Sonnenglas

Social Impact

Giving Back to Local Communities

Together for a Better World

Find Out More About Our Social Impact

At the intersection of innovation and social impact stands Sonnenglas®: Born from a desire to make a difference, Sonnenglas transforms sunlight into illumination using solar-powered lanterns, casting a warm glow on both the environment and underserved communities.

Founded on a vision to combat energy poverty, prevent fires from unsafe lighting sources, and champion sustainable solutions, Sonnenglas® has developed a solar-powered lantern. This innovation not only brightens homes and outdoor areas.

It also enriches lives by providing a dependable source of light in regions where traditional electricity is scarce.

Beyond its eco-friendly approach, Sonnenglas® embodies the ethos of social entrepreneurship by providing employment opportunities with faitrtrade standards to local communities. By merging business acumen with social responsibility, Sonnenglas® demonstrates how profitability and positive change can harmoniously coexist.

The Meaning of Light for the Community

In 2023, South Africa experienced over 6,800 hours of load shedding, marking it as the worst year on record for the country. There are various factors that contribute to the causes of power outages. One of the main reasons is the lack of sufficient power generation capacity.

Load Shedding

Load shedding in South Africa is the controlled, temporary power outage. Fires caused by candles or kerosene lamps during load shedding in South Africa occur relatively frequently. When the power goes out, many people turn to these alternative light sources, which can pose fire hazards if not used safely. This issue underscores the importance of promoting fire safety awareness and providing access to safer lighting options.

We stand by the local community in mitigating the impacts of power outages, aiming to ensure a reliable light supply. We've introduced special pricing for the local community, recognizing that access to affordable lighting is a fundamental entitlement that should be within everyone's reach.

With our solar-powered lanterns, individuals can sustain their work efforts, children can continue their studies uninterrupted, and everyone can navigate safely even during electricity blackouts. Even more important is the prevention of fatal accidents caused by the use of unsafe light sources.

Social Impact Through Fair Trade Jobs

By constructing our own factory in 2022, we were able to generate 65 secure job opportunities in the outskirts of Johannesburg. These areas suffer from exceedingly high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth - 62.10% in June 2023. The Soweto region, in particular, often garners media attention due to its social challenges.

Benefits for our Employees

Our employees not only enjoy competitive salaries relative to the region, but also numerous uncommon benefits beyond WFTO (World FairTrade Organisation) standards. 42 of 65 jobs are held by women, and 5 of 5 floor managers are female, same as 1 of 2 senior production managers, our supply chain head and technician. 

We provide:

  • Excellent Compensation

  • Very good starting salary for unskilled workers

  • No Gender Pay Gap / Equal pay  

  • Internal and external training opportunities 

  • Access to microloans

  • Flexible options for returning to work after maternity leave 

  • Support with applying for UIF financial assistance

  • Subsidized staff canteen with fresh and regional food

  • Subsidized private medical insurance

The gender pay gap is the disparity in earnings between men and women in the workforce. It's a concerning issue because it reflects systemic inequalities and discrimination.

Closing the gender pay gap is crucial for achieving gender equality and a fair, inclusive society.