Wilton Purse in Rainforest Green

BEEN aims to reduce their emissions throughout their production chain, including choosing to ship materials by sea and offering zero emission London delivery either by bike or electric car. Every part of this product reuses fabrics that were destined for landfill to reduce the need to release further emissions into the atmosphere. All of the materials used by BEEN are certified by the Global Recycled Standard.

All designs have been created with durability and functionality in mind over trends. A zero waste approach is taken by designing only square and rectangular panels, producing almost no offcuts. BEEN offer repairs post-purchase, a 1 year warranty, and strives for every part of this product to be fully recyclable if it becomes no longer wearable. The tapes of the polyester zips are also made from single use plastic bottles, keeping them out of our oceans.

BEEN uses recycled cotton for their bag linings. Virgin cotton demands large amounts of water and is heavily reliant on pesticides which pollute water waste. Instead BEEN choose to use discarded clothes which are sorted by colour and shredded, before being spun into yarn for the linings. In addition, by using recycled leather, BEEN are reducing the need for using further water used in the creation of new leather.

BEEN choose to manufacture locally opposed to overseas, allowing the team to support both local skill and provide jobs for people which pay a fair wage. The workshop is based in East London, a stone’s throw away from the BEEN studio. The studio was one of the last remaining handbag producers in London and BEEN work collaboratively with them, supporting their craftsmanship.