From Trash to Treasure: How Ocean Plastics Became SmileReef

When we first arrived in Bali, the beauty of the island’s reefs and beaches stole our hearts. But behind the crystal waves, we noticed the harsh reality: plastic pollution everywhere. Local communities struggled with trash, with little recycling infrastructure and no clear way to manage the waste.

We spent weeks volunteering, organizing beach clean-ups with the local children, and imagining a future where this plastic didn’t just pollute — it served a purpose. That’s when the idea hit us: what if ocean plastics could be transformed into something meaningful?

A year later, we discovered it was possible to create durable fabric from recycled ocean waste. Combining this with our love for surfing, and our dream of creating an impact-driven business, SmileReef was born.

Today, every SmileReef surf hat:

• Is made from recycled ocean plastics, turning trash into gear.
• Protects surfers with an integrated helmet hidden in a stylish cap.
• Supports reef conservation in Bali with 1% of each sale.

By choosing SmileReef, you’re not just protecting your head — you’re helping the ocean recover, one hat at a time.