Worcestershire-based Jutexpo, the world’s leading eco-friendly reusable bag company, have joined forces with designer Caroline Gardner to produce a new shopping bag for John Lewis & Partners, made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.
The eye-catching bags have a pineapple design and have been made using Jutexpo’s HALT™ process, which turns post-consumer plastic into a soft, durable fabric called rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate), which is practical and can be wiped clean.
Each bag is made using 7.6 recycled plastic bottles and they are available in store and online for £8.
HALT™ bags are the first to have the integrity of certification to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), are made using low carbon emission production.
They are ethically-produced to the Jutexpo Standard, a set of the 10 key elements Jutexpo considers to be the minimum when it comes to ethical and technical standards, awards and credentials.
Robbie McGregor, Director of Jutexpo, based at Lauriston Business and Technology Park, Salford Priors, said: “We are delighted to be supplying these wonderfully-designed bags which are encouraging shoppers to reduce their plastic bag use and help the environment.
“By recycling post-consumer bottles to create innovative reusable bags, we are adding purpose to what would have otherwise been discarded as uncontrollable waste.”
Lizzie Batchelar Partner & Assistant Buyer Cards, Gift Wrap & Seasonal Events at John Lewis and Partners said: “This bright and fun shopper bag from Caroline Gardner is a perfect way to care for the environment by reusing the bag time and time again. The bottles are recycled from post-consumer waste, putting to use plastic bottles that would have otherwise been thrown into uncontrollable waste streams.
“The bag has a durable finish with a colourful design. It is a dynamic bag that is perfect for all shopping missions.”
Caroline Gardner is best known as one of the UK’s leading and most prolific stationery and gift designers. Her distinctive designs now stretch across a wide variety of product categories, including paper, accessories and lifestyle.
Caroline Gardner said: “We are thrilled to be part of a bag collaboration that not only discourages single use plastic bags, but uses an innovative, recycled fibre that could influence our reliance on plastic in the future.
“The tropical pineapple print came from a greetings card in our totally tropical range so can not only be used to brighten up the weekly food shop but also makes a great beach bag.”