Joinery

Created by sister duo Natalie and Kim Ellis, Joinery turns plastic waste into travel and lifestyle accessories. The woman-led company developed FutureFelt®, a fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Joinery produces travel accessories, including bags and passport holders, tech cases, and homeware items such as laundry baskets and coasters, as well as corporate gifts. Joinery has been awarded finalist positions in both the Eco Logical Awards and the PETCO Awards.

Resources and materials

• Developed and trademarked FutureFelt®, an RPET (recycled plastic bottles) textile. One tote bag uses ≈ 5 bottles, a weekender bag 24–26 bottles
• Also utilises FutureTex®: A blend of recycled bottles and post-consumer textile waste
• Additional fabrics include vegan leather and vegetable-tanned leather derived from bark and tannins

Making and manufacturing

• Every product is handcrafted in-house at their South African workshop
• At peak production, supports around 50 local artisans and tailors
• Collaborates with the African Fashion Academy and runs in-house sewing and business training to upskill women seamstresses

Social and cultural

• Collaborates with sewing academies and charities to donate materials and skills

Product and design

• Products are designed to be multi‑purpose, durable, timeless, and travel-ready
• Offcuts are reused as stuffing, donated to local schools, or returned for reuse

Packaging and distribution

• Uses recycled paper packaging, biodegradable kimbles, eco-inks, and tapes
• Local production significantly reduces transport emissions