing
professionals to demonstrate their impact, showcase year-on-year progress, and
proactively identify risks before they escalate. Effective communication
management is a critical function within business leadership.
“The
C-suite is far more likely to listen to facts and figures than intuition. Statistics
underscore the value of measurement over instinct, giving communicators the
credibility they need to be heard at the boardroom table,” says Regine le Roux,
founder and managing director of Reputation Matters. This is especially
relevant in communication and reputation management, which are often seen as
dealing with 'soft' issues like press releases or only being called upon in
times of crisis. In reality, communication is about much more:
·
Building strong,
mutually beneficial relationships;
·
Understanding and
engaging with audiences through timely, appropriate messaging;
·
Ensuring feedback
mechanisms are in place to foster two-way communication.
“Building a reputation is proactive; crisis management
is reactive,” adds le Roux. It is important to remember that you can’t manage
what you have not measured.
“Our proprietary Repudometer® reputation measurement
tool, evaluates ten core areas of a business, we provide clear, data-driven
insights. This approach empowers business owners and communicators to drive their
strategies proactively rather than reactively. By combining the art of
communication with the science of measurement, we ensure that messaging is both
impactful and measurable.
“Our research-driven approach ensures that our
clients' business and communication efforts are grounded in data, allowing them
to build trust and authenticity with their stakeholders.
At Reputation Matters, we understand that facts and
figures, when paired with authentic communication, create meaningful
connections between businesses and their stakeholders, building greater
businesses. Our goal is to ensure companies not only
communicate effectively but also have the data to validate their impact and
reputation.
“Communication professionals play a vital role in
every organisation, and by equipping them with the right data and insights,
they can contribute meaningfully to strategic decisions,” concludes le Roux.
For more information about how Reputation Matters can
help your business quantify its value and enhance its reputation, visit www.reputationmatters.co.za.
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By
Regine le Roux, Founder and Managing Director of Reputation Matters
How
do you know someone is training for a marathon? They will tell you.
This
year, I’m tackling my fifth marathon—because apparently, once wasn’t enough.
Surviving such an endeavour (without questioning all my life choices) takes
stamina and preparation. Sadly, ‘winging it’ isn’t an option, but neither is
having the wrong coach or training plan. Last year, while prepping for marathon
number four, the coach let me down, and the training program I ended up using, just
wasn’t right for me. The lesson? Your strategy, training, and support need to
be tailored to you and your goals. Stamina is key, and there are no shortcuts.
You simply have to put in the work.
Running
a business is no different. You need a clear strategy and strong support—not
only to build your brand but to ensure it stands out. Your reputation is your
stamina, helping you weather tough times and build a consistent brand that
lasts.
In
both marathons and business, quick wins only get you so far. You need a
well-rounded plan: strength training, endurance, and yes, those dreaded hill
repeats. The same goes for your brand—you need to go beyond flashy campaigns,
media releases, or a TikTok video. It’s about steady, sustained effort, and
making time for the tasks that may feel like a schlep but are essential for
long-term success.
No
Short Cuts: Plan for the Long Haul
Success—whether
in running or business—starts with a solid strategy and plan. Your strategy
should outline clear goals, milestones, and metrics to track progress. A
well-crafted plan provides guidance on what to do, when to do it, and for how
long. I’ve learned (the hard way) that one-size-fits-all approaches rarely
work. You need a plan tailored to your business and its unique challenges. Just
like in training, consistency in your actions and communication builds the
foundation for a strong reputation. Understand your audience, know your
strengths, and trust the process. By knowing both yourself and your audience,
you'll be better equipped to navigate challenges, adapt when needed, and stay
on course for long-term success.
Core
Values: The Energy Bars of Your Brand
A strong reputation isn’t built overnight—it’s the
result of consistent actions aligned with core values. At Reputation Matters,
we believe in building G.R.E.A.T.E.R businesses, guided by our values: Growth,
Respect, Ethics, Authenticity, Trust, Excellence, and Relationships. These
aren’t just buzzwords; they shape our decisions and behaviour, much like a
disciplined training schedule.
Just
as I ask myself whether that whole slab of chocolate (or glass of wine!) will
help or hinder my marathon training goals, businesses need to ask if their
actions align with their core values. Consistency between what you say and what
you do is what builds reputation stamina, laying the foundation for long-term
success.
Business
Stamina: Strength Training for Your Brand
Running
a marathon isn’t just about running. It’s about mental strength, nutrition, and
cross-training—doing the tough stuff to prepare for the unexpected. Businesses
need the same resilience. This means having the right processes in place and
being ready for whatever challenges come your way. Preparation is key.
Fuel
for the Finish Line: Teamwork and Tools that Drive Success
Just
as good nutrition fuels a marathoner, a strong team and the right tools fuel
your business. Surround yourself with people who share your values—they’ll
drive your success. Equally important are the tools you use; without the right
technology, systems, and resources, even the best team can be held back. It’s
like trying to run 42.2 km in sandals—not a great idea. The right combination
of a strong team and effective tools is essential for reaching your goals
efficiently and sustaining success in the long run.
Consistency:
The Long Run’s Secret Weapon
One
training session won’t get you through a marathon, and one press release won’t
build your reputation. Consistency in action and communication is crucial.
Sporadic efforts can do more harm than good, so make sure your internal and
external messages align.
Track
Your Race: Measuring Progress Along the Way
Marathoners track their performance, and businesses
should do the same with their reputation. You can’t manage what you don’t
measure. Regularly tracking how your business is perceived helps you adjust and
improve.
A strong reputation doesn’t mean you’ll avoid
challenges—it just means you’ll be better prepared to handle them. Think of it
as building crisis-proof stamina, one kilometer at a time.
Don’t Skip the Rest Days: Recharge for the Next Big
Push
In marathons and business, rest is crucial. It’s
tempting to push harder, but taking time to reflect and recharge is just as
important for long-term success. Don’t skip the rest days—they’re as vital as
the work itself. Listen to your body, and in a business context, listen to your
stakeholders.
Building a brand is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes
time, consistency, and commitment to core values. With the right strategy,
tools, and team, your brand will develop the kind of lasting reputation that
goes the distance—no shortcuts, just results.
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n the spirit of sustainability and supporting local, we're excited to offer a unique customization option for your Re.Bag.Re.Use bag! Partnering with a local entrepreneur, we’re now able to add your company’s logo or a personal name to our eco-friendly bags using off-cut wood. Perfect for your next corporate event or as a thoughtful, personalized gift.
Product Highlights:
🌳 Materials: Made from repurposed empty bread bags, with straps crafted from fabric off-cuts. Each bag also includes a sturdy zip.
🌳 Dimensions: 37 cm wide x 27 cm high
🌳 Wholesale Price: R380 R290.90 each (for orders of 10 or more)
Not only will you be supporting local craftsmanship, but a percentage of each purchase goes to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA.
Interested? Let’s chat! We’re here to help you create something special. 🌍💚
The Re.Bag.Re.Use Team
🧶 🤗
083 3021528
www.rebagreuse.com
More about Re.Bag.Re.Use
Re.Bag.Re.Use, the initiative behind crocheting these shopping bags, addresses poverty and plastic waste by empowering people to earn income through repurposing plastic bags into multifunctional products and artworks. Focused on socio-economic development and environmental sustainability, this initiative uplifts individuals and promotes stewardship. Currently, seven women cut plastic bags into strips and 16 crochet products, benefiting 23 households in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay. Besides earnings, a percentage of each sale is donated to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA.
When you visit the Waterfront, you're in for a big surprise! Suspended from the rafters, a trolley catches your eye. Five huge, colourful bags made from repurposed materials now tell a bright story of waste turned into art.
A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship
Last Saturday, the V&A Waterfront officially launched the "Our Better Nature" (OBN) platform. Nisha Maharaj, V&A Waterfront senior marketing manager, explains, “OBN is the V&A’s platform that speaks to our commitment to sustainability and an invitation to our community to join the journey as we believe every little act of good culminates in big changes. We encourage conscious consumption as a way to reduce reliance on landfill and inspire our community to be more responsible consumers.”
Central to this platform is a gigantic, suspended shopping trolley, an impressive 2.7 meters high, 3 meters wide, and 1.5 meters broad.
The entire installation is a collaboration between the V&A Waterfront, Platform Creative Agency along with local designers and makers. The concept has been brought to life by designer, Matt Edwards, who shares, “Our aim is to build consumer awareness around waste and promote conscious consumption. By using waste materials in the installation, we hope people will see the value in their discarded materials”
Cathy O’Clery, creative director at Platform Creative, adds, “Our hope is to inspire people to rethink their habits and make more sustainable choices. To do this we collaborated with creative local artists, especially those who could turn waste materials into beautiful art pieces."
Crafted by Brendan Wessels and his talented team from Santa World, this custom-made trolley made from steel has been hand-shaped and welded to perfection. Lifted into place with rope access pulleys and secured to a purpose-built motor box that revolves, this trolley is a testament to engineering excellence and artistic vision.
The trolley features five massive shopping bags, each 1 meter in width and between 1.2 and 1.4meters high, crocheted by the Re.Bag.Re.Use team from Hout Bay.
Repurposed Art: A New Perspective on Waste
Two of these vibrant shopping bags, one pink and one blue, are crocheted using approximately 660 empty bread bags each. The bright orange bag is made from repurposed Discovery Vitality T-shirts, the metallic black one from VHS tapes, and the mottled brown one, from recycled rope. These shopping bags are filled with magnificent artwork by Richard Mandongwe from Makombe Artworks, featuring:
Eight oversized toothbrushes made out of powder-coated galvanized wire
Eight hangers made out of steel bound in solid panel wire
Seven large bleach bottles made out of white recycled plastic bottles
Three large shoeboxes made from wood
Five AA batteries made from PVC drainpipes with galvanized wire structures inside
Each bag is supported by a wire frame made from steel.
Richard shares, "The project was a challenge as I had to create items I had never made before. It was a learning curve, but an exciting experience to collaborate with other artists. I'm incredibly proud to have my handiwork displayed at the Waterfront; it's an honour for me."
A Community Effort
Darmeris Makovere, part of the Re.Bag.Re.Use team that crocheted the bag made from t-shirts, expressed her amazement: "It is incredible to see our handiwork hanging in the Waterfront! I had no idea that this is how it would come out; it looks fantastic!" Crocheter Portia Chirawu adds, "I am so proud of what we have achieved and being part of a project that shares such an important message."
The Impact of "Our Better Nature"
The installation will be on display until September 2024 in Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre. Its main goal is to encourage people to be more mindful of their shopping habits and packaging usage.
Transforming Waste into Opportunities
"Our Better Nature" is a testament to how acting from our better nature can lead to significant positive changes for the environment.
For more information, visit https://explore.waterfront.co.za/our-better-nature/
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