My Funky Bags, which opened its doors on July 27, 2024, offers a unique range of bags, backpacks, and clutches made entirely from recycled plastic water bottles.
The brainchild of Molly Linton, a former corporate executive with experience at Virgin International, Microsoft, and Christian Dior, My Funky Bags represents a fusion of eco-consciousness and creative entrepreneurship. Linton’s vision was born during her time in Bangkok, where she sought to create a business that was both fun and environmentally responsible.
Molly Linton is the founder and owner of ‘My Funky Bags’
Photo Credit: My Funky Bags
“We’re taking a product that would normally have gone into landfill, or our oceans, and re-purposing it into something that will last forever,” Linton explained. “These bags will never break. They are just so strong.”
The production process begins on the Indonesian island of Java, where discarded plastic bottles are collected and transformed into plastic strips. These strips are then handwoven using traditional bamboo weaving techniques, creating a variety of bag designs conceptualised by Linton herself.
This innovative approach not only diverts plastic waste from landfills but also employs approximately 300 people involved in bottle collection, processing, and weaving. Each larger bag takes about five hours to hand-weave, with no machinery, glue, or stitching involved.
The bags serve multiple purposes, from beach totes to picnic carriers, and even as storage for firewood or dog toys. “They are perfect for boating and yachting,” Linton added, highlighting their durability and versatility.
The store’s new location on Darley Road, opposite Manly Village Public School, marks Linton’s first Sydney outlet. The concept has already seen success in England, where Linton operated pop-up shops before establishing two permanent stores on the Isle of Wight.
Published 7-August-2024
