Luxury meets purpose
At Circle Cook Islands, luxury meets purpose. Each piece we create is a testament to the art of reinvention, where discarded materials are meticulously transformed into timeless designs. Guided by the principles of C.I.R.C.L.E. (Cook Islands Recycling Creations Living Environment), we elevate sustainability into an art form, crafting handbags and accessories that embody both sophistication and conscience. With every creation, we invite our customers to embrace a new standard of luxury—one that cherishes the planet as much as it celebrates exquisite craftsmanship.
Our founder, Sabine Janneck, brings unparalleled artistry and an unwavering commitment to the environment. Drawing inspiration from the unspoiled beauty of the Cook Islands, her designs are a celebration of creativity, heritage, and the delicate balance between humanity and nature. Her meticulous attention to detail, from the careful preparation of materials to the precision of the weaving technique, transforms ordinary waste into extraordinary works of art. Sabine’s passion is evident in every piece, reflecting a blend of innovation and reverence for the environment.
Circle Cook Islands is more than a brand; it’s a legacy rooted in purpose and vision. By reimagining waste as luxury, we honor a philosophy where beauty, sustainability, and innovation coexist seamlessly. Our designs are not merely accessories—they are stories of transformation, statements of elegance, and symbols of responsibility. Circle Cook Islands is for the modern connoisseur who values both timeless style and a meaningful connection to the world around them.
+ Waste pieces collected
+ Hours designing/creating
+ unique designs
designer
Sabine janneck
Owner / Environmentalist
Sabine Janneck is a trailblazer whose journey is as extraordinary as the creations she brings to life through Circle Cook Islands. Born and raised in Germany, Sabine’s early career was a mosaic of diverse experiences: from veterinary nursing at a horse clinic to studying medicine, tutoring in anatomy, and even excelling as a sound engineer in a synchron studio specializing in international films. She transitioned into the film industry, rising from a runner to a first/second assistant director and a highly successful location scout, specializing in securing real prisons as film sets. She eventually founded her own location company in Hamburg.
In 2003, Sabine’s life took a transformative turn during a holiday in Mexico, where she met her former partner Sascha, a dive instructor. Within weeks, she sold everything and relocated to Mexico, beginning a two-year adventure in Playa del Carmen working in public relations and hotel management. Overcoming a deep-seated fear of water stemming from a near-drowning incident, she became a dive master, sparking her passion for the underwater world and its conservation.
This passion eventually led Sabine and Sascha to Rarotonga, where they acquired and elevated The Big Fish Dive Centre into the island’s most reputable dive operation. Sabine’s commitment to environmental stewardship flourished, organizing Rarotonga’s first combined land and underwater clean-up event and advocating for conservation through education. In 2012, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming a Cook Islands resident.
In 2014, Sabine was introduced to the art of weaving discarded plastics. What began as a hobby evolved into a full-time calling, culminating in the launch of Circle Cook Islands. Entirely self-taught, Sabine mastered techniques to craft handbags, wallets, and accessories from materials like coffee sachets, foil wrappers, and yogurt containers. Her work, which fuses art and advocacy, earned her a solo exhibition at the prestigious Bergman Gallery in 2019 and the Energy Globe Award for transforming waste into art.
When COVID-19 disrupted her dive business, Sabine turned adversity into opportunity. She expanded Circle Cook Islands to include furniture upcycling and refined her bag-making skills, creating pieces that caught international attention, including an offer to showcase her designs in Soho, New York. Throughout, she has remained deeply committed to her community, organizing beach clean-ups, teaching children about sustainability, and championing local initiatives as vice president of the Te Ipukarea Society and an executive member of the Cook Islands Industry Council.
Now navigating life independently after a recent separation, Sabine channels her energy into new passions like painting and her dream of seeing her bags carried by global luxury brands like Gucci. Whether cleaning beaches, advocating for environmental reform, or creating timeless designs, Sabine’s philosophy remains steadfast: “I can’t change the world, but I can make it a tiny bit better.” Her journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of dreaming big.
As seen in
the media
Energy globe award
In 2021, Circle Cook Islands was honoured to receive the Energy Globe Award for the national category representing the Cook Islands. As part of the recognition, we were invited to create a two-minute video—a challenge we proudly embraced. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jaime Short and the Te Ipukarea Society for their incredible support throughout this journey.
Global recycling award 2025
For Global Recycling Day 2025, Circle Cook Islands was proudly nominated by the National Environment Service to showcase how creativity and sustainability go hand in hand. From waste to wonder, our passion lies in transforming the discarded into something meaningful, beautiful, and lasting. Together, we’re redefining what it means to treasure our islands.
We are one of 20 winners for the Global Recycling Award for 2025.