the process.
saving materials from landfill.
Up to 95% of material used in an ER bag is recycled and reclaimed
At Eco Republic we are hands-on; from collecting materials, to designing, making and sending bags off into the world. Ute loads of high quality, valuable offcuts, like as webbing, canvas, upholstery fabric, PVC and leather are collected.
​
Material offcuts are sourced from canvas, upholstery and allied industries. These are offcuts that are too small for further use in industry. Other materials are collected from charity shops unable to sell donations because they are damaged or no longer fashionable. Landfill sites are another source for materials such as canvas canopies, tents and leather from discarded furniture. Seatbelts, leather and vinyl are collected from car wrecking yards.
Some materials arrive at the workshop door - donated directly - their owners happy to know they will be recycled. All materials are washed, cleaned and stored ready for re-use.
designing & making.
No two ER bags are quite the same
Functional, durable, unique, is our mantra when designing and making each ER bag. All materials, webbing and thread we use are durable and UV stabilized. Each material has a unique quality. Some materials are thick and stiff, others are soft and pliable.
The weight and feel of each material can determine where and how it is used within a design. New bag designs require both an experimental and an innovative approach, as materials are handpicked and mixed and matched. This is also why no two ER bags are quite the same. Our challenge is to repurpose the materials in such a way that ensures every ER bag functions well and is durable and unique.
​
Each bag is a complex, engineered object, sewn on up to four different machines. All bag components are cut by hand. Elements such as labels, webbing and zips must be sewn on to individual elements. These elements are then sewn together in sequence. Its a process akin to putting a jigsaw together – each of the components must line-up to create a beautiful bag that functions well and is visually appealing.
handmade in WA.
Every bag is handmade.
Every ER bag is handmade in our tiny workshop on the South Coast of Western Australia. We do not outsource our work.
​
We at Eco Republic love what we do, from sourcing materials, to designing and making. Being challenged by the limitations and nature of the materials and producing designs that are innovative and stylish is what keeps us motivated. Knowing we are saving these resources from landfill is deeply gratifying. We are proud of every bag we handcraft – your bag is a one-off design that will serve you for decades.
