Twenty-five years on…
It’s not every day that a small business reaches their 25th birthday, but today, Ecosilk Bags has reached a quarter of a century – a huge milestone that I am incredibly proud of. What began as a small idea became a huge shift in the way people carry their groceries now.
To celebrate, I am sharing some of my favourite bag stories and feedback with you, my loyal customers. So many of you have sent wonderful emails over the years, telling endearing stories of love and loss – of cancer patients who choose a yellow bag to brighten their last days. Who would have thought a bunch of shopping bags could evoke such a response?
Bright colours make people happy. I also believe it’s because these bags are intrinsically linked to protecting our planet from plastic and helping marine and coastal wildlife – the countless creatures we can only hope are better off as a result. It is a hidden reward; one that we cannot see, but we can be sure has made a difference. Sea turtles, seabirds, whales, seals and fish – the list goes on…
I often receive reports of bags that are over twenty years old, possibly dating back to the very beginning. You tell me they may be a little worse for wear – faded and slightly ragged – but still going strong. I still have the original four that I made, plus one from the first production run on my kitchen table.
To date, Ecosilk Bags has sold enough bags to help to eliminate 614 million plastic bags. I am so proud to have been the pioneer of the reusable shopping bag movement in Australia. Astonishingly, back in the nineties, few people seemed to notice anything wrong with supermarkets and retailers across the country churning out plastic bags like a well-oiled machine.
Many people doubted me and my vision. In the early days, I was allocated a CSIRO researcher through a government small-business support program to help ensure I had chosen the right fabric – one that was reusable and recyclable. He was amazed that I sold even one bag and couldn’t believe I was sending out boxes of a hundred at a time to health food shops – the first retailers who believed in me.
Well, here we are twenty-five years on. Plastic bags are now the minority in supermarkets and single use bags are largely banned in Australia.
Warning – your bags may get stolen!
A common theme has emerged over the years: the bags get pinched.
There is the family-and-friend thief, who “borrows” a bag, never to be seen again. Then there is the supermarket trolley thief who nabs them when the shopper is choosing veggies or briefly steps away – only to return and find their bags gone.
One story I often recall is about an elderly aunt in London who loved her purple Ecosilk bag and took it everywhere. Sadly, she was mugged. The police recovered her purse and jewellery – but not her purple bag. Once she recovered, she missed it enormously. Her niece tracked me down online, shared the story, and I immediately posted her a new bag. She was overjoyed.
More recently, a customer rang to place a large order because her car was broken into. Her bags were in the boot – and yes, you guessed it – the thieves took all her bags but left other items behind.
So be mindful… those vibrant colours and silky fabric are much sought after. Watch your bags!
Amazing feedback
Over the years I have been showered with your wonderful feedback – almost daily – which warms the cockles of my heart.
My favourite compliment came recently from Tony, who lives in the small UK town of Hebden Bridge:
‘They last longer than a well-built stone house – and note that here, up in the wet’n’windy Yorkshire Pennines, well-built stone houses are just getting into their stride after about two hundred years – so Ecosilk bags must be good!’
Some of my other favourite testimonials that still make me smile:
Gill Suffolk, UK.
‘I absolutely love your bags! I’m stocking up because although they don’t wear out, they do escape into the hands of family and friends and are then difficult to get back, because they love them as much as I do’.
Maryl-Ann Chapel Hill, Qld.
‘I continue to use my bags almost every day and get such pleasure unfolding them, filling them with my shopping and even enjoy rolling them back up to pop back in my bag. They feel so nice and are such happy colours. When they say we need to stop and smell the daisies and enjoy the little things in life, I enjoy using my eco silk bags. They make me smile.’
Kristin Australia
‘I received my bags – they are just what I wanted. My light-fingered friends had nicked some of my old ones…’
Janet Australia
I have 2 of your bags and I guard them from those who eye them enviously…they are the best’.
Lauren, Canada
‘I received these bags as gifts years ago and have finally lost the last one, which made me realise I can’t live without them. Worth every single Australian penny!’
Peggy Surry, UK.
‘I look forward to getting my bags – I had 2 red one’s years ago but somehow they disappeared…broke my heart!!!’
Skye Switzerland
‘I love my eco silk bag and lost it on the weekend here in Switzerland where I live 🙁…happy I can order more! 👍🏽🙏’
Lisbeth Australia
‘Your gorgeous bag just arrived and I’m thrilled with it. I was given one the same some years back but loaned it to my son and never saw it again. I really missed it and had been looking everywhere on the web for one the same. I wasn’t sure that yours was that bag but here it is and it’s perfect. My fave colour too.’
Janet Australia
‘My sister and I are regulars of your bags but there must be a black hole out there; probably keeping the socks company 😆’
Robyn Australia
‘I bought your bags about 15 yrs ago …. I had 12 I think in a little bag. (I was feeding 4 teenagers so lots of groceries!). Recently I lost the little bag somewhere with 9 bags in it ….I was very sad. Hence, I ordered more. I’m glad you’re still producing them!’
And finally…
I’ve recently had customers ask me if I am retiring soon because they worry about me closing the business.
My answer is no! I am about to turn sixty, and I have no intention of closing up shop for at least another twenty years.
So, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has bought my bags, gifted them, and recommended them to shops, friends and family. Ecosilk Bags has grown largely through word-of-mouth – the most genuine form of advertising there is – and I am incredibly grateful for every conversation and recommendation that has helped my small business thrive.
The success of the recent Nominate a Friend campaign was a great reminder of this spirit of generosity, and I am so pleased to warmly welcome all our new subscribers to the Ecosilk community.
I am deeply grateful for your support and look forward to supplying you with beautiful, long-lasting bags for many more years to come.
Thank you for supporting a small Australian business. A percentage of all online sales is donated to the Australian Marine Conservation Society. Every order helps support their important work protecting our oceans.
Written by Emily Hay. This article is independently researched and written, and is not AI generated.