Blue Ribbon has announced its sponsorship of Re.Bag.Re.Use, a dynamic community project that transforms empty bread bags into beautifully crocheted, multifunctional items. With Blue Ribbon's support, this innovative initiative is set to grow further over the next twelve months.
As part of the sponsorship, Blue Ribbon says that it will supply empty bread bags and host a dedicated page on its website linking to the Re.Bag.Re.Use online store. This will provide online advertising support and help amplify media exposure — ensuring greater reach for this impactful project.
Empty bread bags are getting a second lease on life. No longer just discarded plastic, these bags are being transformed into beautiful, functional items. The transformation and repurposing of bread bags not only limits plastic in landfills but also empowers women. Currently, 24 talented women across the country are involved in the initiative, cutting and crocheting the bread bags, ensuring they don't end up in landfills, says the company.
"This partnership perfectly aligns with Blue Ribbon's commitment to sustainability and community development. With Re.Bag.Re.Use repurposing bread bags, they not only reduce waste but also provide women with opportunities to develop valuable skills, helping them build more prosperous futures for their families. This initiative reflects Blue Ribbon's purpose of supporting moms in creating brighter futures for their children, linking environmental responsibility with family wellbeing," says Stephanie Hoy, Marketing Executive for Bakeries at Premier FMCG.
Regine le Roux, founder of Re.Bag.Re.Use, says, "The partnership with Blue Ribbon resonates with us on so many levels. Just as Blue Ribbon uses three simple ingredients to bake their delicious loaves — flour, water and yeast — our team uses three basic tools to create their unique creations: empty bread bags, scissors and a crochet needle."
"And, just as Blue Ribbon continuously improves their recipe to ensure their loaves are packed with flavour and freshness, always delivering on that 'mmm Yum Taste,' Re.Bag.Re.Use is constantly finding innovative ways to transform waste into wonder, delivering creativity, sustainability and purpose with every stitch. Each product is entirely handcrafted, from cutting each bread bag into strips, to the final stitch of the crocheted items. It takes approximately 150 empty bread bags and eight hours to create just one shopping bag," adds le Roux.
A key goal of the partnership is to create income-generating opportunities for women living in underserviced communities, says Blue Ribbon.
"We're launching an online platform where the public can purchase a range of products created by Re.Bag.Re.Use. This not only supports the initiative but also encourages consumers to make sustainable choices by purchasing items where waste has been transformed into something unique and useful," says Hoy.
"This partnership with Re.Bag.Re.Use underscores Blue Ribbon's commitment to sustainability and community development. By repurposing waste, educating the public and empowering women, we continue to champion our mission of supporting moms, helping them turn houses into homes while contributing to a cleaner, greener environment," adds Hoy.
Blue Ribbon says that its collaboration with Re.Bag.Re.Use complements its broader sustainability programme. The Packets of Goodness project educates schoolchildren about recycling and encourages them to collect and return used bread bags. Similarly, the Drop and Swop initiative motivates the public to exchange used bread bags for instant rewards. The bags collected through these initiatives are passed on to Re.Bag.Re.Use, where they are repurposed into new, eco-friendly products.
Beyond environmental initiatives, Blue Ribbon says that it remains deeply committed to uplifting communities. The company regularly donates bread through feeding schemes, supports women's shelters and engages with youth through soccer tournaments and other activities that help develop skills and create lasting positive impacts in the communities it serves.
Le Roux concludes, "With every Re.Bag.Re.Use product sold, a percentage also gets donated to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home and SPCA, spreading the love as far as possible."
For more information, visit www.rebagreuse.com or contact regine@rebagreuse.com or 083 3021528. You can also follow Blue Ribbon on Facebook or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor