Case study Anya Hindmarch
Anya Hindmarch is a British fashion accessories designer who founded her eponymous global brand, Anya Hindmarch, in London in 1987. In 2007 she stirred up the fashion world with the “I’m Not A Plastic Bag” tote which was an immediate sell out world wide but more importantly, brought the issue of plastic waste to the forefront of public attention and significantly contributed to the reduction in the number of plastic bags used. Today her name has become synonymous with creativity and modern craftmanship as the pioneering designer continues to forge a sustainable pathway for the fashion sector.
In February 2020 Anya Hindmarch launched ‘I Am A Plastic Bag’. These bags are made from an innovative new fabric which is created from recycled plastic bottles and coated with plastic from recycled windshields. With it, Anya Hindmarch is continuing to raise awareness about waste and plastic consumption and inspiring us that the circular economy is possible.
To produce the bag every effort and careful consideration was given to the processes and the recycled materials used to ensure the bag’s sustainability and its quality. This process demonstrates the possibility of engaging with a supply chain to drive forward the innovation we need for positive change.
What I’ve learnt while doing this project is that innovation will seize the day. Because when you have to innovate your way out of a problem, you do. I’ve seen it first-hand in supply chains. This is an example of it.
To achieve carbon neutrality, you must first start with a robust carbon footprint. EcoAct looked at all the elements of the production of the bag from cradle to gate. This included sourcing and processing the materials all the way through to transportation to the warehouse. With all the data collected, EcoAct were able to calculate the total amount of emissions produced in the creation of the bags.
With a complete footprint it was then possible to offset the total emissions associated with the bags through the purchase of carbon credits. It is very important that credits are purchased from projects that are certified according to international standards. The credits purchased to offset the bags come from a Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) certified wind power generation project in India.
This project aims to close the supply-demand energy gap that currently exists in India by generating electricity from a renewable source of energy. In addition, this renewable energy project also provides opportunities for employment in the local communities, working in maintaining, operating and general running of the sites. It highlights the impacts of climate change and plays an active role in its mitigation by shifting electricity generation away from non-renewable sources. It is really important to EcoAct and to Anya Hindmarch that offsetting delivers this additional value and contributes to long-term sustainable development initiatives.
At this point in time, eliminating all emissions from our supply chains is extremely difficult. Carbon neutrality is enabling organisations to take urgent action today on their full emissions whilst they continue their efforts to reduce them.
EcoAct are delighted to be supporting Anya Hindmarch with her project to raise awareness of plastic consumption and recycling. Plastic use and the negative climate impact of production are two huge global issues that we face today. By tackling these issues head on, Anya Hindmarch is demonstrating how companies can take responsibility for their impacts and inspiring us all that through innovation we can transition to a more sustainable future.
Images courtesy of Anya Hindmarch.
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Carbon Footprinting 
Carbon Neutrality