Fair trade bag producers work with marginalised workers to help them overcome vulnerability and become economically self-sufficient. They aim to empower workers to become stakeholders in their own organisations and play a more active role in global markets, thereby achieving greater fairness and equality in international trade.
There are eco friendly, fair trade bags to cover every need - fashion bags, cotton bags, shopping bags, Jute bags, Fair Trade bags and recycled bags - all ethical, environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Did you know? Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. That comes out to over one million per minute. Billions end up as litter each year.
“I conceive that the land belongs to a vast family of which many are dead, few are living, and countless numbers are still unborn.” - Author Unknown
Freeset is a leading supplier of fair trade and ethical bags. Using recycled and natural materials, each bag tells a story of a journey to freedom. Custom made bags are also available and can provide the perfect ethical solution for your organisation. Freeset is an approved supplier with BAFTS. www.freesetbags.co.uk/
Onya Innovations began by targeting the evil plastic bag with its clever alternative – the bright and brilliant Onya Bag. With a whole range now under their belts – backpacks, shoulder bags, fruit & veg bags, and bio-degradable dog-waste bags – Onya has tackled the wider disposable culture. Onya now stocks reusable water bottles (the H2Onya is a big hit), reusable sandwich wrappers (the Wrap-N-Mat™) and reusable gift-wrap (Wrapsacks™).
**Stop Press** Onya Bags are now available made from rPET (recycled plastic bottles) – everything is coming full circle! In order to change your behaviour you need the tools – and they’re here to provide them. www.onyabags.co.uk
Lolijo Pixi is a newly started company selling bags made from fairly traded 100% organic cotton. They feel very strongly that we can all work together to help save this planet. By buying their bags and using them over and over, you are demonstrating your support. Their distinctive, modern designs are stylish and practical. They are aimed at a new category of a more thoughtful consumer - one with a conscience. www.lolijopixi.bigcartel.com/
This rock ‘n roll, eco friendly brand uses the finest leather by-products to create the hottest accessories label around. You may have seen their electric car buzzing around the West End. With a boutique on Carnaby Street, concessions in Topshop and Selfridges as well as being stocked in thousands of the coolest stores internationally, Britain’s number 1 accessories brand has enjoyed a meteoric rise. Jocasi focus not only on the product they create, but the positive impact on those who are associated along the way. They have vastly improved the living conditions of many of the local people by insisting on paying excellent wages and creating exceptional working conditions in their workshop and factories in Indonesia (see videos online http://www.jocasi.com/
Com Bio Products supplies 100% compostable products. Product range includes bags and liners made from 100% compostable potato starch, compostable tableware and fair trade organic cotton tote shoppers. Their products, where possible, are manufactured in the UK. Bags manufactured from Bioplast bioplastic, all bags meet the EN:13432 certification and can be used in both home composters and commercial composters. 100% compostable tableware and catering supplies. Products ranging from cutlery to takeaway containers, manufactured to be 100% compostable. CE marked pint and half pint cups - manufactured from PLA and completely compostable. Suitable for use in bars and restaurants, no need for measured pumps, each cup is marked 1/2 pint or 1 pint. Kitchen waste caddies, ideal for collecting food scraps for your home composter. www.comp-bio.co.uk
Bags of Change is a unique brand of eco shopping bags that act like loyalty cards, rewarding shoppers who carry them with discounts of up to 10% on organic, Fairtrade, local and sustainable products at a range of independent shops around the UK. There are currently two beautiful bags available. A fairly traded bag made from sustainably tapped rubber produced by a cooperative in the Amazon, and an organic cotton and hemp bag with coconut shell buttons. Sign up for the Bags of Change newsletter and get FREE information on independent retailers in your area and details of all the special offers and discounts: www.bagsofchange.co.uk
Kikapu (pronounced 'key-car-poo') is Swahili for basket. A really reusable bag that was born in nature and that will return to nature is here. They are attractive strong and useful for more than just carrying groceries. They can be used time and time again providing a real environmental alternative to plastic (single use carrier bags, reusable bags and biodegradable bags). Truly biodegradable – these baskets are made from doum palm leaves, sisal and bark cloth from a type of fig tree. At the end of their life they can be burned or composted. The Kikapu Company is a family business based in Shropshire. They want to make as many aware of Kikapus as possible so that we can help Africa help us help the planet. www.kikapu.co.uk
Future Bags is a supplier of environmental friendly and re-usable bags included cotton, jute, woven pp, non-woven pp and paper. Their range of eco-friendly bags makes the ideal alternative to plastic carrier bags. All their bags are custom made and available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit your requirements. www.futurebags.co.uk
Paper Bag Company is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of quality retail and promotional printed paper bags. They offer a full range of the highest quality recycled, recyclable and re-usable bags. Their range of eco-friendly paper bags makes the ideal alternative to plastic carrier bags. All their bags are custom made and available in a range of sizes, materials and finishes to suit your requirements.www.paperbagco.co.uk
Etiko Fair Trade is an internet retailer offering a wide selection of stylish, high quality and great value Fair Trade Bags and Accessories. All of their goods are sourced from BAFTS registered importers and wholesalers, so they can be sure that the highest ethical standards are maintained in the production of the Bags, Hats, Scarves, Belts, Sarongs, Bandanas and Gloves that they sell. Their ethical approach to business means that they always treat their customers and suppliers with respect and honesty which means that you should be delighted when dealing with them. http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Etiko-Fair-Trade
Eka is a fairtrade brand that is committed to producing high quality, lovely accessories for the concientious buyer. Handmade in Auroville India, where the proceeds from trade go to develop the town and surrounding landscape. www.ekawear.com/eka/
Ethnic Supplies supports women in the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Madagascar by sourcing handmade handicrafts and fashion accessories from suppliers that support women to be financially independent or directly from established women's groups in rural locations.
Many Tribes stock Fair Trade clothing and accessories from well known brands such as People Tree as well as the quirkier independents from around the world. Choose from a beautiful range of silk dresses, organic cotton and handwoven pieces, leather pocket belts, natural fibres and leather handbags, and stunning jewellery.Shop online or visit their outlet in Brighton. www.manytribes.co.uk/
Smartbags provides clients a practical way to advertise their business. They make high-quality and environment-friendly bags that will showcase your company's logo. Their bags are perfect for carrying items around and will help raise brand awareness. www.smartbags.co.uk
