We’ll begin with the core principles of circular design: minimising waste and pollution through intentional, low-impact design; circulating materials and products through repair, reuse, and recycling; and regenerating natural systems by designing solutions that work in harmony with ecosystems.

We’ll explore key areas of intervention—from product and material design to urban planning and systems thinking. Through practical examples, you’ll understand the importance of prioritising durability, repairability, recyclability, and compostability. We’ll discuss how to select sustainable materials and reduce resource use without compromising on function or aesthetics, and the importance of the latter.

Finally, we’ll look at biomaterials, and why we need more innovative design thinking.

About Jackie:

Jackie is the director, founder and editor of Twyg, a magazine focused on storytelling, content production and networking to champion kinder, fairer, inclusive, diverse and nature-friendly futures. In 2019 Jackie launched the annual Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards to celebrate designers using circular and sustainable practices. Twyg hosts regular clothing Swap&Mend events. Jackie launched the Africa Textile Talks in 2021 and co-founded the Refashion Lab. Refashion Lab aims to support a viable textile waste recycling system that creates jobs, reduces textile to landfill and creates awareness about circular design and conscious consumption. Jackie was the curator of the Confections x Collections fashion show (2022, 2023 and 2024) at the Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel in Cape Town. Previously she worked in multiple big and medium-sized mainstream media organisations. She has edited the South African edition of the international women’s fashion magazine, MARIE CLAIRE and was the Cape editor of the national newspaper, The Times. Jackie holds an MA in Philosophy from the University of London and an MPhil Sustainable Development (cotton farming in South Africa) from Stellenbosch University's Centre of Sustainable Transitions.

Want to find out more about the UNDP timbuktoo Creatives Lab?

Implemented by the Craft and Design Institute (CDI), this pioneering accelerator programme is designed to help high-potential creative businesses thrive in 2025.

Our Creatives Lab is a unique acceleration programme that blends financial and non-financial support, tailored to the specific needs of each participating creative entrepreneur. 

See more info at:
https://www.thecdi.org.za/page/timbuktoo