Accelerating the circular economy in africa through design.

Act now. Join the Circular Squared revolution and become a catalyst for sustainable design in Africa.

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Community

Designing circular business solutions for positive impact

The linear consumption model of extracting, consuming, and discarding, has proven unsustainable. At Circular Squared, we envision a future where design-led thinking addresses environmental challenges. Drawing on our innate problem-solving abilities, we can craft sustainable solutions, create equitable systems, and foster conscious innovation.

Designing circular business solutions for positive impact

The linear consumption model of extracting, consuming, and discarding, has proven unsustainable. At Circular Squared, we envision a future where design-led thinking addresses environmental challenges. Drawing on our innate problem-solving abilities, we can craft sustainable solutions, create equitable systems, and foster conscious innovation.

WHY

Be the designer of your world and not merely the consumer of it.- James Clear

With a median age of 19, Africa is emerging as a global force amid rapid economic modernisation. Circular Squared is a non-profit championing circular economic thinking, urging aspiring entrepreneurs in retail to adopt regenerative practices.

We aim to contribute to Africa's sustainable renaissance through advocacy, thought leadership, and mentorship, particularly in the arenas of manufacturing and retail where waste can be effectively reshaped for both profit and sustainability.

Case Studies: OTO Chair by One to One, Hemp Acoustic Panels by Vank, Vase Collection by Sustaign
WHAT

DO MORE GOOD 
& EVEN LESS BAD.

By taking the lead in fostering a culture of innovative design balanced with an awareness of the environmental impacts of production, Circular Squared seeks to build an African ‘circular economy’ that minimizes waste and conserves natural resources by keeping materials in closed loops that is better for the health of our planet and its people.

Case Studies: Prowl Studio’s Peel Chair, Polygood’s Recycled Plastic Substrate
HOW

WASTE NOT.
WANT LESS.

  • Education

    Circular Squared is working with Black Umbrellas on a practical component of their Makashe Programme. This introduces a Circular Design approach to young entrepreneurs already using waste as a raw material. The training weaves Circular Thinking into product design processes from conceptualisation to prototyping, through manufacturing to eventually taking their product to market.

  • Sustainable Design Week Africa

    Sustainable Design Week Africa launches in 2025. Here Creativity meets Consciousness, where traditional systems of production and consumption give way to innovative, sustainable solutions, and we explore a future shaped by design in harmony responsible stewardship of our planet.

  • Community

    Intentionally creating spaces for human connection and shared learning, Circular Squared networking pop ups happen regularly in Cape Town. These events showcase the power of design-led thinking to unlock the full potential of the circular economy while building interactive communities.

  • Circular Collection

    Circular Collection is the centerpiece of the first circular retail exhibition in Africa. It is a curated mix of eco-conscious retailers selling leading sustainable products that incorporate waste and regenerative materials as raw materials. This initiative is the shop window for ideas and inspiration of the Circular Squared collective.

From Jeans to Chair, by PLANQ.
Case Studies: Mater Furniture from Waste, From Jeans to Chair, by PLANQ.
WHO

IT’S UP TO US!

The Team

Sean Weldon

Sean Weldon

A serial connector, networker and entrepreneur with over 30 years of global experience in the furniture, design, contract and hospitality industry. He has been involved in numerous iconic hospitality projects locally and internationally, as well as key partnerships with Woolworths and Naspers.

Zulfiq Isaacs

Zulfiq Isaacs

Is well known as a serial tech entrepreneur, venture builder and digital innovation enabler. Founder and CEO of Liquid Thought and the Liquid Technology Group, he is also co-founder of Money-smart, Bettr Bank, C-Switch, Club Cloud, BlackStreet, Moonshot Ventures, Liquid Energy, and Property Data Solutions.

Brad Armitage

Brad Armitage

Has been active in the brand development and strategic consultancy space since 1999. He has co-founded brands such as vide e caffe, AND UNION Drinks Co. and Habitus, and currently sits on the board of Sentinel Ocean Alliance (SOA). His list of global brand strategy clients includes the likes of Plascon, YOCO, Boschendal , keeyu, Papinelle, Mikros, Peralta Beach, TypeTwoThree Adventures, Gloria Jeans Coffee, Rampelt Real Estates, and Cape Town City FC.

Heath Nash

Heath Nash

A designer renowned for his exceptional environmentally-conscious creations rooted in South African ingenuity. In 2010, he received an eco-lighting award, thus affirming his commitment to innovation with an eco-friendly touch. In 2013, Nash's work was honoured with a display at the esteemed Southern Guild Museum of African Design, and he was appointed Head of Sustainable Design at Circular Squared when upon formation in 2023.

Tim Harris

Tim Harris

Has two decades of strategic management experience, specialising in the interface between the public and private sectors. He is a former MP, Shadow Minister of Trade and Finance, and the former CEO of Wesgro, the Cape’s economic development and tourism agency. He currently serves on the boards of Cape BPO and the Cape Town Film Studio.

Victoria Engelhorn

Victoria Engelhorn

Is a philanthropist and social investment leader with over 20 years of experience in retail and hospitality. She is currently the director of Cape Heritage Hotel, Brugarol Wine and Olive Farm, and its farm-to-table restaurant ‘Brugarol X’ in Barcelona, Spain. Recently awarded the Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy in Youth Development, Victoria is chairperson of the Zip Zap Circus and a regular keynote speaker on Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Travel at Women’s Forum events.

Tashma Kritzinger

Tashma Kritzinger

On a quest to uncover what circular innovation means for South Africa, Tashma Kritzinger is combining international best practice with design- and systems-thinking to create circular and regenerative solutions. With a background in Product Design (Dipl.) and Industrial Design (BTech.), Tashma has worked in Europe, Asia and Africa on projects with the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), Sitra and UNEP.

Teri Macduff

Teri Macduff

With 15 years of experience in the communications industry at The Publicis Groupe, Teri’s dedication to sustainability inspired her to co-found Maven – a pioneering e-commerce platform specializing in retailing second hand clothing. Teri’s mission was to redefine the perception of resale, and contribute to the fight against the environmental impact of fast fashion, aiming to inspire a more conscious approach to fashion consumption while championing the principles of the circular economy.

Our Partners

Black Umbrellas

Enterprise Development Partner

Black Umbrellas is a non-profit organisation that partners with entrepreneurs, enterprises, investors, and communities, with the purpose of driving an inclusive and sustainable economic future by enabling the success of emerging black entrepreneurs.

Visi

Media Partner

VISI magazine is driven by a singular mission – to celebrate Southern African design. Through the lens of its editorial pillars - architecture, décor and design – VISI is firmly focused on shining a light on our local creatives and championing the rise of African design on the global stage, as not just as expressions of creativity, but powerful catalysts for transformative change. As part of that change, amplifying the message of circular design aligns perfectly with VISI’s purpose.

V&A Waterfront

Retail Partner

We are a beloved landmark, home to a colourful array of retailers, commercial properties, entrepreneurs, leisure attractions and hospitality enterprises, residential accommodation and a significant volume of ocean-related businesses. What makes the Waterfront unique is that we are a private space being run as a public one, and that we encounter many of the sustainability, opportunity and inclusivity challenges faced by cities globally. We are able, in effect, to be a “safe” lab for testing and refining innovations and prototypes prior to launching them into the world.

Smollan

Strategic Partner

We create growth and transform lives by helping our clients win at the point of purchase. By focusing on education, empowerment and engagement, we help more people achieve their dreams, support their families, and strengthen their communities. Creating an alliance of strategic partners, industry bodies, suppliers and shareholders focused on a larger mission allows our initiatives to ripple into waves of change.

Case Studies: ByBorre Expressions challenging supply chains, Ganni Store by Smile Plastics
WHERE

Less talk.
More action.

Contact us to find out how we collaborate.

Act now. Join the Circular Squared revolution and become a catalyst for sustainable design in Africa.

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