When two companies with deep family roots and a shared vision for sustainability come together, the result is more than just a partnership—it’s a legacy in action. Cactus Outdoor and Ghella may come from different industries—outdoor gear and construction— and two ends of the earth-New Zealand and Italy-but both companies have spent generations building values that endure.
Cactus: Built to Last, Not to Waste
Cactus Outdoor, a family-owned business based in New Zealand, has spent decades crafting durable, high-performance gear for outdoor adventurers and hardworking professionals. With a philosophy of "tools, not toys," Cactus has always prioritised longevity. Their products, whether a pair of heavy-duty work pants or a weather-beating canvas jacket, are designed to last for years, reducing the need for replacements and minimising environmental impact.
“At Cactus, we believe that the best way to be sustainable is to make gear that doesn’t end up in the landfill after a season,” says Ben Kepes, Managing Director. “Every stitch, every fabric choice is about making something that can go the distance.”
Ghella: Over a Century of Building with Purpose
Founded in 1894, this year marks the 130th anniversary of Ghella: a global reality of primary importance in the construction of large public projects. Specialised in underground
excavation, spanning 5 generations, Ghella has successfully constructed over 190 tunnels and connected more than 1,000 kilometers of subways, railways, highways, and hydraulic projects. Ghella's commitment centers around a business model focused on leaving a better world for future generations. With a rich heritage dating back to 1867, the company continues to grow with a renewed spirit of exploration, envisioning new possibilities and fostering progress.
Ghella's community consists of 6,000 individuals living in 15 Countries, and operating across 4 Continents, primarily in Oceania, Europe, the Americas, and the East Asia.
A Collaboration Forged in Shared Values
The partnership between Cactus and Ghella is a natural fit. Both companies prioritise
sustainability, not through buzzwords, but through their actions. Cactus creates gear designed to endure; Ghella builds infrastructure meant to last. Together, they’re crafting custom canvas jackets for Ghella’s global team, with each jacket representing a fusion of innovation, tradition, and durability.
“We’re proud to partner with Cactus on this,” says Francesco Saibene, Ghella New Zealand Country Manager. “Both of our businesses understand the importance of long-term thinking— whether it’s the gear we wear or the tunnels we dig.”
A Sustainable Future Through Durable Products
In an age where fast fashion and disposable goods are the norm, companies like Cactus and Ghella stand out by prioritising durability. By building things that last—whether they’re jackets or entire wastewater systems—both companies are driving sustainable outcomes that have real impact.
For both Cactus and Ghella, the focus is clear: sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste today, it’s about creating products and systems that won’t need replacing tomorrow.
