Sustainable Fanny Pouch
Student Name : CATARINA CARVALHO
Mentor Name : MARCO BARROS
Company : CITEVE/JFA
Green Producer Diary
My Motivation
I wanted to create a sustainable fanny pouch. The main inspiration was to use hemp as the primary material. Sustainability is important because it allows upcycling, recycling, and reuse. I wanted to rethink how materials at the end of their life can be used.
My Vetrine Journey
I started by deciding to make a sustainable fanny pouch. The most innovative idea was to use hemp as the main material. I researched materials and considered replacing some that were not sustainable. I chose hemp, linen, upcycled fabrics, and a metal zipper. One challenge was finding the zipper in the size I wanted, so I had to use a smaller one and adjust the bag’s measurements. Another challenge was sewing the relief pieces; I could not use the sewing machine, so I sewed them by hand. I also thought about using cork for the filling but had to consider more sustainable alternatives. I applied sustainability through organic cellulose-based materials, 100% cotton threads, and upcycling fabrics. Overall, the process taught me that almost everything around us can be used, and small adjustments can help achieve sustainability.
Sustainability Aspect | Your Actions / Explanation |
|---|---|
Environmental | I used hemp, linen, and end-of-life fabrics for upcycling. All materials are recyclable at the end of life. I avoided synthetic fibers and focused on organic, cellulose-based materials. |
Social | The construction process is simple and accessible. Materials are easy to source and economical, making the product available to more people. |
Financial | I used cost-efficient materials and simple construction methods. Upcycling and reusable fabrics reduce production costs while keeping the product durable and long-lasting. |
A Message to Consumers
I wanted to create a fanny pouch that is almost 100% made of sustainable materials. I used hemp, linen, and fabrics that would otherwise be discarded. Every part of the bag was chosen to be recyclable, reusable, or upcycled. This project shows that with careful choices, we can make practical and sustainable products.
A Message to Future Learners
For any place you look, there is always something that can be used. Do not give up on seeing the world in a different way. Small changes and careful choices can make a big difference. Keep exploring and rethinking materials around you.
Product Details
Product Name
sustainable pouch
“just a bag”
Reference / SKU
VETRINE-POUCH-BEIGE-000101
Color
Natural tones (hemp and linen fabrics, mixed with upcycled textile elements)
Size
Belt bag / waist pouch size (exact dimensions not specified)
Weight
Lightweight accessory
220g
Quantity (if multi-pack)
1 prototype piece
Materials Information
Composition
Hemp, linen, upcycled textile fabrics (from end-of-life garments), metal zipper, cotton sewing thread, metal structural components
% Recycled Materials
Hemp fabric, linen fabric, cotton sewing thread, upcycled textile fabrics, metal zipper, metal structural components
Traceable assets (materials origin IDs, fibers batches)
Hemp fabric, linen fabric, upcycled textile materials from end-of-life garments, metal zipper, cotton sewing thread, metal structural components
Manufacturing & Supply Chain
1
Location
Portugal :: Norte region :: Vila Nova de Famalicão
2
Date
3
Type of processes
Material sourcing, textile selection, cutting, sewing (machine and hand sewing), assembly, finishing
supply chain map
Tier 4Raw material
Tier 3Material processing
Tier 2Component manufacturing
Tier 1Final assembly
Environmental & Social Impact
Recyclable: Yes, Microplastics: No
Working Hours: High – mostly handmade construction, including hand-sewn details due to relief pieces.
Cost: Low to moderate – materials are mostly sustainable, recycled, and upcycled; production is labor-intensive but uses accessible, economical materials. Transport and second-hand pricing not specified.
50 hours, €50
Care, Repair & Lifetime Extension
1
Care Instructions
Washing: Gentle hand wash or cold machine wash to preserve fabric integrity.
Drying: Air dry, avoid direct sunlight to prevent damage or deformation.
Maintenance: Minimal maintenance required; repair by hand if necessary to maintain upcycled elements.
2
Repair Information
Repairs: Sew by hand any detached or damaged parts, especially the upcycled or relief elements.
Discard: When the pouch reaches the end of its life, recycle the natural fiber materials (hemp fabric, linen fabric, cotton) or compost biodegradable components. Avoid sending synthetic or mixed materials to landfill.
