December 5, 2012

Snack bags

bags made out of foil packsWould you believe that these woven bags are made of those plastic and aluminum foil packs that potato chips and their ilk come in? Several years ago, someone realized their potential for a livelihood project for the residents of Metro Manila's slums, especially those near garbage dump sites where used packs can be salvaged from. Habi (weave) Bags are made by the residents of Baseco, a huge island ghetto where the Pasig River flows into Manila Bay. The enterprise has the support of Oishi, a local (despite its Japanese name) manufacturer of snacks and drinks, which provides the weavers with damaged and scrap materials for their colorful and amazingly sturdy bags.

5 comments:

  1. Wow, they are colorful! Very nice product.

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  2. That's amazing! They've got the potential to be HUGE given an increasing interest in recycled products??!!

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  3. they're beautiful. i've a friend who takes plastic bags (eyesores no matter how you look at them) and crochets them into gorgeous totes.

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  4. They could branch out into all kinds of items. I'm thinking placemats, computer tablet covers, room divider screens, window coverings...See?

    Interestingly, there was a similar practice in American prisons in the 30s and 40s where they used cigarette packages to make picture frames and purses. Now highly collectible.

    Wishing much success to this project.

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  5. I love these kinds of things! I am sure they will have lots of success. :)

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