The Other Bag create a range of totes and crossbody bags created from 100% regenerated and recycled plastics and waste. Not only are they helping reduce and recycle waste, their bags are a compact solution ensuring you have a reusable bag on hand whenever you need.
We chat to the Founders of The Other Bag, Claire and Abi, to find out more.
When did you start The Other Bag?
We started our research into the market in 2018 and launched the business in 2019.
What inspired you to start The Other Bag?
Abi and I are both lucky enough to live walking distance from Bondi Beach. We’d both become increasingly aware of the amount of plastic debris washing up on the sand and had started to become involved in plastic collections and beach cleans.
We’re both from the UK originally – and had also visited there at a time when the UK were considering banning plastic bags. We started to talk about how we could marry the idea of beach waste with a reusable bag and started to research how we could bring those ideas together.
You use two amazing recycled materials, ECONYL and CyclePET for your products. How did you discover these, and why was it important for you to use them?
Lots of research! We knew that we wanted to use materials that derived from waste. That was a non negotiable for us. Just being a reusable bag was not enough. It had to have that circular element.
We were absolutely thrilled to discover ECONYL – with its direct link to ocean waste. And – as we see so many plastic bottles passing through Bondi, the idea that we could make a bag that would contain seven recycled plastic bottles had real appeal.
Both materials were ground breaking in their technology. Textile technology has moved on so much in the short time we have been in business and we’re excited to discover how circular fabrics evolve moving forward.
What aspect of your business do you enjoy most?
Abi and I are both from a creative background, so designing the bags and putting together our social media marketing is something we absolutely love.
What do you find most challenging?
The nuts and bolts of running a small business. Keeping our inventory up to date, our accounts on track. All of the admin that goes on behind the scenes.
What keeps you motivated and inspired?
Our kids! We have five between us. All our children are passionate beach and ocean lovers. We want to clean and preserve what we have for them and for their children. Reusing will be second nature to them, rather than the disposable culture which we grew up in.
What are you currently working on?
Like many small businesses we wound back during the peak of COVID 19 and put some plans on hold. We’re now cranking up our plans to produce different styles while also reviewing where and how we produce our bags.
Do you have a morning routine?
I (Claire) am an early morning person and a runner. My absolute favourite thing to do is to run the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk as the sun rises. I have way too many photos of glorious sunrises! I’ll follow that with a dip in the ocean. It’s become essential to my physical and mental wellbeing. I don’t feel I’ve started the day properly without it.
What’s your favourite way to unwind?
Hitting the beach. An ocean swim is the answer to everything. You never ever regret taking a dip.
Your favourite quote?
Abi – “Never say I can’t, ask yourself, “How can I?”
You can view and purchase The Other Bag’s collection of totes and crossbody bags online here. Sign up for 15% off your first order.