Local and sustainable brand Sealand Gear has opened a brand new Sandton store that puts an emphasis on its mission to create spaces and products that highlight the importance of being eco-conscious.

Beginning in 2015, the Sealand journey is thriving. Becoming environmentally conscious has become of the utmost importance as we are more aware of the effects of waste. Founded by two surfers, a dog and a Cruiser, the group trekked around the country of South Africa together in search of the best waves, where the Sealand concept came to fruition. Fast forward to 2023 and the dream has evolved into a vibrant group of professionals building global brand recognition for their sustainably – created products. 

All Sealand bags and apparel are handmade by valued craftspeople from waste or responsibly and ethically sourced materials. These materials are then combined with high-quality hardware, conscious design, and expert craftsmanship to create gear intended to last a lifetime. The upcycled and responsibly sourced materials used are sturdy and weather resistant, speaking to those who wear them on outdoor adventures or even the morning commuter. 

Sealand product makes use of materials that would otherwise be deemed as waste and creates value out of this waste. You can see this in the design of the new store, featuring materials like recycled plastic, terrazzo tiles, spinnaker material and cork.  

“There is no doubt that choosing a material that aligns with our ethos was an obvious choice,” explains co-owner, Jasper Eales. “If we as a sustainable brand can commit to making a significant impact from our product to our store design, we can assure you that our voice as educators in the sustainable space and waste experts does not only end in the gear we make. We commit to making conscious decisions in every process we execute.”

“The materials used in the Sealand Sandton store are carefully selected and speak directly to our brand story – rooted in sustainable processes, giving a sense of ‘coming from nature’ or ‘having a second life.’ All the elements chosen in the Store have a unified story, however, they perform individually as functional elements and reflect the true story of Sealand, explains co-owner Dean. ”You often hear brands and individuals saying they want to use recycled, second life or upcycled products in their store designs. But unfortunately never really knows how to follow through. The difference is, Sealand lives and breathes that ethos, it’s second nature and it has never been clearer than that of the Design and Development of Sealand Sandton. It’s not often that you get to design a retail environment incorporating these types of materials and that is what excited us the most. Every material was carefully curated and chosen to physically and visually represent what Sealand stands for not only in their products but in their store design and ultimately unifying the gap between product and store.”

Find the Sealand store at Shop U87 Sandton City.

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Local urban outdoor brand Sealand has launched a range of gear made from ECONYL ® nylon, marking them as the first brand in Africa to use this innovative material, created to assist in combating climate change and pollution.

This new regenerated nylon is made from collected nylon waste from fishing nets, fabric, carpet scraps, and industrial plastic. After the waste goes through a regeneration and purification process, a new nylon is formed that has the exact same qualities as a brand-new fossil-based nylon, with the potential to be recycled, remolded, and recreated over and over.

Most plastics are derived from fossil sources, contributing exponentially towards global warming, and ocean and land pollution. A call by experts for the United Nations set a target of zero new plastic pollution by 2040 to combat this pressing issue and assist in the combat of climate change. 

Sealand co-founder Jasper Eales explained: “Sealand was built around our love for the sea and the land that we live on. Our mission is to protect nature and the outdoors that we love, and to ensure that every decision that we make keeps the planet and its people front and centre. All of our bags and apparel are made from upcycled or recycled waste, or from responsibly and carefully sourced materials.”

“The launch of the product range made with ECONYL® is the biggest product and material progression that Sealand has made to date, and it takes our commitment to the planet one step further. It’s said that up to a million tonnes of lost and discarded – or “ghost” – fishing nets enter the ocean every year, causing untold damage to marine life and habitats. To be able to use a fabric that can create value out of waste such as this, and which can play a role – however small – in removing it from our natural environment, is incredibly important to us,” he continues.

ECONYL® has been used globally in collections by leading global fashion names including Stella Mccartney, Gucci, and Luis Vuitton.

“This is a premium material, which is also incredibly durable and functional. It has a water retardant built into it, so it is also water-resistant. Our products are built for adventurous high-performance lifestyles, so these are a natural extension to our range,” continues Eales.

Like all Sealand gear, the new range is meticulously handmade in Cape Town, and is durable and made to last. The new range made with ECONYL® includes four products – the Buddy S backpack, Rowlie backpack, Moon cross body bag, and the Dune M duffle bag – in three colours and will be available online at sealandgear.co.za as well as in all Sealand stores.

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Local sustainable brand Sealand Gear‘s Peak SS22 Bluegum Collection is inspired by the multi-tonal mottled bark of the alien blue gum, the trans-seasonal evergreen yellowwood and the elegant, elusive silver tree.

Sealand prides itself on valuing the discarded. To them, waste is a way to celebrate and tell stories that matter. The release of this Peak Line collection is the pinnacle of Sealand’s experimentation with limited materials and innovative new techniques. SS22 Bluegum is one of the broadest seasonal ranges Sealand has done to date. It features three new colourways across 19 styles; including several new pieces, especially in the cycling gear category.

Yellowwood boasts a silver canvas; an aluminium-infused polyester that arrives for production as narrow offcuts and functions as a great insulator. An expression of Sealand’s commitment to supporting local industry wherever possible, Silvertree’s unique purple-grey canvas is a partly-recycled polyester milled in Gauteng. Bluegum’s grey canvas is actually the reverse of the silver seen in the Yellowwood range – an application that sees some of the bags’ interiors emit a reflective shine.

“Across the range we also made use of spinnakers of various colours, using it to create piped details and small pops of colour. We wouldn’t be able to do little details like this if it wasn’t for the handmade nature of our bags. Handmade means love and attention and ownership of the final product,” notes the Head Designer.

Love this range? Check out the limited-edition version of Sealand’s Zeplin portrait sling bag designed exclusively for VISI.

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In an effort to reduce their impact on the environment and meet the growing needs of conscious consumers, global brands are working on ways to make more sustainable sneakers.

The fashion industry is notorious for its heavy footprint on the ecosystems within which it operates. Globally, according to the Pretty Planeteer, textile waste amounts to about 13-million tonnes of missed opportunities each year. It’s almost more than one can comprehend, and it happens with far too much ease – discarded clothing and offcuts end up in landfills at a rapid rate.

Fortunately, manufacturers have begun dancing to the beat laid down by consumers, and making attempts to give the planet a break by adopting more ethical production practices. Inevitably, they are still going to make products – but the growing trend urges them to consider how they’ll go about it. This more environmentally friendly twist on consumerism is a step in the right direction, and it ticks boxes for stylish and sustainable shoppers.

VEJA

These beauties are the golden child of the sustainable sneaker world. Since 2005, Veja has been paving the way forward for considerate kicks by combining social projects, economic justice and the use of environmentally friendly materials. Veja sneakers are made from Brazilian and Peruvian organic cotton, Amazon rubber and recycled plastic. Whether it’s pushing the boundaries by creating vegan sneakers – using cotton canvas coated in corn – or using fabric made from 100%-recycled plastic, it’s clear that the brand is not resting on its laurels. Rather, it is perpetually improving, and determined to keep doing so, one step at a time.

PUMA

PUMA’s RE.GEN collection makes a move towards re-valuing recycled material. Leather offcuts, cotton offcuts and polyester made from recycled plastic combine in a three-pronged approach to give materials that would ordinarily be discarded a second chance. Beyond this collection, PUMA says it is moving “Forever Faster” to make products that are “Forever Better”. As part of its sustainability strategy, the company’s aim is to ensure that, by 2025, nine out of 10 items it creates are made from more sustainable materials. Last year, more than 97% of PUMA’s leather, polyester and cardboard were sustainably sourced, which means five out of 10 PUMA products were created through more sustainable practices. This translates to less water and chemicals used in production processes – and a win for the environment. And of course, it doesn’t hurt that there is no compromise when it comes to the freshness of the kicks…

CONVERSE

The Renew recycled knit is the new lightweight, sustainable offering in the Converse stable. Its toe cap is made from regrind rubber; recycled polyester shape-shi s to create the laces, and the OrthoLite footbed makes this streetwear icon sustainable from the inside out. You’ve also got the option to elevate your fi t with the Chuck Taylor All Star Crater, which boasts an ethically sourced outsole, regrind rubber and an upper made from recycled plastic.

REEBOK X SEALAND GEAR

In a partnership designed to kick-start Reebok’s mission to become 100% sustainable by 2030, the [REE]cycled Classic Leather Legacy and Legacy 83 were born. Thirty percent of the uppers of both these silhouettes is made from recycled materials. Sealand Gear produced a limited-edition bag as part of the collaboration, and the first 300 South African shoppers to buy a pair of the sustainable sneakers were gifted one of the upcycled bags. Ninety percent of Sealand Gear’s products are already made from upcycled materials, so Reebok has undoubtedly found good common ground by working with a brand that’s an industry leader on the sustainability front.

adidas

The sneaker giant released an ecofriendly iteration of the well-loved Stan Smith silhouette earlier this year. The court sneakers can be found pounding pavements everywhere, happy in the knowledge that they’ve been produced with materials that help end plastic waste.

Adding further fuel to the joy-filled fire, these Stan Smith Forever sneakers come kitted with characters from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel characters. But if you’re into the more classic silhouette, that option is available too – just be sure to reach for the PRIMEGREEN uppers.

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Made from upcycled canvas and yacht sails, the Zeplin includes a front zip pocket, webbing loops and a Sealand D-ring for extra add-ons. This versatile and durable bag, measuring at 150mm (W) x 50mm (D) x 205mm (H), provides plenty of space for your on-the-go essentials, with the ability to fit a Kindle, an iPad Mini, compact camera, snacks and hand tools.

The Sealand Gear Zeplin Sling Bag retails at R925.

*This collab is no longer available.

Check out more of Sealand Gear’s products and collections here.

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Inspired by actual waves and making idiomatic ones, eco-brand Sealand Gear is making a splash on the local and international urban adventure scene.

Driven by sustainability and environmental awareness, Cape Town-based brand Sealand Gear produces a range of bags handmade from upcycled yacht sails, Bedouin stretch tents, advertising banners, recycled plastic bottles and other durable materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill and take years – or even centuries – to biodegrade.

Founders Mike Schelbach and Jasper Eales are both passionate surfers who have translated their love for adventure into a growing business that in 2019 enjoyed a watershed year. The young brand expanded from its kiosk at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, to launch its first “experience store” at nearby Dock Road Junction, as well as getting stocked on international online stores Mr Porter, Matches Fashion, END Clothing and Liberty London.

“With our local online store getting more and more orders from New York, Colorado and California, our major initiative is to build a direct online business in the US. We’re also working with sustainable fashion store It’s All Good Folk where, along with a few like-minded brands, we’ll be part of a store-in-store set-up located in the new Thomas Heatherwick-designed Coal Drops Yard in London’s Kings Cross.”

Exciting things are happening locally too, including the release of the seasonal collection ranges previously only available on the global online stores mentioned earlier, a tote bag with sneaker brand Vans, and an eco-sneaker collab that we’ll tell you more about in June.

For more information and to shop online, visit sealandgear.com.

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The Design Foundation Awards recognise the industry’s top achievers in design, manufacture, commercial success and innovation. Each category is sponsored by a supporter of local talent, and this year VISI was the proud sponsor of the Manufacture Award.

The Imbizo stool by ceramicist Chuma Maweni won the Object That Moves Award. As part of his prize, Chuma will receive free exhibition space at this year’s 100% Design South Africa, which sponsored the award.

Our Workshop, an open-access workshop set up by designer Heath Nash at Guga Sthebe Arts & Culture Centre in Langa, won the Design With Purpose Award. The award was sponsored by the V&A Waterfront, which will commission Heath and his team of artisans to create a dynamic installation for the precinct made from recycled materials.

Durban-based furniture and interior design graduate Lwazi Mshibe won the Apprentice Award, which places an outstanding graduate in a six- to 12-month apprenticeship with one of the top design companies in the country. Mr Price Home, sponsor of this award, has offered him a three-month internship followed by a place in MRP Foundation’s nine-month Jump Start Retail programme.

Graphic designer Bonolo Chepape of textile brand LulasClan won the Future Found Award, which recognises a young designer who has already achieved a degree of excellence with limited resources. Her vibrant designs are inspired by her Pedi cultural roots. The award was sponsored by Krone and carries with it tailored support and guidance from the Design Foundation board to help Bonolo build her brand.

Sealand Gear won the Maker to Market Award, given to a design company that understands the value of brand-building and identity, marketing and consumer interaction. Sealand manufactures bags out of old yacht sails, billboards and other waste materials and is now an internationally recognised brand sold at Selfridges, Mr. Porter and Liberty London. The award was sponsored by M&C Saatchi Abel, which will provide the winner with marketing support.

VISI’s Manufacture Award went to Hot Wired Design. The team was commended for its technical proficiency and willingness to help many local artists and designers give three-dimensional form to their imaginative ideas. From its premises in Woodstock, Hot Wired regularly take time out from manufacturing props, signage and architectural elements to share their expertise with artists.

Lastly, Porky Hefer was named this year’s Icon, sponsored by BMW. It’s Porky’s second time receiving the title, which acknowledges outstanding achievement by a highly regarded designer, based on work produced over the past 12 months.

The seven winners all took home a limited-edition bronze trophy depicting a seated gorilla, made by sculptor Otto du Plessis.

“Recognising achievers in this industry not only places a spotlight on what design businesses are capable of, but allows those outside the industry to start placing more value on the commercial viability, social impact and strategic importance that design can have on economic success and global identity,” said Trevyn McGowan, co-founder of the Design Foundation and CEO of The Guild Group.

For more information, visit theguildgroup.co.za.

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Cape Town-based brand Sealand Gear has launched a new range of eco-friendly bags and accessories, all of which are hand-made from 100% recycled and upcycled materials.

Launched on Kickstarter, Sealand Eco is made with the urban explorer in mind. The water-resistant range consists of a backpack, a weekender bag, toiletry/accessory bag, flat-zip pouch and the Hero Bag, which is a mixture of a backpack and a duffel.

Made using environmentally sustainable fabric, created from a combination of recycled PET bottles and upcycled cotton, the upcycled cotton process uses almost no water, with more than 50% of the fabric production produced using solar power.

The collection, which is available in three colourways, namely Orange, Black and Navy, is also liquid dye and chemical free and pesticide and fertiliser free, with almost no greenhouse gases generated during the manufacturing process.

Pledges range from €16 (approximately R237) for a travel pouch to €126 (approximately R1 865) for a Hero Bag.

For more information about the Sealand Eco collection, visit kickstarter.com or follow Sealand Gear on Instagram.

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