OCEAN Philosophy – Oceanbound Plastic

OUR APPROACH:

"Clean waters, healthy oceans: With our oceanbound bags made from recycled plastic, we reduce the risk of water pollution at the source."

Beadbags Oceanboundbags Herz für Menschen

WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND THE HEAD USED IN YOUR BEADBAGS LOGO?

We founded our company as a family. It all started in the living room and kitchen of our own house. Behind the production in Cambodia, which we started together with our partners around 10 years ago, there are now around 600 families who produce our Beadbags Classic products under the umbrella of the World Fair Trade Organization.

We were able to overcome the hard times and challenges of the last few years so well because our whole team feels like a family. Caring together, moving things forward together, sticking together, developing new things together, working hard together, celebrating successes and the feeling of never being alone are fundamental pillars of our company philosophy.

The basis of our logo is an old family photo that shows the uncle of Stefan - one of the founders of Beadbags - and his best friend during their bricklayer apprenticeship after the Second World War in Cuxhaven on a smoke break. In this respect, this photo represents the roots and origins of the family. For this reason, and because we were so fascinated by the mischievous smile of the best friend and Stefan's uncle, we developed our logo from it. We firmly believe that this logo clearly symbolizes our positive values for our customers and our team and enhances our bags, backpacks and accessories on several levels.

Oceanboundbags von Beadbags Gürteltasche Atlantik marineblau gefüllt 1

WHY IS THE COLOR ORANGE SO IMPORTANT TO US?

Orange represents joy, confidence, change and warmth. Orange is a vibrant and dynamic color that is often associated with energy and enthusiasm. Orange is also often associated with creativity and inspiration. The color can help stimulate the brain and refresh the mind. Orange is a bright and cheerful color that is often associated with optimism and positive feelings. It can help lift the mood and promote a positive attitude.

All of these characteristics reflect exactly what we have in mind when developing our bags and accessories. For this reason, we decided that we would always use the color orange for our bags and backpacks whenever possible.

About 5 years ago, we also started recycling old tensioning straps on sea containers, which are mainly landed in the port of Hamburg. There are different colors for these tensioning straps. However, 95% of the goods in the containers are secured with orange tensioning straps.

This has led to the collected straps, which we rework into shoulder straps, being mainly orange in colour. We use these shoulder straps for the majority of our Beadbags Classic bags, which are manufactured in Cambodia under the umbrella of the World Fair Trade Organisation using recycled materials. So the colour orange has become an essential element of our brand, which stands for real, honest sustainability.

Orange is therefore a beacon and a symbol of our value-filled path. For this reason, it was clear to us that we wanted to use the color orange when developing our new sustainable Beadbags Ocean backpacks and belt bags.

Beadbags Oceanboundbags unsere Philosophie Plastikvermeidung in Seen, Flüssen und Meeren

Plastic avoidance in lakes, rivers and seas

At Beadbags we are proud not only to be a brand but also to be an official network partner of the UN Ocean Academy . Our mission is to keep plastic waste out of the ocean, our rivers and lakes in the first place. We are pioneers and specialists in recycling marine plastic and using it to create beautiful bags, backpacks and accessories.

We firmly believe that our approach to avoiding plastic in the aquatic environment is not only honest and unique, but also backed by science. Numerous studies, including the pioneering work of Professor Jambeck , have shown that preventing plastic leakage is the most sensible approach.

4 KEY POINTS: OCEANBOUNDBAGS

Prevention is better than cleaning up: The research results of Professor Jambeck and her team have made it clear that preventing plastic from entering water bodies is much more effective for ecosystems and marine life than cleaning it up later.
Prevention through recycling: We rely on recycling as one of the main pillars of our work. By recycling water-based plastic, we give it a new purpose and prevent it from ending up as litter in our waterways.

4 KEY POINTS: OCEANBOUNDBAGS

3. Awareness and Responsibility: We recognize the importance of raising awareness of this issue. By making products made from recycled plastic, we create a visible link between the everyday use of plastics and their potential to cause harm to the aquatic environment.

4. Working together for a sustainable future: To tackle the challenge of plastic pollution in water, we must act together. Beadbags works closely with the UN Oceans Academy and other organizations to raise awareness and develop innovative solutions.

OUR 2 APPROACHES TO AVOIDING PLASTIC WASTE IN OUR LAKES, RIVERS AND SEA

UPCYCLING BEAD BAGS CLASSIC

Recycling of used plastic fish feed and cement bags and residual materials from mosquito net production in Southeast Asia: Materials are collected in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. A large part is collected near rivers and lakes.

UPCYCLING BEADBAGS OCEAN (JULY 2023)

Backpacks and bum bags made from recycled oceanbound plastic waste that is collected from within 50km of coastal waters (where most of the plastic that enters our seas is) and processed into pellets, thread and fabric

Piktogram zu Produktionsprozesse Beadbags Oceanboundbags

BAGS, BACKPACKS AND ACCESSORIES

2 RECYCLING PROCESSES

Schemal zum Plastik Recyclingprozess Beadbags Classic

Schema Darstellung Recyceln von Plastik für Beadbags Oceanbound Taschen und Accessoires

Official partner of the UN Ocean Decade

Beadbags - pioneers in the sustainable upcycling of bags and accessories. Over 10 years we give tons of plastic a new life as stylish handbags, cosmetic bags and storage holders. Our high-quality products are made from empty fish feed sacks, cement sacks and leftovers from mosquito net production. But recycling is only part of our mission. We are proud to support 600 families and to work especially with disabled people. For this reason we have been appointed as an official partner of the UN Ocean Decade. Beadbags - for a sustainable future and a sign of change.

Information in accordance with the Product Safety Regulation

Manufacturer details:

BEAD GmbH
Tente 33
42929 Wermelskirchen / Germany
Email: info@beadbags.de

Risk assessment according to RAPEX guidelines for Beadbags Spacy products

The assessment is based on potential risks related to the material, usage, and safety aspects of the bag. The probability and severity of potential hazards are taken into account.

Identification of risks:

Mechanical stress: Possibility of tearing if overloaded or handled improperly. This could lead to injuries due to the loss of contents.
Chemical exposure: Potential contamination from recycled PP material or plastic spacers (e.g., plasticizers, flame retardants).
Choking hazard: If small parts such as spacers or zippers come loose, there is a risk to small children.
Cuts or scratches: Poorly finished seams or sharp edges could cause minor injuries when worn.
Environmental/water hazard: Improper disposal of the material could release microplastics or pollutants and thus cause environmental damage.

Probability estimation:
The probability of mechanical tearing is low, as the material is described as robust, but overloading cannot be ruled out. Chemical exposure is relatively low as recycled materials are used, though it depends on inspections. The detachment of small parts is very unlikely, as the bag is solidly constructed and double-stitched. Cuts or scratches are unlikely, as the workmanship is stated to be of high quality. The environmental risk is low, as it depends on long-term usage and disposal.

Severity assessment:
Mechanical tearing could cause minor injuries, for example through the dropping of heavy loads. Chemical exposure could cause moderate long-term health damage upon intensive exposure. The choking hazard for small children is classified as moderate, especially if small parts were to be swallowed. Cuts or scratches would be minor, as they would only cause superficial damage. The environmental risk could be low if microplastics or pollutants are released.

Risk levels and conclusion:
Overall, the bag presents a low to medium risk. Mechanical tearing is the only risk with a medium level, while all other risks are classified as low.

Recommended measures:

Specify maximum load capacity to avoid mechanical tearing and injuries due to overloading.
Conduct additional tests for freedom from harmful substances to rule out potential chemical risks.
Add warning notices for children under three years of age to prevent choking hazards.
Ensure that seams and spacers do not have sharp edges or loose parts to avoid injuries.
Include recycling and disposal instructions to reduce environmental impact.

The Beadbags Spacy bag combines functionality, design, and sustainability. When used properly, it is safe, and the proposed measures can further optimize safety.

Risk assessment according to RAPEX guidelines for the described backpack

The risk assessment considers potential hazards associated with the use of the backpack as well as the probability and severity of possible injuries.

Identification of risks:

Mechanical stress: Possibility of straps or the fastener tearing under overloading, which could lead to loss of contents or injuries from falling objects.
Chemical exposure: Risk of contamination from recycled material (e.g., Oceanbound Plastic, PET) or the water-repellent coating.
Choking hazard: Small parts such as hook closures or zipper components could come loose and be swallowed by small children.
Skin irritation: Possible allergic reactions from contact with the material, especially during prolonged wear.
Environmental/water hazard: Improper disposal could release microplastics or pollutants and thus burden the environment.

Probability estimation:
The probability of mechanical damage is low, as the material is described as robust. Chemical exposure is low because the materials are recycled and sustainability is emphasized, but quality tests determine the actual risk. The detachment of small parts is very low, as high-quality workmanship is stated. Skin irritation is unlikely, but could occur in sensitive individuals. The environmental risk is low if materials are not disposed of correctly.

Severity assessment:
Mechanical damage could cause minor injuries, especially through the dropping of heavy loads. Chemical exposure could cause moderate long-term health damage upon intensive exposure. The choking hazard is moderately relevant for small children if small parts were to be swallowed. Skin irritation would be minor and localized. The environmental risk is low if microplastics or pollutants are released.

Risk levels and conclusion:
Overall, the backpack presents a low to medium risk. Mechanical stress and environmental risk are the main aspects to consider, while all other risks can be classified as low.

Recommended measures:

Clearly specify maximum load capacity to avoid damage due to overloading.
Conduct regular tests for freedom from harmful substances and compliance with standards to minimize chemical risks.
Attach warning notices for small parts that could be dangerous to children.
Check the skin-friendliness of the material and, if necessary, declare that the material has been dermatologically tested.
Include recycling instructions and guidance on proper disposal to reduce environmental impact.

Risk assessment according to RAPEX guidelines for Ocean products: Backpacks and waist bag

The assessment of the Beadbags Spacy bag is conducted considering potential risks regarding material, usage, and safety.

Identification of risks:

Mechanical stress: Risk of tearing when overloaded, which could lead to a sudden loss of contents and possible injuries.
Chemical exposure: Possibility of harmful substances in the recycled material (e.g., feed sacks or plastic spacers).
Choking hazard: Detachment of small parts like spacers or zipper components that could be swallowed by children.
Cuts or scratches: Danger from sharp edges or poorly finished seams.
Environmental/water hazard: Potential release of microplastics or pollutants upon improper disposal.

Probability estimation:
Mechanical tearing is unlikely, depending on the load capacity and stress. Chemical exposure is unlikely, as materials are robust and tested. Choking hazard from small parts is very unlikely, as solid workmanship is stated. Cuts from workmanship are also unlikely. Environmental risk is unlikely if the bag is not disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Severity assessment:
Mechanical tearing could cause minor injuries due to the loss of heavy loads. Chemical exposure could cause moderate long-term health damage, depending on exposure. Choking hazard would be moderate for small children if small parts were to be swallowed. Cuts or scratches would be minor and superficial. Environmental risks could be low, especially through long-term release of microplastics.

Risk levels and conclusion:
The bag presents a low to medium risk. Mechanical stress and environmental risk are the relevant aspects that should be considered further.

Recommended measures:

Clearly specify load capacity and instructions for maximum load to avoid mechanical tearing.
Regularly test the material for freedom from harmful substances to rule out chemical risks.
Add warning notices for small parts for children under three years of age.
Ensure the finish of seams and edges to minimize injury risks.
Provide recycling instructions to ensure environmentally friendly disposal.

Both the backpack and the Ocean products are safe and environmentally conscious when used properly. The mentioned measures can further optimize safety and sustainability.

Bags with a purpose. Made for real life.

Fair partnerships

Made to last

Reclaimed materials

A second life for materials

OUR 2 APPROACHES TO AVOIDING PLASTIC WASTE IN OUR LAKES, RIVERS AND SEA