Growing up exploring KZN’s beaches, bush and mountains inspired brothers Daniel and Declan Cherry to build more than a successful business. Today, they’re helping shape a more sustainable future, one paper bag at a time.
For Daniel and Declan Cherry, childhood weekends were spent on Durban’s beaches, hiking in the Drakensberg and escaping to the bush with their family. Those childhood adventures not only created lifelong memories, they also nurtured a deep appreciation for the natural world, one that would eventually influence the business they would build together.
Today, the pair are the driving force behind Traderbag, a proudly South African business helping retailers across the country transition from plastic to more sustainable paper packaging. Manufacturing locally using FSC-certified paper and water-based inks, the company combines sustainability with practical packaging solutions. While sustainability is central to what they do, their story is equally one of family, trust and a shared vision.
“We’ve always been close,” says Declan. “From getting into trouble together as kids to now building a business together, we’ve always done life side by side. Our parents always hoped we’d stay close as we grew older, and they definitely had a big part to play in that.”
Although the siblings initially followed different career paths, entrepreneurship had always been part of the plan.
Daniel recognised a growing shift away from plastic packaging while working in the industry and saw an opportunity to create something meaningful. Around the same time, Declan was living and working in Amsterdam in the technology sector. While Europe offered valuable experience, home was calling.
“The lifestyle in Amsterdam was no longer the right fit for me,” says Declan. “Daniel had recently started Traderbag and gave me a call. It felt like the right opportunity to come home, work alongside my brother and help build something meaningful from the ground up.”
Working alongside family every day isn’t for everyone, but for Daniel and Declan it’s one of the business’s greatest strengths.
“We genuinely enjoy it,” they say. “Having someone you trust completely makes even the tough days easier.”
That trust allows each brother to play to his strengths. Daniel’s extensive knowledge of manufacturing and operations complements Declan’s experience in technology, innovation and business growth, creating a partnership where different perspectives are welcomed rather than challenged.
Their love of the outdoors continues to shape the decisions they make.
Growing up surrounded by KZN’s natural beauty made the reality of plastic pollution difficult to ignore. As they learned more about the long-term impact of waste and the misconceptions surrounding recycling, sustainability evolved from an interest into a purpose.
“It’s important to us because we’ve always had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and everything South Africa has to offer,” they explain. “We believe we have a responsibility to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.”
Despite leading a growing business, the brothers believe meaningful change begins with simple, everyday choices. At home they recycle, choose reusable products where possible and even pick up litter when they’re out walking, small habits they hope will inspire others to think differently about their own impact.
Outside the office, not much has changed. They’re still happiest enjoying the outdoors, whether that’s a round of golf or padel, birdwatching, relaxing at the beach or spending quality time with family and friends. Durban, they say, offers the perfect balance of city life and nature, something they never take for granted.
Looking ahead, Daniel and Declan have an ambitious goal. They hope Traderbag will one day help remove one billion plastic bags from South Africa’s retail landscape every year. Yet despite that bold vision, their message is refreshingly simple.
Every purchase matters.
“Supporting recyclable, renewable and locally made products may seem like a small choice, but when enough people make those decisions, they have the power to create real change.”
For these brothers, success isn’t measured only by business growth. It’s measured by the positive impact they can leave behind, for their family, their community and the environment they have loved since childhood.
Details: traderbag.co.za
Cherry on top
Daniel and Declan share a few of the things that inspire them, on and off the clock.
- Favourite escape: Daniel – the bush | Declan – the beach.
• Shared passions: Golf, padel, birding and spending time with family.
• Most admired quality in each other: Trust, consistency and authenticity.
• One simple sustainability tip: Choose recyclable, renewable and locally made products whenever you can.
