Recycled Cases, Totes and Messenger Bags
Recycled fish feed bags
Reviewed by Jo on 12 September 2008
Rating: 
These bags are crafted using recycled fish feed sacks which are otherwise destined for disposal. These bags are made in Cambodia by Hagan Designs. The company provides jobs, fair wages and safe working conditions for disadvantaged Cambodian women. The bags are fully lined with black cotton and have zippered enclosures.
 | Made from recycled materials |
 | Minimises the use of pesticides / fertilizers |
| Fairtrade |
| Aussie made |
| Sustainable |
| Minimises chemical use |
| Lifecycle impacts considered |
Options
The bags differ in design depending on the
sack they are made from. They are available in either blue, green or
white.
Tote bags (main picture) - These have a reinforced handle, interior pocket for mobile phone interior zippered pocked and zippered enclosure. Dimensions 50x40x10.5cm. These bags are great as shopping bags, beach bags or as an overnighter.
Document bag - these are also fully lined and have reinforced handle. Additional features include detachable business card holder, interior pocket for mobile phone, multipe pen holders and zippered enclosure. Dimensions 50x40x10.5cm.
Messenger bag - This has a durable black webbed strap, mobile phone holder, front flap with internal pocket, back net pocket, zippered inclosure and fully lined with recycled material.
Cost
Tote - $38
Document bag - $46
Messenger bag - $48
Where to buy
These products are available through the Dharma Door website.
|
Raw
material - Disused plastic bags which were once used for storing and transporting fish feed. Cotton lining - source unknown. |
|
Manufacturing
– The products are manufactured by Hagar Design. This business was set
up to provide work for vulnerable women and generate income for social
projects including shelters and to help with recovery and
rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking. Fair wages are paid and
the working conditions are good. The bags are cut and sewn by hand on site. Fair
Trade certification (and labeling) doesn’t exist for craft products,
only for commodities such as cocoa, tea and coffee. However, there are
10 standards of Fair Trade which relate to working conditions, wages,
child labour and the environment. The activities of the Hagar Designs
organization have been reviewed against these standards and the
sustainability of the operations has been reviewed by Dharma Door. |
|
Distribution – The bags are put together in the workshop in Phnom Penh. The bags are shipped to Australia in bulk and distributed after purchase via Australia Post. |
|
Product use – The bags are waterproof and are designed to be hardwearing. |
|
Waste
management –
At the end of their life the bags would require disposal as the
original bags from which they are made are not biodegradable or
recyclable. |