A conversation with Linda Trim, CEO of AngelShack

AngelShack’s 2025 sustainability report builds on a couple of years of reporting. What motivated you to begin reporting in the first place?

Our decision stemmed from a recognition that sustainability is integral to design and manufacturing quality. We wanted to understand our impacts and improve them, but also to show customers that great design and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Reporting gave us the framework to measure and communicate that progress. Its also provided us with a credible tool that we can use with any of our most important stakeholders.

AngelShack is in a sense an SME, and doesn’t have a regulatory requirement to report. Why was it important for the company to align with the GRI Standards?

We see GRI as a national and global platform to speak the same language as our clients and partners, many of whom are JSE listed companies or corporates already reporting under these standards. Aligning to GRI provides structure, helps identify gaps, and demonstrate credibility.

What difference has the use of Veriport made to your reporting process?

It’s provided a simple structure – a formulaic approach. A tech solution means that team members can work in concert and we can update our position at any time. Veriport lets us capture data directly from operations and see progress instantly, including live carbon measurement values. Most importantly it gives us confidence that the numbers in our report are accurate and auditable. The Veriport team initially provided us with a managed solution which meant we had additional support to get started.

Sustainability can be a differentiator in a competitive design and furniture market. What does it mean for AngelShack?

For us, sustainability is not just a marketing line - it’s embedded in our culture of innovation - how we design, source and manufacture. Our customers increasingly ask about lifecycle impact and product circularity, and having our data and disclosures at hand means we can respond meaningfully. It strengthens trust and shows that local manufacturing can meet global expectations for environmental and social responsibility.

Any advice to other companies starting their sustainability journey?

Start by measuring what matters most to your operations. Use tools like Veriport to make that data manageable. Once you begin tracking, the story almost writes itself - you start to see where improvements will make the biggest difference. Don’t be too cautious – there are no minimum requirements when you start. It’s also easy to tackle a few low hanging fruit items initially. If you have a framework it becomes much simpler to progress.

AngelShack Sustainability Report