Marketing for Small Businesses » From Old Billboards to Funky Dolphin Friendly Bags

From Old Billboards to Funky Dolphin Friendly Bags

I was recently catching up with some industry news when I noticed a piece about recycled bags. I’m not talking about the plastic shopping bag variety that had dominated the news up until the outbreak of the Swine Flu. No, these are sturdy satchel bags made from seatbelts and old billboards!

As you might imagine, billboards generally have a short life, but during the time they are ‘up’ they need to withstand all the elements. They are generally constructed of sturdy weatherproof vinyl, that all too quickly ends up as landfill.

One innovative NZ company by the name of “WAS” takes the billboard material, combines it with seatbelt strapping, to create unique, sturdy and very funky bags. What an awesome idea! Only recently a friend had shown me a bag made from old seatbelt straps and car floor mats that he had bought in the USA. Seems the idea has caught on here too now.

NZ Paper company Spicers Paper are auctioning a limited edition of 16 of these cool bags on Trademe.co.nz to raise funds for the WWF’s work to save New Zealand’s Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins from extension.

“We think what Spicers Paper is doing in the way of raising money for this project by recycling their billboards into bags, is a fantastic and unique idea.” says Glenda Keegan from WAS Bags. “It fits nicely with their consideration of the environment in their practices/projects.”

“We have currently raised $900 for WWF with 11 bags left to auction off, of which there is a mix if unique designs, including this wicked “nz” bag.” Sheree Grant from Spicers Paper told me.