With a shop in the Victoria & Alfred Mall — and outlets in Sandton, Stellenbosch and Hout Bay — Sealand says that it exemplifies the sustainable goals that define the V&A Waterfront and are practised at this iconic mixed-use destination. 

"Sealand embodies our mission to cultivate a community centred on sustainability," says Alex Kabalin, Executive Retail Director at the V&A Waterfront.

"Our judges were very impressed by the brand's exceptional delivery of every criteria for the award: Measurable proof of a low carbon footprint, significant waste reduction and active community engagement. We applaud the brand for being a key player in our shared journey toward a brighter future and congratulate it on this well-deserved recognition," adds Kabalin.

According to Sealand there were 34 judges overall, five of whom judged the sustainability category.

The judges include: 

  • Twyg Founder and Editor Jackie May
  • the Green Building Council's Jenni Lombard
  • Dr Judy Mann-Lang of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation,
  • Heather Parker from V&A SOLVE, and
  • Petro Myburgh, Senior Manager of Sustainability at V&A Waterfront.

Sealand's award highlights the brand's strong commitment to environmental conservation, social responsibility and ethical practices. To date, it has saved more than 90 tonnes of toxic material from our earth and avoided 2 226 tonnes of CO², says the brand.

Sealand says that it also won a Maker to Market Award at the 2019 Design Foundation Awards and the Sustainable Accessory Award at the 2019 Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards.

Since its inception in 2015, Sealand says that it has created products from textile waste and materials sourced through ethical supply chains that uphold workers' rights. Founded and run by Cape Town locals, the brand is grounded in the belief that integrating sustainability into its practices is not just environmentally and socially responsible, but also beneficial for business. 

Co-founder and CEO, Jasper Eales, says, "Together, we make our planet better."

Sealand partners with like-minded businesses and organisations — making custom bags for the NSRI, designing kit for the DHL Stormers and sponsoring the PONDO Ultra and Coaster trail running events. A recent collaboration with local celebrity and multi-hyphenate Maps Maponyane saw Sealand producing an iconography-based capsule range steeped in storytelling and local context, says the brand.

The brand says that its environmentally-conscious approach filters through every aspect of its operations, from recycling office and shop waste to sourcing and manufacturing the gear.

As Sealand continues to design new products, honouring nature and preserving our environment for future generations remains a core value behind every endeavour, concludes the brand.

For more information, visit www.sealandgear.co.za. You can also follow Sealand on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor