THE UPBAGS STORY
For years Promotion Products has been a distributor of promotional bags. We often had clients asking us for bags made to a high specification of quality in terms of their manufacture and materials – bags that were made in an ethical way. Our usual supply chain was buying bags from local Australian importers or direct from factories in China. We searched and simply could not find bags that were focused on sustainable materials, organic where possible and were made in a factory with fair and transparent work practices.
We didn’t get it. We saw consumer demand for bags with greener credentials, people were happy to pay a little extra for these products but nobody seemed to want to supply them.
In April-2020 ‘Peak Covid’ we decided to take matters into our own hands. The global search for better bags began. Our search took us to India where a large industry existed producing textiles but often using poorly sourced materials, produced poorly in conditions we did not like. After vetting many different suppliers we found a smaller producer that shared our values. By mid-year we had our first samples, we loved the bags – amazing ‘up-spec’ bags made right and fairly. We refined the styles, pushed for even higher quality and certified organic cotton, by November the bag selection was complete. Our first order was placed.
Upbags is a reality.
Our idea is simple – giving Australian buyers of Promotional Bags the option to buy better. You can help support our partners in India by making an ethical choice – higher quality bags that last longer, manufactured by sustainable materials in good working conditions.
Points Of Difference
01
The Factory
We searched high and low to find a factory that not only made the right noises but could prove it. Our factory has the highest standards in terms of working conditions and ethics. You can promote with your brand knowing that your dollars make a difference.
02
The Materials
We use, where possible, organic and responsibly sourced materials. Our calico and canvas for example is GOTS certified organic.
03
The Make
Designed with purpose they are ‘up-spec’ bags… the specification is higher – thicker materials and better stitching last longer making for longer lasting promotions for your brand.
OUR FACTORY OPERATES TO THE HIGHEST OF STANDARDS
ISO 45001
is the world’s international standard for occupational health and safety, issued to protect employees and visitors from work-related accidents and diseases. ISO 45001 certification was developed to mitigate any factors that can cause employees and businesses irreparable harm.
ISO 14001
is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). It provides a framework that an organisation can follow, rather than establishing environmental performance requirements.
ISO 9001
is defined as the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). Organisations use the standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.
SEDEX
stands for Supplier Ethical Data Exchange, which is an online system that allows suppliers to maintain data on ethical & responsible practices and allows them to share this information with their customers.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
is intended to meet the needs of companies looking to verify the recycled content of their products (both finished and intermediate) and to verify responsible social, environmental and chemical practices in their production.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.
SGS SA 8000
certification addresses issues including forced and child labour, occupational health and safety, freedom of association and collective bargaining, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours, compensation, and management systems.
As well as setting workplace standards worldwide, SA 8000 also embraces existing international agreements, including conventions from the International Labour Organisation, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100
If a textile article carries the STANDARD 100 label, you can be certain that every component of this article, i.e. every thread, button and other accessories, has been tested for harmful substances and that the article therefore is harmless for human health.
