Launched in 2021, the Universal Bag by revered designer Anya Hindmarch is a global sartorial sensation. Now, inspired by Australia’s early adoption of a no-plastic policy in all major supermarkets, Hindmarch is bringing her sustainable shopping style to a Woolworths near you.
Available for a limited time only, the next generation of reusable bag is aimed at taking the bite out of the luxury market with its affordable – and undeniably practical – approach.
The British accessories and go-to handbag designer for Princess Diana, no less, Anya Hindmarch has made her name in the sustainability space, long championing a reuse, recycled and circular fashion ethos that’s seen her now-iconic designs take hold across Europe.
Luckily for us, Australian’s will now have the ability to secure a designer piece, without the associated financial, or environmental cost – that is, if you can get your hands on one.
The Woolworths release will mark the 20th iteration of the Anya Hindmarch Universal bag, having already reached near-cult status through collaborations with Whole Foods, Waitrose, Selfridges and Sainsburys, just to name a few. But what is it that makes the greener grocery option so undeniably chic?
Not only is the bag made from 100 per cent recycled plastic and is fully certified under the Global Recycling Scheme, meaning it’s completely recyclable at the end of its long life – it’s also collaboratively saved over 230 tonnes of virgin plastic from landfill, or the equivalent mass of over 19 London double decker buses.
Closer to home, the decision to bring the coveted tote to Australia comes at a time when – despite a dramatic reduction in single use stats – the country still produces 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. A statistic, says Hindmarch, that still needs to be addressed in a meaningful way: “Plastic pollution remains a pressing environmental issue but working together with major global food retailers shows how the solution needs to be collaborative.”
“The Universal Bag is a beautiful and high performing product that encourages customers to buy into reusability and sustainability; it’s not a bag you’d ever feel comfortable throwing in the bin,” agrees Ashley Symonds, CEO of manufacturers, Solent. “Given the durability of the bag, ideally, it will never need to be recycled but, if it does, we have made it easy for the customer to get it back into the recycling stream – a process that has never been done before. The Universal Bag is a true market first and another step change in our mission to end single use plastic bag usage for one and for all.”
While a high-low take on every day items is hardly a novel concept – Balenciaga’s $2847 version of the famous Ikea bag comes to mind – the Anya Hindmarch Woolworths option is arguably the most practical – and visually appealing.
Retailing at just $20 and available in store at Woolworths from mid-March, as well as direct from the designer’s own website, it’s guaranteed to sell out, so keep your eyes on the produce-ready prize.
