Most businesses these days focus on introducing changes to their operational practices to ensure they are being as sustainable as they can. Whether they’re adopting new approaches to waste management, sourcing more environmentally friendly suppliers or working with vendors who demonstrate fair and ethical labour practices, businesses want to be seen as green.
Two businesses that have made efforts to add sustainable practices are Cayman Distributors, who supplies Blackbeard’s in Camana Bay, and the resort apparel stores Sand Angels, Amé and Little Angels.
Blackbeard’s supplier, Cayman Distributors, already employs several sustainable practices, including investing in panels to generate clean energy, using an electric fleet in warehouses to reduce carbon emissions and most recently, using a new biodegradable and eco-friendly pallet-wrapping solution that is intended to reduce plastic waste.
“Blackbeard’s Camana Bay is a busy store,” said Blackbeard’s Retail Manager Helen Wong. “Cayman Distributors deliveries come in at least three times a week. We’re excited about the new eco-friendly wrap, showing our support for green efforts.”
Blackbeard’s is also part of a collaborative effort with Caybrew to enable customers to recycle their bottles by bringing them to the store. The bottles are then cleaned, sanitised, inspected and refilled. Each new bottle can be reused multiple times, reducing the amount of waste going to the landfill.
“Bring in a case and get $4 off your next purchase,” said Wong. “It feels good to be part of initiatives that help our island and cut down on landfill waste.”
The Sand Angels/Amé/Little Angels stores share a common owner and are focusing on sustainability and lasting quality in their products to customers.
Owner Catherine Dawson-James said all of the retail group’s stores are committed to implementing sustainable practices whenever possible.
“We also recognise that this is something our customers value, and we want to ensure we can provide products that support this,” she said.
The company works with suppliers that source regenerated materials for their fabrics. Seafolly is one such vendor, which has been sourcing regenerated nylon yarns for use as the outer fabric for its swim product lines since 2020. Seafolly also uses plastic produced from recycled plastic for its packaging and is also digitally producing swim prints, which minimises water usage and toxic waste.
Jets is another supplier that Sand Angels works with that has introduced sustainable yarns across its collection. Every stage of the production cycle is monitored to reduce the use of water, energy, chemicals and waste. There is also a focus on providing pieces that can be worn for many seasons. Recycled materials are also used in its fabrics.
“I have many other brands that use recycled fabrics and practise sustainable processes as well,” Dawson-James said. “We also have Hydro Flask for sustainable hydration, and all our beauty products are clean and not harmful to the environment, including Supergoop! sunscreen, which is also vegan and reef friendly.”
This article was originally featured in the March 2024 print edition of Camana Bay Times.