Hout Bay's Re.Bag.Re.Use initiative wins prestigious SABRE Award for sustainability

In a celebration of creativity and sustainability, Hout Bay’s upcycling initiative Re.Bag.Re.Use was awarded the prestigious SABRE Awards Africa at a ceremony held recently in Mombasa, Kenya.

The project, founded by Regine le Roux, is dedicated to repurposing discarded plastic waste into handcrafted products, proving that fashion can be both stylish and environmentally conscious.

Ms le Roux made a statement during the award ceremony by wearing a vibrant, full-length skirt made from approximately 200 repurposed bread bags.

This one-of-a-kind creation, crafted by the skilled team in Hout Bay, reflects the initiative’s dedication to sustainability while highlighting the power of community upliftment through creative innovation.

“This recognition is not only for our team, but for every person who chooses to support sustainability and social impact,” Ms le Roux said on stage after collecting the award.

“We are incredibly proud to represent a story woven from discarded plastic, transformed by skilled hands into something meaningful, functional, and beautiful.”

Driven by a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, the Re.Bag.Re.Use team carefully cleans, cuts, and crochets plastic bags into a growing range of reusable products.

Their collection includes durable shopping bags, stylish accessories, and vibrant home décor items — all crafted with purpose and creativity.

To date, the initiative has diverted thousands of kilograms of plastic waste from landfills, while also creating income opportunities and promoting skills development within the local community.

The SABRE (Superior Achievement in Branding, Reputation, and Engagement) Awards are internationally recognised for honouring excellence in public relations and communications. Re.Bag.Re.Use’s achievement demonstrates the tremendous impact that purposeful storytelling and innovation can have on brand reputation and sustainability efforts.

Ms Le Roux reflected on the journey and the spirit of collaboration that has shaped the project.

“This award is stitched with purpose, pride, and the belief of everyone who has walked this journey with us. We are beyond grateful,” she said.

In a testament to their social responsibility, every product sold by Re.Bag.Re.Use not only supports a cutter and a crocheter but also contributes to local charities.

A portion of each sale is donated to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA, reflecting the initiative’s holistic commitment to community upliftment and care.

You can support the cause by buying your own Re.Bag.Re.Use item at www.rebagreuse.com