Handbags for fire fighters

The Elvis & Kresse Organisation (EaKo), based in the United Kingdom, creates life-style accessories by re-inventing seemingly useless waste.

Their products are all made from reclaimed materials, like the fire-hose in this picture, to create innovative new products like hand bags, belts and wallets.

The reason I put them in the social business category is not just because they are focused on finding a home for otherwise useless industrial waste, but half of their profits go towards fire fighters in need.

They have some great ideas on using other reclaimed materials that would normally be thrown on the scrap heap, like old coffee sacks and used Air Traffic Control flight strips.

EaKo also recently won HSBC's Startup Stars Green Award for its strong environmental credentials!

Catalyst Social Business, which is an excellent blog, has a more in-depth review of Eako, its products and its approach to helping the environment and those who are most in need.

Is there an opportunity for this concept to be used in South Africa?


Mike.