TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Although many handbag brands recently come up with new, unique models, only few of them offer recycled products such us those made and sold by the environmental club `AV Peduli`. The club, that was founded by sibling duo Agnes and Vania Santoso in 2005, converts empty sacks of cement into trendy, quality bags.
“The challenge in recycling trash is not only existing in the processing phase but also in marketing phase. Majority of recycled products are still has ‘trash look’ and people become reluctant to wear them,” Vani said as quoted by Swa.co.id.
The condition has inspired youngsters in AV Peduli to make fashionable recycled bags under the brand STARTIC that stands for Artistic Ecofashion. Sack of cement is chosen as the source because it can hold up to tens of kilograms of load.
“We have also conducted research that is supported by Airlangga University to formulate natural coating that gives leather-like look and waterproof property on the products,” Vani added.
AV Peduli has produced hundreds of retail bags and thousand units of special orders by employing 11 skilled craftsmen. The club obtains raw materials from a number of contractors and surrounding residents. The products are sold from Rp50,000 to Rp180,000 per unit.
“For recycled products that are combined with ethnic fabrics such as songket and leather, the price reaches Rp600,000,”
Vani admitted that most demands have come from outside the country. The club also participated in a number of prestigious expo such as Trade Expo Indonesia and INACraft.
The bags are also available at Mirota gallery Yogyakarta, Juanda Airport Gallery, Surabaya and a number of famous boutiques.
“Online order is now being developed, it is available at startic.avpeduli.com and instagram account @heystartic,” Vania promoted the products.
AV Peduli is also set to release premium products other than bags, such as laptop accessories, shoes and Ecofashion for Men.
ANTARA