Long-lasting creations

One of the current tendencies is consumer’s increasing interest in production conditions and environmental impact of products. The transformation of materials into durable products is an important aspect in a business model based on sustainability.

The Aarhus-based company grünBAG creates sustainable, recycled bags by a creative use of materials such as lorry tarp, seat belts and life rafts. Designer Helen Leegaard uses materials, that are regarded as waste, and creates collections of colourful bags, rucksacks, toiletry bags and pencil cases. The collections are created in a simple design with emphasis on functionality. The industrial materials make grünBAG’s products long-lasting and durable for everyday use, and every product and design is unique. The long-lasting design of the bags is part of a sustainable tendency, that challenges the throw-away mentality. 

In April 2017, the company launched a special collection called RETHINK by grünBAG, created from Aarhus 2017-banners. The colourful banners that have been used for the European Capital of Culture events, are transformed into bags in a unique design, that differ depending on available materials. grünBAG already created bags from the characteristic blue Aarhus 2017-signature banners and banners from the popular event Aarhus Stories. The remaining parts of the banners from the production are also recycled. grünBAG has produced brightly coloured storage boxes and garlands for decoration – products that are fit for use outdoors in all weathers.

The collection reflects the theme of Aarhus 2017 European Capital of Culture ’Let’s Rethink’, where the rethinking of materials contributes with a new, sustainable solution. Furthermore, grünBAG has just launched a new collection of bags made from banners from the museum Den Gamle By.

Facts:

// The three core values of Aarhus 2017 European Capital of Culture is democracy, sustainability and diversity. In a series of articles, partners in Aarhus 2017 tell about their sustainable initiatives in relation to both environment and society.

// On 10. September, the 3rd debate in the series of Hypothetical-events takes place. The moderator is journalist Clement Kjersgaard, and the debate will revolve around the future of sustainable development. Participating in the panel is former European Commissioner, Connie Hedegaard, and senior researcher at the Danish meteorological Institute (DMI) and many more. Read more here.

// Read more about grünBAG here.