Behind the Bags

Tasmania punches well above its weight for handmade goods — a small population with a strong maker culture, abundant raw materials, and a real market for quality over volume. If you want to avoid another generic gadget or novelty item, Tasmanian handmade goods are a genuinely rich hunting ground. Here's where to look. For the Practical, Everyday-Carry Type 1. A RECOLAB sail bag. Made in a southern Tasmanian workshop from decommissioned yacht sails, these bags are individually

What the Material Actually Was Before The single most useful question you can ask is: what was this material doing before it became a bag? RECOLAB's answer is specific every time — a decommissioned yacht sail from a named boat, a retired festival billboard, an abandoned tent, or an old uniform. If a listing just says "eco-friendly fabric" with no further detail, treat that as a gap, not a feature. Whether the Manufacturing Is Local A bag can use a perfectly sustainable materi

There's something rather satisfying about seeing an idea that started with materials destined to either rot in someones shed or end up in landfill become a part of Tasmania's future. We're thrilled to share that RECOLAB has been selected as one of the Tasmanian businesses featured as a case study in the University of Tasmania's new Circular Economy short course, commencing in 2027. The six-week course, developed by Dr Terese Fiedler from the Tasmanian School of Business and E

Eco-friendly bags have moved well past the niche hemp-tote stereotype. In 2026, Australian shoppers can choose from upcycled sailcloth totes, recycled synthetic backpacks, deadstock canvas weekenders, and locally tanned sustainable leather — often at price points and quality levels that genuinely compete with, or beat, conventional fast-fashion bags. Here's how to navigate the category, with a real Tasmanian maker as a working reference point. Start With the Material Category