The collaboration stems from Carrol Boyes exploring the potential of proactive change through design while recognising the importance of sustainable initiatives in mitigating damage to the environment.
Since being founded in 2012, The Joinery has focused on finding solutions to environmental and community issues through design, creating proudly South African sustainable products made from recycled plastic bottles, hemp and responsible fabrics.
As one of the worst managers of plastic waste in the world – South Africa comes in at 11 – it’s up to industry leaders to pose better solutions and forge a way ahead. It’s not all bad news, however, and while the country is far behind others in terms of its recycling initiatives, it is showing gradual improvement.
According to Plastics SA, last year 1.144 million tonnes of recyclable plastic entered the waste stream, of which 41.8% was recycled in South Africa based on input tonnages. This is a year-on-year increase of 5.9%. During this period, a growing number of organisations and consumer groups have become actively involved, resulting in a positive impact on the amount of plastics that were collected and recycled.
This increased awareness and growing proactive spirit among businesses and private citizens extends into the luxury sector too, where the emphasis has always been on longevity – pieces that are kept and treasured rather than relegated to trash after a short lifespan.
Carrol Boyes is known for its artisanal products, high end and more recently food and wine, and this latest project sees the company collaborating with The Joinery to create a range of eco-friendly felt tote bags and pouches bearing the distinctive design of Carrol Boyes.
All the products are made by local artisans and sewing co-operatives based in and around informal settlements in Cape Town – and as such its initiatives contribute directly to job creation and furthering innovation in the textile economy, turning potential waste into something positive.
A total of 7,000 bottles was used for the creation of the 1,000 totes and 1,000 pouch bags for the Carrol Boyes and The Joinery collaboration. The decorative multipurpose tote is perfect for everyday use – for daily grocery shopping, on-board plane travel, to transport or for beach days. The pouch is ideal for small makeup or stationery items, or to keep chargers safe.
Bags and pouches are available from Carrol Boyes stores and online at www.carrolboyes.com.
