Social Responsibility

At South Beach Boardies, everything we do is guided by a simple belief — that what we wear should respect the people who make it, and the places we wear it.

We’re a small, independent, family-run business based in South Fremantle, shaped by a lifelong connection to the ocean and a deep concern for its future. Responsibility for us isn’t a marketing angle — it’s an ongoing commitment that influences how we design, make and share our products.

We’re not perfect, but we’re always working to do better.

Better Materials, Better Choices

Our boardshorts and apparel are made using recycled and responsibly sourced materials wherever possible, including fabrics created from recycled plastic bottles.

We take a considered approach to fabric selection, choosing materials based on both performance and purpose — always with responsibility as a guiding principle.

This means using recycled polyester for boardshorts that need to be lightweight, durable and quick-drying, organic cotton for everyday t-shirts, and natural fibres such as TENCEL™ Lyocell (made from sustainably sourced eucalyptus) for styles like our Cuban shirts that benefit from softness, breathability and a more refined drape.

These materials help reduce landfill and give existing resources a second life as durable, high-quality garments designed to be worn season after season.

Our fabrics are produced in line with internationally recognised standards such as the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and OEKO-TEX®, ensuring they meet strict requirements for environmental and chemical safety.

We’re continually refining our materials and working with suppliers to improve how our products are made from the ground up.

Who Makes Our Clothes

We work with a small number of carefully selected manufacturing partners in China and Indonesia.

We choose to work offshore because it gives us access to specialist factories with advanced technical capability in recycled fabrics and performance swimwear — expertise that is still limited within Australia at scale.

More importantly, we only partner with manufacturers who meet internationally recognised ethical standards, including the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI).

These standards cover:

• safe and healthy working conditions
• fair wages and regulated working hours
• no child or forced labour
• environmental responsibility
• ethical business conduct
• protection of workers’ rights

Our factories are independently audited by accredited third parties, and we maintain long-term relationships built on transparency, trust and accountability.

We also take a very simple internal test — if a factory isn’t good enough for our own family standards, it isn’t good enough for our brand.

Why We Don’t Manufacture Everything in Australia

We proudly support Australian production wherever possible, particularly in areas like printing and finishing.

However, for technical recycled swimwear at scale, Australia currently has limited manufacturing capability compared to global specialist suppliers.

By working with experienced offshore partners, we are able to combine:

• ethical production standards
• advanced recycled textile technology
• and globally certified sustainable materials

in a way that remains viable for a small independent brand.

We continue to explore local opportunities as the industry evolves.

Reducing Waste at Every Step

We aim to keep things simple, considered and low-impact across everything we do.

This includes:

• compostable and biodegradable mailers
• recycled and recyclable packaging materials
• plastic-free hang tags and garment packaging
• minimal wrapping designed to be reused or recycled

You will never find plastic used in our hangtags, packaging, or wrapping materials.

It’s a small but consistent standard we hold ourselves to.

Giving Back to the Ocean

We donate 10% of profits to ocean conservation initiatives that help protect marine environments and coastlines.

These contributions support organisations working in areas such as ocean health, plastic reduction and coastal protection — causes that sit at the heart of why this brand exists.

Djiti-Djitis for Defibrillators

Some of our work goes beyond clothing.

Our Djiti-Djitis for Defibrillators collection was created in honour of Freo local Andy Rutherford, with profits supporting St John WA to install defibrillators on remote beaches.

It’s a reminder that impact can be both practical and personal — and that small communities can come together to make a real difference where it matters most.

People, Community & Responsibility

South Beach Boardies is built around people — our team, our makers, our customers and our local community.

We believe in long-term relationships, fair collaboration, and building a business that stays connected to its values as it grows.

We also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters on which we live and work, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Always Evolving

We see responsibility as a journey, not a fixed outcome.

We’re continually refining how we operate — from materials and manufacturing through to packaging and partnerships.

If you have questions or want to know more about how we work, we’re always open to the conversation.