The Joinery
What does your company do?
OUR STORYSustainable Lifestyle and Travel products. Responsible fabrics. Ethical production. We believe in being kind to our planet and fair to our people, one plastic bottle at a time.WHAT WE DOThe Joinery is a South African brand on a mission: creating sustainable, ethical, Lifestyle and Travel products that tackle environmental and community challenges. We don’t just design for retail store—we partner with hotels and corporates to bring our story to theirs, crafting custom gifting and guest products that make an impact.HOW WE DO ITWe turn plastic waste into premium travel and lifestyle accessories. By recycling bottles into high-quality fabric, we're fighting pollution with style. Meet FutureFelt® — a fabric we conceptualised and made from a million bottles (and counting). Every piece is a win for the planet. We also use other innovative fabrics and concepts making us a strong sustainable brand.WHO DOES IT AllOur products are handmade by our team of skilled artisans in South Africa. We upskill local talent, creating jobs and crafting eco-luxury with heart and soul. WHY WE DO ITAt The Joinery, sustainability is in our DNA—from recycled fabrics to eco-friendly packaging, donating offcuts to NGOs, and offsetting our carbon footprint. We’re constantly strengthening our principles and learning along the way. It’s all about empowering people and protecting the planet. Join us and help create real change.WHO ARE WEWe are Natalie and Kim Ellis, founders of The Joinery. Together with our Joinery team of talented Makers we are innovators, creators and activists.
What is your biggest success?
Making 150 000 Future Felt Pouches for Relais & Chateaux worldwide, saving 350 000 plastic bottles from landfill.
Being Interviewed by CNN.
Designing bags for Woolworths.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
Competitors mimicking our business idea and importing similar items from china for cheaper.
Staff issues of transport.
Bullying from many males in the corporate / retail world.
Being Mothers in business and trying to juggle it all :)