About us

Waste to Weave: Each medium bag repurposes 8–10 (and large uses 12–15) one-litre plastic bottles diverted from landfills. 

Fair Compensation: Our established community of weavers in Java are paid wages set at roughly double that of an Indonesian school teacher.

Unmatched Quality: Our hand-woven products uphold the original standard, unlike cheaper copies on the market.

These colourful, popular tote bags are built to work hard—ethically and practically. They represent an innovative solution to the global plastic crisis, diverting waste that already exists.

Used plastic is diverted from landfills, processed into durable strips, and woven into these amazing market bags capable of carrying heavy loads. Each medium bag is made up of 8–10 one-litre plastic bottles, and large bags use 12–15, helping to clean up the existing reality.

Founder Murray, a keen surfer who spent time around the Indonesian ocean, saw firsthand the devastating impact of dumped plastic. Loving the bag's potential as a sustainable solution, he started One Planet Bags in 2019. The concept resonated instantly with Kiwis, proving this mission is making a genuine difference.

Our weaving community in Java are the superstars who bring these strips to life. While craft standards vary widely elsewhere, we have sustained a long term partnership with our original supplier who maintains a non-negotiable, high ethical standard for payment, ensuring fair compensation for every weaver.

We are committed to this pay scale because it makes a significant difference in their lives. Earning wages set at roughly double that of an Indonesian school teacher means weavers can leave the hard labour of the rice paddy fields, work from home, care for their children, and provide security for their families.

It's just one little bag, but it's doing some mighty lifting for our planet and its people!