We believe it is right to try to reduce the number of plastic carriers in circulation. If we can have a small impact on the amount of plastic bags thrown away which is estimated at 150 million per week just in the UK then we will have made a breakthrough

Once discarded these bags can take thousands of years to fully decompose, whilst causing untold problems to our environment and wildlife.

By making simple changes to our shopping habits, we can help to eradicate these environmental issues. Next time you are offered the use of a plastic bag, just think of the impact that it will have and just say NO !!! I

Materials ;

At Bag Trade, we pride ourselves on using natural and environmentally friendly materials. Our products are mainly produced from Organic Cotton and Jute.

What is Jute ?

Jute, a natural golden fibre, symbolic to coarse and rough, strong and sturdy, has now been revolutionized and refined by the modern environmentally conscious fashion industry and is incorporated in various products.

Jute is obtained as an extract from the bark of the jute plant. The stem of the plant is cut during harvesting but root remains within the soil. By the process of bio-degradation, these roots decompose in due course of time and enrich the soil for subsequent crops.

It is harvested between July and October, when the plant is in flower. The long stalks are hand cut and then allowed to dry naturally. In order to separate the fibre from the bark the stalks need to be soaked in water, to enable a fermentation process, know as ‘retting’ to take place. This process takes approximately three weeks and at this point the fibres can then be easily stripped by hand.

Petrochemical products especially plastic bags have become a menace to the environment. Their indiscriminate use has caused havoc to our ecological balance. Jute is gaining popularity for good cause. It is biodegradable – jute mixes with soil and breaks down. In the process, nutrients are restored to the soil. On combustion, its fumes are non- toxic and produce no residue and is therefore one of the most environmentally friendly materials that can be used.

Due to It’s strength and durability, it enables products made from Jute, to be used time and time again. As a consequence, Jute bags have a very strong promotional value and are extremely popular with organisations, looking to advertise their services.

The alternative may not come as cheap as its plastic counterpart, but the price paid will still be cheaper at the cost of saving the environment for our coming generations.Jute is mainly grown on small farms in the West Bengal region of India and due to it’s unique appearance it has become known as the ‘Golden Fibre’.

What is Cotton?

Cotton is a soft natural fiber obtained from the seed pod of the cotton plant. After harvesting cotton must combed to remove the seeds. Once this process has been carried out the fibre consists of nearly pure cellulose, a natural polymer.

While a single cotton fibre is not terribly strong, when multiple curling fibres are straightened and twisted together they form a strong, smooth thread. In its raw undefined form the natural colour of cotton is a light to dark cream..
The cotton which we use, is again sourced from India and is biodegradable. As the material has a fine weave, it makes the products very hardwearing and enables delicate prints to be added.

The cotton is unbleached, which gives the fabric a beautiful off-white appearance, that is extremely soft and enables the products to be easily folded.

We are also able to supply Organic Cotton products, where the material used is grown without pesticides and not genetically modified.

When we are required to colour either cotton or jute material, we ensure that AZO Free Dyes with water based binders are used.