What was once just a small initiative in Hout Bay has now turned into an international award winning project.
Earlier this month, the Re.Bag.Re.Use initiative received international recognition when they were awarded as co-winners at the ECCO International Communications Network 2022 Awards.
Chairperson of ECCO International Communications, Christian Kollmann, said ECCO was, “not a mega-company with lots of highly paid controllers and directors”, but rather a living network of “successful, owner-managed businesses with common quality standards and a clearly defined code of conduct.”
ECCO is made up of established communications agencies across the globe.
“This project from South Africa convinced the jury especially because of its social contribution for women in the current economic crisis and for the benefits towards our environment. We see this initiative having the potential to encourage more local entrepreneurs and businesses to start similar projects that have social and environmental benefits,” says Ms Kollmann.
“Moreover, according to the jury, the project was accompanied by professional media and communication work that brought convincing results in growing the initiative,” added Ms Kollmann.
The purpose of Re.Bag.Re.Use was to give people the opportunity to put bread on the table by using their skills to crochet products from recycled plastic, minimising plastic accumulation in the environment and keeping it out of landfill.
When Re.Bag.Re.Use products are sold, it pays towards a cutter and a crocheter from the local community. A percentage also gets donated to a local charity: the Neighbourhood Old Age Home and the Rotary Club of Newlands, who are the main beneficiaries.
The bags first made an appearance in 2021, when Regine le Roux, founder of the initiative, wanted to create a project that would create employment and also tackle recycling at the same time, (“Plastics worth ”bagging“ about”, Sentinel News, September 10, 2021).
Ms Le Roux was thrilled to be recognised internationally.
“What an honour to be recognised internationally. It’s a nod and the boost to let the team know that we’re onto something incredible here. I would never in a million years have thought that an empty bread bag would bring so much joy and have such a positive impact on so many people.”
One of the woman behind making the bags is Jane Hoffman from Hout Bay Harbour, who was over the moon with recognised overseas.
“Congratulations to the Re.Bag.Re.Use team. I can’t believe we as a team have come this far. A big thank you to all the ladies from my side for making this project such a success. I admire all the very creative ladies that are part of this project. Being recognised gives us hope for the future. With a pair of scissors and a crochet pen, we are in control of our future,” Ms Hoffman said.
Ms Le Roux plans to expand and grow the product, hoping to make their bags go global.
“Expansion is definitely on the radar. I am working on a solution, but I do want to make sure that we grow as strategically as possible,” Ms le Roux said.
For more information, call or WhatsApp Regine le Roux at 083 302 1528.
