Biodegradable Bags For A Better Planet

New Zealand I Australia

For all enquiries:

sales.toteworks@gmail.com

0210732810

ToteWorks designs, creates, and imports environmentally sound natural jute and cotton carry bags and drawstring bags, wine bottle carriers, promotional and conference bags. Our jute bags are made from sustainable plant fibres, not oil.

We print your logo or design on one of our range of standard styles or you can choose one of our own designs. We can also make a bespoke product to your specifications in just about any colour you choose. The conscious consumers choice that will last for years .. and then compost it!

To view our product range, please scroll down. Please note minimum order 700 pieces although we do occassionally hold extra stock in smaller quantities.

Our ethical JUTE carry bags . . .

Design, artwork and concept created in New Zealand
Our imported bags are guaranteed to be made in accordance with the following conditions:

Employment must be freely chosen
Respect for the right to freedom of association and free collective bargaining
Child labour must not be used
Working conditions must be safe, decent and hygienic
Statutory living wages must be paid
Working hours are not excessive
No discrimination must be practiced
Use of non toxic Azo-free dyes in the printing process

What is jute?

Jute, the Golden Fibre as it is called, is a natural versatile fibre which is 100% biodegradable and thus environment friendly. It has a silky lustre with high tensile strength and low extensibility. Jute is one of the most versatile natural fibres there is.

Jute is a natural fibre. It's official latin name is Corchorus capsularis or Corchorus olitorius.

Jute is an annually renewable crop and does not exhaust any non renewable resource. On degradation, jute will leave hardly any residue that adversely impacts the environment. It plays an inportant role in environment protection. Jute is therefore well positioned as a preferred packaging material for global consumption.

Jute, being one of the oldest industries in India has traditionally been used for packaging. Its versatility however is only coming to light now as the world looks on for natural options to save the environment.

From plant to bag . . .

Jute is cultivated on small farms in Bangladesh and India. Traditional, nearly organic methods are used . Fully grown, the plant reaches 12 ft (3.6m). They have delicate green leaves and little yellow flowers that are pollinated by insects.

Farmers cut the flowering stems down, dry them in the sun and then soak them in flowing water to loosen the bark and dissolve the gum that holds the woody fibres together. This process is called "retting". The fibre is then extracted by hand.
The fibres in jute are uneven in diameter and are highly resistant to stretching but individually brittle - so they develop microscopic fractures during the weaving process. These two factors give jute its natural slightly rough appearance.

The jute fabric industry was pioneered by mill-owners in Dundee, Scotland in the 1820s. By the 1850s they were setting up jute mills in India itself and some of these mills are still working today. Jute is a major item in the world's commodity markets and the finer grades can be seen in fashion, luggage and home furnishing. It is also known as hessian and burlap.

We offset Co2 emissions

ToteWorks jute bags have been accredited with 'carbon zero' status to final point of manufacture.

Carbon Dioxide emissions created in the manufacturing process of our jute bags have been offset by investing in energy efficient projects. This works by absorbing or preventing the release of a tonnage of Co2 equivalent to your carbon footprint.

TW 07

Our very popular jute shopper in 85% jute and 15% LDPE interior lamination. Excellent size (fits at least two plastic shopping bags worth of groceries), soft comfortable cotton padded handles that fit over your sholder (but won't mean the bag drags on the ground if you hold the handles.)

Colour: natural, or any other from our shade book

Handle: soft cotton padded sholder length handles

Size: 35hx40wx16d

TW 13

30 x 36 x 19cm natural jute tote with cotton webbing handle of 40cm.

In any colour from swatch booklet.

Well done Crockers Property Group! We think your 'SNUB' tote is fabulous and your clients will too .. Say No to Unwanted Bags!

TW14B

Books and papers Satchel

The Eco-Satchel!

Available in any colour.

Size: H = 29cm, W = 40cm

TW 16

H = 40cm, W = 28cm D=9cm

Available in black or natural

Conference bag with soft shoulder strap.
The environmentally friendly way to attend a meeting or conference.

TW 08

Ideal for conferences and promotional events, or just smaller loads.

Handle: short cotton padded handle
Size: 30hx30wx23d

TW 09

Our farmers market style shopper with strong flat sholder length handles. 100% natural jute. Fits up to three supermarket bags worth of groceries.
Colour: natural, or any other per shade book
Handle: flat, sholder length 60cm.
Size: 37hx55w. Flat gusset aprox 16cm.

TW 10

Rope handled shopping tote can be adjusted for over the shoulder or carry by hand.

100% jute with fine internal LDPE.

Dimensions: 31cm x 38cm x 15cm

Colour: Natural or any other per colour booklet

4.5oz Cotton Tote

Size: 380+80SGx380mm+80BG (open)+30TG. Can be made to any size or cotton thickness.

Style: Cotton handles 650x30mm attached to top gusset. Side gussets and block bottom.

Colours: Natural or any other colour

Product Code: TW12

TW 15

Jute drawstring rucksack.
Great for garden soil, or just your gym gear!

Size: 45cm H x 35cm w

Colour: Natural, navy or red.

Our standard range - bottle carriers:

A one-wine bottle jute bag without windows. Also ideal for olive oils which prefer to be kept in the dark.
Product code: TW01
Colour: Natural, or any other as per ToteWorks swatch book.
Handle: Cane
Size: 35hx10wx10d
Comes: With or without Carbon Neutral label