BANI

Production locations

• Belgium (Kontich)

Working Conditions & living wages – 

BANI is the creative venture of a solo artisan who designs and produces handmade upcycled handbags from her home in Kontich, Belgium. Operating as a one-woman show, she ensures the entire production process is artisanal, with each bag crafted individually with great attention to detail. The use of local supplies such as leftovers and secondhand textiles like clothing and bedcovers minimises concerns around the ethics of the supply chain, aligning with sustainable practices.

Materials -

• All recycled materials – bedcovers, donations from other people , also from her own clothing-
• jute, 
• cotton, 
• wool, 
• denim, 
• canvas
• repurposed synthetic fabrics

This selection process is driven by each material’s durability and suitability for upcycling, aligning with sustainable practices. 

Packaging -

Packaging concerns are minimal as BANI operates on a local scale within the Flanders region, where the designer hand-delivers orders. This approach allows the reuse of shopping bags, significantly reducing packaging waste and enhancing the brand’s sustainability efforts.

Water usage & chemicals -

BANI’s production process is noteworthy for its minimal use of water and chemicals. Fabrics are rarely washed prior to production or to clean finished bags, and glue is used sparingly for decorative details. This careful management of resources further underlines the brand’s environmental consciousness.

Circular product design -

BANI utilises upcycled materials such as bedcovers, donations, and personal clothing to create handbags. These materials give each bag a unique life story but also pose a challenge for predicting their end-of-life recyclability due to unknown original material compositions. However, handbags, by their nature, are typically durable and long-lasting.

Circular business models -

Run by a single individual, BANI operates from a home-based studio, which inherently limits its scale and thus its waste. Currently, the brand does not offer a repair service due to the uniqueness of the materials used, making consistent repairs impractical. There is no take-back service in place, reflecting the small scale and personalised nature of the business model.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain – 

• Production locations: Belgium
• HQ is located in: Belgium
• Sells/​exports in these countries: Mainly Belgium

Transportation -

• In the Supply Chain: Materials are handpicked, minimising transportation needs as the sourcing is local.
• In E‑commerce: Deliveries are mostly hand-delivered within local regions, avoiding traditional shipping methods. As BANI expands, they are considering more conventional shipping options to accommodate a broader market. This approach keeps the transportation emissions minimal and supports local interactions.

• Animal related materials: Upcycled Wool
• Upcycled from deadstock or reuse, hence avoiding any direct harm to animals 

Product design -

BANI offers handbags that are colourful and eccentric, each crafted to be unique. These handmade items cater to a broad audience, ensuring that each bag is exclusive—there’s only one of each!

Slow fashion processes – 

• BANI operates without a traditional webshop, opting instead for sales directly through Instagram. This approach ensures that each customer is genuinely interested in the product, likely to cherish it long-term.
• There are no seasonal collections or sales, further emphasising the brand’s commitment to slow fashion. Each piece is made to order, enhancing its exclusivity and reducing waste.
• The style of the brand is distinctly vibrant and playful, with each piece reflecting a personal touch that appeals across various tastes.

BANI’s approach not only minimises waste but also fosters a closer connection between the maker and the wearer, enhancing the overall value and lifespan of each handbag.

Transparency on product -

BANI currently operates mainly through Instagram, with detailed product information available primarily through direct messages (DMs). The brand does not have a formal website yet, so transparency is maintained through personal communication. Customers can inquire directly to gain insights into the materials, production processes, and the origin of each item.

Transparency on processes -

BANI has been open with COSH! about its operations, providing comprehensive details about its material sourcing, production locations, and shipping methods. This information includes packaging practices and the specifics of how materials are collected and used. This approach ensures a high level of traceability for customers who engage directly, though it may limit accessibility to information for casual browsers.