Paper... It's pretty practical. We use it everyday, well most of us do, and it's for the most part, a necessity no? Have you every thought about a tote shopper bag made out of paper??!!!! I know, genius! Well, it has been done and it was been done in a very cool and sophisticated way. Valerie and Jenny from The Paperbag have created a very useful, very cool bag that is not only made out of paper but it's FSC certified and complies with OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. Basically, these certification are very important in the sustainable world.
They recently teamed up with the uber cool Lottermann and Fuentes duo to bring us a cool collaboration - A mint and purple colour combo. Unique and fun just like the duo themselves.
We had the chance to catch up with the Paperbag girls and ask them some questions about their brand. Read on to find out more.
TELL ABOUT YOURSELVES? WHAT ARE YOUR BACKGROUNDS?
We are Valerie from Frankfurt - product design studies, mom of 2 kids.
And Jenny from Starnberg - product design studies, mom of 2 kids.
HOW DID THE TWO OF YOU MEET?
2006 about a joint job.
WHEN DID THE IDEA FOR THE PAPERBAG EMERGE?
In 2018 we "discovered" paper and from this grew the idea of working with this great material and setting up a joint project
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE FROM THE INITIAL IDEA TO YOUR FIRST PRODUCT?
The process certainly took over 1.5 years. Our first attempt with the paper was the implementation of a shoe. But we quickly realized that it was not the "right" product for the material.
Then followed relatively quickly the idea to take up the classic paper bag. A product that captivates by its simplicity and clear form, but the material gives the possibility to make the product more durable, resistant, sustainable but also more contemporary and valuable.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY?
We tested for a long time until the cut, the seams, etc. fit. The material is special due to its nature, but also challenging - haptically it is like leather, but is sensitive due to its components in the processing. Ie. We had to tinker with the weak points for a long time until we really had a durable and stable product, as now our shopper in our hands.
In addition, the search for a sewing shop that has experience with the material and also met our qualitative requirements was a longer process.
WHAT DOES SUSTAINABILITY MEAN TO YOU?
The following points are important for our label:
Our products are timeless. Our paperbag should be able to be used 24/7 as a bag. A bag for every occasion, a conscious use of the products that accompany our everyday life, a bag for everyone.
The paper is FSC certified and complies with the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. For every tree felled, 3 new ones are planted. We attach importance to a conscious contact with nature.
Furthermore, we care about a healthy growth of our company: slow and steady, as we have achieved in the past. The ability to stick to our values and vision.
We work non-seasonally, i.e. small quantities (no mass production) and short supply routes within the entire production
FOR THOSE WANTING TO BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THEM?
Don´t think too much about what exactly you want to change in as many areas as possible.
Pick one area that is easy for you, such as nutrition or living, and start consuming more conscious. The rest comes all by itself.
DESCRIBE YOUR FASHION STYLE, DID THIS PLAY ANY PART IN THE BRANDS STYLE?
We can only sell what we like ourselves and what we stand for.
It varies from minimalist to colorful and loud - of course also depending on the situation and mood.
The interest for beautiful fabrics and interesting materials has always accompanied us.
DESCRIBE YOUR CUSTOMER, WHAT KIND OF PERSON ARE THEY?
We want to design products that are suitable for everyday use and that everyone can combine and wear in the way he or she wants in the respective situation.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
We wake up in the morning and simply try to make the best of the day. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we don't, sometimes the day leaves lasting and inspiring impressions, sometimes it doesn't.
BEING A WOMEN RUN COMPANY, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WOMEN OUT THERE THAT WOULD LIKE TO START THEIR OWN THING?
It is very helpful for us that we work as a team. We are not alone. That means we decide everything together and bear the responsibility together. This has encouraged us to take the step into self-employment. But also, with a realistic view: failure is part of it and is even important in order to grow from the constant challenges.
The fact is: if the desire is so strong and won't let go, then hold on to it!
ANY NEWS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Check out our new cosmetic bag!
