Global Work upcycles surplus fabric into shopping bags

Incorporating sustainability into business operations is an emerging trend in the fashion industry. From sustainable sourcing of materials to upcycling and minimal packaging, more and more companies are embracing green-oriented practices.

Global Work, a casual Japanese fashion brand, launched shopping bags made from surplus fabric on January 31. This fulfills a promise made in the brand’s sustainability statement, which was released in December 2019. Global Work sees itself as responsible for producing earth-friendly products. Therefore, careful selection of material and energy-efficient manufacturing operation are the brand’s top priorities.

Priced at 500 yen (plus tax), Global Work’s repurposed shopping bags come in 20 colors and patterns, such as neutral beige, pale-blue stripes and colorful flower prints. The dimensions are 38.5cm (height) by 35cm (width) by 12cm(depth), large enough to handle your grocery shopping and perfect for everyday use.

Adasrtia’s commitment to sustainable fashion

Global Work is one of the fashion brands produced by Adastria Co., Ltd, whose 1,400 store locations are spread across East Asia. The parent company has committed to cultivating sustainable management and high transparency as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals. With environmental protection being one of its key agenda items, Adastria has been collecting used clothing from customers to recycle them into biofuels.

The company has also been promoting the use of reusable shopping bags to customers. Those who opt against plastic bag use can earn extra points on their loyalty cards. According to the company’s 2018 CSR report, Adastria has cut down shopping bag use by 1.09 million since the start of this “Rebag Project” in 2014.

In line with its parent company’s goals, Global Work will also be replacing single-use plastic shopping bags with 100% recycled paper bags by this spring. The brand marks its 25th anniversary this year and is motivated to create a movement involving both itself and its customers.

While clothing companies strive to create future trends and appeal to customers’ sense of style, the industry’s environmental challenges require thoughtful action. By creating collaborative missions where both the brand and customers can take part, Global Work is showing the way forward for sustainable solutions to fashion.