When Anya Hindmarch released her iconic ‘I’m Not A Plastic Bag’ canvas tote in 2007, she inspired thousands to re-evaluate their dependence on single-use plastic bags, and spearheaded the conversation surrounding more sustainable production practices.
And now 13 years later, the British designer is back with a new environmental innovation, but this time it is plastic.
The I Am A Plastic Bag Collection features a new kind of fabric that has been constructed using plastic bottled that are first sorted, shredded and washed before being turned into pellets. The pellets are then melded into fibres that are spun and woven to created fabric.
“The problem of single use plastic and landfill is far from over, however the mission has shifted from simply being about the ‘awareness’ of using less plastic, to being more about the ‘circularity’ of the use of materials in the supply chain,” Anya explains.” That is why I have spent the last 2 years developing I Am A Plastic Bag,”
Each tote takes 32 half litre bottles to create, and while the brand initially planned on using vegan or recycled leather for the trim, they found that responsibly-sourced leather was the best material as the alternative contained high-levels of polyurethane.
And while the brand doesn’t believe that carbon offsetting is the answer, it has partnered with EcoAct – a global climate change consultancy – to measure the emissions associated with the I Am A Plastic Bag collection in an effort to make the project carbon neutral.
A massive step in the right direction, we think you’ll agree.
- The full collection of four colours will launch mid-April in Anya Hindmarch London stores, but Net-a-Porter is offering a prelaunch of a limited number in the clementine and charcoal colourways. Visit Net-a-Porter.com for more information.
Photos: Supplied
