Transforming textile waste into design products

Norwegian Smallmatters makes beautiful reusable bags from textiles that would otherwise be thrown away. Hurtigruten, Åpent Bakeri, Moo, SuseriSivet and Fjong are among those who have adopted the eco-friendly products that replace disposable bags and newly produced textiles.

Hurtigruten has received attention for its ambitious environmental work, which is based on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Among other things, they have removed all single-use plastic on board, and are continuously working to reduce and recycle their waste. The bed linen that was previously thrown away is now being transformed into laundry and hair dryer bags by Smallmatters.

“Smallmatters delivers products that turn our waste into resources, and that replace products made from newly produced textiles and plastic. This contributes to a sustainable footprint that we are proud of,” says Magne Jacobsen, VP Hotel Operations at Hurtigruten Expedition.

Hurtigruten is far from the only one that has fallen for Smallmatters' recycled products. Åpen bakeri has had its own bread bags made from surplus linen materials. Norwegian bag manufacturer Moo will pack the exclusive leather bags in fabric bags made from discontinued duvet covers and tablecloths. More and more retailers and private customers are also opening their eyes to the shopping bags and travel bags that are far more environmentally friendly than the ones you usually buy. They leave a far smaller climate footprint than shopping bags made from new textiles, not to mention the plastic bags the products replace.

Taking up the fight against environmental degradation

Behind the sustainable designer bags are founders Line Houge and Janicke Lorange. With extensive experience in clothing design and product development, they have gained insight into the catastrophic consequences the textile industry has on the environment.

– Textile waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. In addition to the fact that the textile industry is responsible for one of the most polluting production processes in the world, it produces an enormous amount of waste, says Line Houge.

Worldwide, a garbage truckload of textile waste is thrown away every second, and millions of tons of textile waste are destroyed every year because they are dyed the wrong color, cut incorrectly, or because customers cancel their orders. Overconsumption means that textile waste is often almost unused and rarely recycled. (Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UNCTAD)

Fully usable textile remnants

In Norway, too, large amounts of usable textiles are thrown away every year, which, due to the mixture of polyester and cotton, are poorly suited for recycling.

– After conversations with hotels and laundries, we found out that several thousand tons of bed linen and tablecloths from Norwegian hotels are thrown away and burned every year, and only a small part is reused. Burning produces little energy, so no one wins from this. We tested the rags and found that most of them are of good enough quality to be upgraded to new products, says Janicke Lorange.

They also contacted former textile partners in Italy, Portugal, China and India to hear what they did with textiles left over from large clothing productions.

– We got the same answer as from laundries in Norway: They are often thrown into landfills, burned or left lying around. We had the opportunity to take over these excess materials and transform them into new, attractive products that can be used again and again.

The idea that even the small things you do can have a big positive impact on the overall picture became the driving force behind the concept and formation of Smallmatters.

– Our business idea is to reduce the use and production of both unnecessary disposable products and products made from virgin materials – and replace these with reusable products made from surplus existing materials. We want to develop products in a sustainable way, without compromising on quality, style and design. In this way, we contribute to putting a circular economy into practice. Waste is the raw material of the future, the founders emphasize.

Smallmatters has received support from Innovation Norway and the Norwegian Trade Environment Fund to develop the exciting concept.

Preserves things and produces less waste

Smallmatters produces smart and attractive travel bags, laundry bags, shopping nets and other storage bags, all of which replace disposable bags. In addition, the cloth bags help to take care of what is placed inside them – which in turn results in less consumption. Sustainability and the least possible environmental impact are the guiding star in every stage of production.

– We only use textile remnants, textile waste or recycled waste materials. The embroidery threads and recycled cotton ropes are Oeko-Tex certified. We do not use plastic on the products in transport, they are sent in bags sewn from residual materials. And the goods are packaged in recycled and recyclable cardboard when they are sent to our customers, they say.

Now the entrepreneurs are continuing to hunt for materials that are currently defined as waste, but that can be transformed into new quality products. They also help companies find environmentally friendly alternatives and put their waste back into circulation. They are currently working on, among other things, making beach bags from discarded sails and shopping bags from old coffee bags. In addition to developing a small clothing collection from leftover cashmere yarn.

– We will continue to develop attractive products that make it easier for the consumer to choose the most environmentally friendly option. There are so many fine, existing textiles that can be used, which today just become waste that neither provides energy nor can be recycled. The earth cannot keep up with all the natural resources we use, and we have no room for more waste.

Small matters

• Norwegian company consisting of founders Line Houge and Janicke Lorange
• Produces reusable bags and other textile products made from textile waste, including from Norwegian hotels and foreign clothing productions
• The products reduce both existing and future waste, as well as replace unnecessary disposable bags and products that require the extraction of new natural resources.
• The bags not only replace a huge number of plastic bags, but also help customers take care of their things, which in turn contributes to less consumption.