the good, the bag and the ugly

Lessons from the Welsh Bag Levy:

2012-01-18T13:57:00.001Z

The 'ERIC' group (Environmental Regulation and Information Centre) have reported on the lessons learnt from the Welsh levy on carrier bags with some interesting debate on the environmental impact of using paper bags. It is noted by ERIC that the Welsh Government has further considered the problems associated with paper bags with the quote below:

"Extending the charge to also include paper means that the Welsh Government has chosen forward thinking by not merely trying to reduce plastic bag use but tackle the environmental issues raised by paper bags as well".

This article further highlights the need for industries to carefully consider the most sustainable and ethical bag option on the market. For more information on our Market Leading Ethically-produced bags please click here

Tesco's New Jute Bag in stores now

2012-01-09T14:05:00.000Z

Continuing with Tesco's commitment to reduce carrier bag usage, their latest 'Tree' designed jute bag is now available in stores.

Did you know??

2011-12-29T17:43:00.000Z

The Jute Industry in India alone supports the livelihood of 4 million farm families.

December Newsletter!

2011-12-23T18:24:00.000Z

Click here for the December Jutexpo Newsletter!

Consumers give green light to plastic bag tax:

2011-12-19T17:39:00.000Z

Clare Weir reports for the Belfast Telegraph on why consumers and businesses alike support a plastic bag tax:

"An independent survey on the introduction of a levy on carrier bags has found broad approval of the scheme, it was claimed. Market research company Millward Brown Ulster polled 200 businesses and over 1,000 adults on behalf of the Department of the Environment.......Read more here

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2011-12-14T12:20:00.001Z

Jutexpo would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2012.

Waitrose new Christmas Bag and Shopper

2011-12-14T11:45:00.001Z

Look out for Waitrose's new designed bags at your local store.

Did you know.....?

2011-11-30T21:48:00.001Z

The contents of 3 single-use plastic bags will fit 1 average sized jute bag!

University Bags: Do you have yours?

2011-11-17T18:01:00.001Z

Protecting the environment and education are two of the most important aspects to future society. We at Jutexpo recognise this and have teamed up with many Universities to create ethical reusable bags for students, teachers and everybody else. The bags are great for transporting those heavy books! Other uses include:

Quality prospectus student and open day material
University library branded bags
Ethical Student Union fundraising
Sustainable dual marketing with local businesses
Alumni and post graduate mementos

For more information please visit our online University Page or email us here,

Children in Need Jute Bags at Asda

2011-11-15T10:37:00.001Z

Look out for these wonderful Children in Need bags available at most Asda stores.

Jutexpo and The Royal British Legion: Shoulder to shoulder with all who serve

2011-11-11T18:21:00.001Z

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Robert Laurence Binyon - September 1914

Support the Royal British Legion with our limited edition 90th Anniversary and Falling Poppy bags:

Visit the Poppy Shop Online to purchase the Official Poppy Appeal Bags

World Duty Free Donate £1,000,000 to the One Foundation

2011-11-09T18:32:00.000Z

World Duty Free Group has announced it has funded a donation of over £1,000,000 to the One Foundation with 491,950 of our jute bags helping to contribute a considerable amount of this fantastic donation. The One Foundation bags can be found in all 21 of the World Duty Free Group's UK airport stores.

The funds raised are used to install PlayPumps which are specially crafted children’s roundabouts that pump clean water from deep underground. We at Jutexpo are very proud to be a part of this worthy cause to provide clean water to some of the worlds poorest communities.

See the full article here

Orla Kiely Bags in the blog community!

2011-11-03T19:35:00.002Z

Our Orla Kiely bags are appearing on many popular blogs with some fantastic reviews. Take a look at the following links and join the bag conversations:

the-gingerbread-house.co.uk · chronicles of a crafty mummy

Print & Pattern

nellie-dean.com

Handmade Happiness Blog

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-31T15:53:00.000Z

Jutexpo would like to wish everyone a very Happy Halloween.
http://www.jutexpo.com/

Strictly Come Dancing Star Kara Tointon!

2011-10-26T17:13:00.002+01:00

Our Tesco bags were spotted in the papers today with Strictly Come Dancing Star Kara Tointon. In an article about her relationship with dancing pal Holly Valance, the bags can be seen helping her with her shopping!

See the full article here

Our Waitrose bag hits the papers in true fashion....

2011-10-24T19:02:00.000+01:00

The Daily Mail published a fascinating article about our Waitrose bag today. Titled: "The PM's nanny, the Waitrose bag she used to carry his baby... and a mole hunt at No.1", Simon Walters reports on how our bag was used to carry David Cameron's baby; perhaps a sign of how our bags really are trusted.

See the full article here

New Orla Kiely Bags

2011-10-20T11:55:00.001+01:00

New Orla Kiely designed Bags available now in Tesco stores.

Look at our full range of bags here

Welsh Single Use Bag Charge: Two Weeks in.....

2011-10-17T17:21:00.002+01:00

It has been two weeks since the official launch of charging for single use bags in Wales. So far, so good...

As stated in the Welsh Assembly official guidance, the charge will help to:

(a) encourage a shift in consumer behavior away from throwaway consumption, towards re-use;

(b) cut down on the use of resources;

(d) improve local environment quality by reducing the highly visible litter

from single use carrier bags.

To further support a these objectives the Welsh Assembly have created this handy website:

Carrier Bag Charge Wales Website

Bags in the News: PM's ultimatum on plastic bags

2011-09-30T12:15:00.000+01:00

The plastic bag debate hit the front pages of the papers again yesterday as David Cameron warned the retailers to

"Radically reduce the number of plastic bags you hand out by choice, or I will force you to by law."

Reporting a 333million single-use plastic bag increase on last year, The Daily Mail has furthered it's campaign to stop the environmental degradation and encourage sustainable and ethical bags.

Click to read the full article here

Orla Kiely Bag seen in Grazia Magazine

2011-09-22T12:33:00.000+01:00

We were lucky enough to have one of our Orla Kiely Jute bags feature in Grazia Magazine recently. As seen above it managed to get on the front cover and an article inside about the bag.

The World's Largest Jute Bag

2011-09-15T10:33:00.000+01:00

The launch of the Big Bag happened at Tesco's Bridgend Community Fair in August and was on view to the general public. The bag measures a massive 4.2m wide x 3.2m high x 1.9m deep.

Jutexpo were very pleased to work with Tesco's to create a Guiness World Record breaking bag.

Dundee Heritage Trust

2011-06-23T11:30:00.000+01:00

See our bags and a whole lot of information about Jute at the 'From carriers to Coffins' exhibition at Verdant Works, Dundee.

A great family day out with lots to do. See the Dundee Heritage Trust website for details.

Garden Bags

2011-05-18T14:42:00.000+01:00

Summer is just around the corner so why not get a couple of our really useful Garden Bags to get a head start in your garden. See our website for details.

Great British Picnic Bag

2011-03-01T12:40:00.000Z

A new Bag ideal for your Summer Picnic and the Royal Wedding. See our website for details.

Deben Jutes Basketball Club - New Ladies Team

2011-02-21T12:28:00.000Z

Jutexpo are happy to sponsor Deben Jutes Basketball Club who have recently added a Ladies team to their squad.

BAG SPOT

2011-02-17T12:45:00.000Z

Our Asda Bag was seen on the One Show this week.
They were doing a report in high street supermarkets about the use of Imperial measures.

Orla Kiely Bags at Tesco

2011-01-27T14:10:00.000Z

Celebrated designer Orla Kiely has exclusively designed a range of reuseable juco shopping bags sold through Tesco stores throughout the country.

Jutexpo are very pleased with this unique bag and have enjoyed working with Orla Kiely and Tesco's on this first design.

There will be more designs to come later on in the year, so look out for them!!

BAG SPOT

2011-01-18T13:13:00.000Z

Another Jute bag spot on the new Sainsbury's advert.

St Stephens's School, Launceston raise essential funds

2011-01-18T13:01:00.007Z

Pupil's and staff from St Stephen's School ARB recently went to Tesco, Launceston (pictured above) to sell reusable jute bags designed by pupils in a competition. The school have been really pleased with the way the bags have sold and are grateful to Tesco's and Jutexpo for their support.

Italy ban the carrier bag

2011-01-11T13:56:00.000Z

As of 1st January 2011, Italy has banned the single use retail carrier bag.

They are the first EU country to ban plastic bags.

Italy use approx 20 billion bags per year!!!

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year

2010-12-20T14:58:00.000Z

Perfect Presents

2010-12-09T14:11:00.000Z

We have a range of wine bottle bags in our eBay shop that make perfect Christmas Presents for family, friends and even work colleagues and corporate functions.

Visit on http://stores.ebay.co.uk/jutexpo

Christmastime

2010-12-09T14:09:00.000Z

The festive season is upon us and many of the supermarkets are embracing it, with Christmas treats and gifts.

Waitrose have a new range of Christmas juco shoppers for 2010, both are sure to get customers in the Christmas spirit. The supermarket has stocked our bags for many years, supporting the campaigns to reduce the usage of plastic bags.

Tesco also stock many of our jute bags, usually the more popular ladybird bags can be found at the checkouts, however, they also have a photography department in many of the larger stores. Your photographs can be printed onto a range of our plain jute bags to make beautiful, practical and personal gifts for friends and family – perfect Christmas presents.

Thanks to Everybody - WINNER - Worcestershire CSR Environmental Award

2010-11-26T11:04:00.000Z

Environmental Award!

We were a winner at the awards event last night.

It's a great honour to be recognised and it's fantastic somebody else sees the great work we do.

Earlier this year the Worcestershire Ambassadors launched its CSR Awards 2010. These Awards have been created to recognise and applaud businesses across Worcestershire who take CSR seriously and who endeavour to give something back to their community.

Thanks to everybody that made this possible, the team at Jutexpo, our partners in India, and to all our customers.

Next stop a national award, and then the world!

Dreaming of a Green Christmas

2010-11-25T09:41:00.000Z

Oxfam, like many charities, are selling Christmas cards this year, this eco Rudolph fits in nicely witEdit Postsh our company ethos.

Bond Noel

2010-11-25T09:40:00.000Z

Last Thursday Bond Street was turned into a 'winter wonderland' with snow falling, reindeer, carol singers, musicians and fireworks. This was all because it was the annual Bond Street Christmas Light Switch On; the lights were switched on by model and radio presenter Lisa Snowden with the help of a little girl who has had to attend Great Ormond Street Hospital over the last few years. The event raises money and awareness for The Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity; many supporters of the charity were roaming the streets with collection buckets. This year funds are being raised for the Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care.

Visit www.gosh.org to find out more

The Sheffield Retired Greyhound Fund

2010-11-25T09:38:00.000Z

The Sheffield Retired Greyhound Fund is a branch of the national Retired Greyhound Trust operating in the Sheffield and South Yorkshire area.

'Our single aim is to provide fully vetted and loving homes for as many retired greyhounds as possible so that these beautiful animals can continue to live a full and enjoyable life at the end of their careers.'

We hope they enjoy their bags, and they help support this great cause.

Just Desserts

2010-11-25T09:37:00.000Z

'Our emphasis is on traditional home baking.'

Just Desserts is a small independent home bakery, their main aim being quality. They try and source as many of the ingredients from local suppliers.

Just Desserts makes birthday cakes, wedding cakes and all special occasion cakes. Also from cheese cakes to fudge cakes. We make all desserts all shapes and sizes. There is nothing they can't make!

The Green Marketing Conference 2010

2010-11-16T17:10:00.000Z

The Green Marketing Conference that took place on 10 November is the second conference organised by Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) members in Peterborough.

This year there was a packed program of expert speakers and workshops, the aim, to help participants understand how climate change will affect their organisations.

The conference is also the ideal place to hear about how organisations, and marketers in particular, can achieve a suitable blend or acting green and communicating their green credentials to customers. Despite the current economic situation, there is still huge interest in environmental performance and great opportunities for businesses that make it part of their core activity and marketing campaigns.

Speakers at the event included;

Sam Turner, Jutexpo

Andy Wood, Adnams

Ed Gillespie, Futerra

Pat Dade, Cult Dynamics

Kevin Misselbrook, Access UK

Rob Harward, Riverford Organic Vegetables

Army of Collectors

2010-11-16T17:09:00.000Z

'Volunteers are the lifeblood of The Royal British Legion and Poppy Appeal and we couldn't achieve all that we do without them.'

There is a wide range of volunteering opportunities throughout the year and during the Poppy Appeal, including, poppy collectors and poppy distributors.

Sam Turner, from Jutexpo, was out & about a few days ago and stopped for a quick break at Peterborough Extra Service Station, there he saw 2 of the Royal British Legion's invaluable volunteers poppy selling.

The Story Behind The Poppy

2010-11-11T09:15:00.000Z

Some of the bloodiest fighting of World War One took place in the Flanders and Picardy regions of Belgium and Northern France. The poppy was the only thing which grew in the aftermath of the complete devastation. We remember and honour those who fought for our freedom during the two World Wars and who have lost their lives in more recent conflicts with a two minute silence on the 11^th day of the 11^th month at the 11^th hour.

The association between the poppy and Remembrance Sunday was recognised by John McCrae as a memorial symbol to the fallen in his poem In Flanders Field. The Royal British Legion adopted the symbol for their Poppy Appeal in 1921.

In Flanders Fields

By John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Visit http://www.poppyshop.org.uk/

Poppy Bag, Guest on Popular TV Show

2010-11-08T15:36:00.001Z

Our Jute Poppy Bag was carried down the runway on The Alan Titchmarsh Show alongside the new crystal poppy broach made by jewellery designer Kleshna which has been very popular with celebrities including the judges on The X Factor this weekend.

Visit http://www.poppyshop.org.uk/

Teenage Cancer Trust

2010-11-08T15:24:00.001Z

On the weekend of 24^th/25^th July 2010 a partnership between Teenage Cancer Trust and Home Retail Group (which includes Argos and Homebase) was officially announced. The two will help more young people in the UK fight cancer by building specialist cancer units designed to feel like a 'home from home'.

The units are built in NHS hospitals especially for teenagers, this way during treatment they are surrounded by people their own age also fighting the same illness. This also improves the quality of life and chances of survival for the young people with cancer.

'We don't believe that teenagers should have to stop being teenagers, just because they have cancer.' Teenage Cancer Trust

Compulsory Carrier Bag Charges

2010-11-04T13:13:00.002Z

The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) is determined to press ahead with charging for carrier bags, they will introduce the compulsory carrier bag charges of 5p per bag in October 2011. However, The British Retail Consortium (BRC) doesn't think the compulsory charge is necessary as retailers have already made significant reductions in bags use.

The 7p charge the WAG initially planned would have made single use carrier bags 2p more expensive than some bags for life. Bob Gordon, BRC head of environment, said "Charging less for a bag for life appears, on the surface, to be a good way to get people to use them. But it would have encouraged customers to treat bags for life as disposable, which we need to avoid.

Welsh retailers have already achieved a 50% reduction in bag use since 2006 by encouraging customers to reuse their bags. We're confident that trend would continue without the introduction of a compulsory national carrier bag charge."

"The key to reducing the environmental impact of carrier bags is education and persuasion." Bob Gorgon, BRC.

Booths Launch Their Poppy Bag Appeal

2010-11-02T17:53:00.001Z

Booths will be the first supermarket to stock the official poppy bags from the 1^st of November. A total of £1 from the sale of each £2.50 bag will go to the Poppy Appeal which raises money for the Royal British Legion who support serving troops, ex service men & women and their dependants under their current theme of 'shoulder to shoulder with all who serve'

Booths Buyer Keith Parkinson says, "This is a new and unique way to raise money for the annual Poppy Appeal. We hope shoppers will really get behind the campaign and carry their poppy bags with pride."

The Saturdays Launch Poppy Appeal

2010-11-02T17:53:00.000Z

The Saturdays attended the launch of this years' Poppy Appeal. The ceremony included a performance by the band, a parachute display by the Legion's extreme flight team, Jump4Heroes and video messages to friends and family posted by personnel stationed in Afghanistan.

"The ceremony demonstrated the Royal British Legion's commitment not only to servicemen and women, but also to their families and friends," said a spokeswoman.

People wishing to donate to the appeal can buy a poppy which are on sale across the country at locations including train and tube stations and shopping centres until November 11^th.

Alternatively, they can purchase an Official Poppy Bag from the poppyshop.org.uk

PLEASE HELP - Royal British Legion Poppy Bag Campaign

2010-10-28T11:27:00.001+01:00

We are delighted to announce that the

official Royal British Legion Poppy Bagsare on sale!

click here to go directly to the poppy shop

This means everyone can help, both individuals and retailers. For more information please call 0800 169 2323, or email poppy.bag@jutexpo.co.uk

Together, The Royal British Legion and Jutexpo are hoping to raise £1 million to support the building and running of The Battle Back Centre. This centre is a rehabilitation unit for injured ex service men & women. The unit helps support and educate soldiers to enable them to return to work within a different role following their injuries.

Jamie at Home

2010-10-27T12:40:00.001+01:00

Jamie at Home is Jamie's exciting party plan business. Over 3,000 amazing Consultants sell our gorgeous Jme collection, an ever-changing selection of lovely products for house and garden, and we'd love you to join us too.

"Jamie at Home has grown into the most incredible business since it launched last year. I love the fact that our Consultants are earning money while throwing parties, bringing people together and having a great time. By introducing people to the beautiful Jme products in a way that suits their schedules, these ladies are going from strength to strength, and having a brilliant laugh doing it."
Jamie Oliver

Help a Hedgehog

2010-10-27T12:40:00.000+01:00

To help increase awareness of the charity Hedgehog Rescue and raise much needed funds for the care of injured hedgehogs, Melita Rogers who set up the charity, arranged for a local company to fund the design and manufacture of a charity jute bag. This bag was to be sold at the Help a Hedgehog Day which is organised by Melita every year in May.

Hedgehog rescue are based in Leicester and are a totally voluntary run organisation that tend to and care for their patients in their own homes. In the region of 150 hedgehogs are rescued each year, the funds raised at events like the open day help towards the surgery and medication costs that many hedgehogs need.

Grump the Hedgehog

This is Huff and Grumps' Story.

Huff and Grump were two of three abandoned babies found alone in a nest. Sadly the third youngster was too far gone for us to save. The babies had been attacked, probably by birds and the flies had then laid eggs in the wounds so by the time I got them they were being eaten alive by maggots. It was more than three hours of painstaking "maggot picking" before I dare leave them to rest. It was difficult to go to bed that night because we feared that even one missed maggot could be fatal.

The names definitely reflect their characters. Huff, did just that the whole time we were trying to help her and she often bucked and tried to bite us. Grump was miserable most of the time and we worried that she had given up the fight for her life.

Several very worried days later they began to recover from their ordeal.

Summer Sun with Mellow Mommy, Sonoma, California

2010-10-27T12:39:00.000+01:00

Our bags were packed and ready to go, they were headed for some great holiday destinations this year.

Mellow Mommy, California

Mellow Mommy's vision is to teach expecting parents techniques to connect and incorporate simple relaxation skills into everyday life. The company hosts spring and fall Babymoon Retreats at Timber Cove Inn on the stunning Sonoma Coast. Upon arrival couples receive a deluxe gift package which includes handmade lavender eye pillows, aromatherapy candles and our reusable jute tote bag.

Jutexpo wins council purchasing contract with the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO)

2010-10-22T10:22:00.000+01:00

Jutexpo recently tendered for a contract set by ESPO and were awarded inclusion for Promotional Products in the Contract schedule 164, from 1 April 2010 to March 2013.
The ESPO deals with purchasing and distribution of Schools, Councils, Universities and any public sector body in Cambridgeshire County Council, Leicestershire County Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Norfolk County Council, Warwickshire County Council, Leicester City Council or Peterborough City Council.
This is a new venture by the ESPO – one of the five larges public sector professional buying organisations in the UK. If successful, it is expected to be rolled out to other similar purchasing organisations such as the Central Buying Consortium.
This means Jutexpo is now on the preferred supplier list for these councils, so opens up exciting business opportunities for.

Going the Extra Mile Part 2

2010-10-22T10:19:00.000+01:00

As part of our continued work with local schools and charities we have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to get involved with the Milestone School in Gloucester. The school is for children with special educational needs. It offers the children some wonderful facilities which include its own sensory room and hydrotherapy pool.

Over the last few months and in line with the school's curriculum, Jutexpo were invited to be involved with a number of arts and crafts days that the school held for the children. Ruth, from Jutexpo, and Glynnis, the Community Champion at Tesco Gloucester store provided the facilities for a 'design-a-bag' day. They both went along to the school with blank jute bags as the canvas and fabric paints to do the designs.

On the first visit the children decorated the bags with sponges or paint brushes. On the second visit the children got really stuck in, decorating the bags with their individual hand and footprints.

The bags were sold at the schools Summer Fete in July to help raise much needed funds for the school. This was a great day out for all and the team from Jutexpo went along to support it. All the bags were sold and Milestone School were very grateful for the help and support that Jutexpo provided.

We look forward to doing other projects with the school in the future and to continue our support for the school in any way we can.

Going the Extra Mile Part 1

2010-10-22T10:18:00.000+01:00

Worcestershire Breast Cancer Unit Campaign Update

As you may recall we launched our 'Everybody Knows Somebody' bags back in April. All profits from their sales going to the Worcestershire Breast Cancer Unit Campaign, a registered charity with the aim of raising £2.5 million. The bags are being sold in key Tesco stores in the Worcestershire region.

We are delighted to announce that so far we have sold 19,000 bags. We would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who has bought a bag and continues to lend their support to the cause.

Jute bag gets leading role at film festival

2010-10-22T10:17:00.001+01:00

The Dubrovnik Film Meeting is an exclusive film event organised each year by the Adriatic Luxury Hotels Group in association with Croatian magazine Glorija, as part of the Sarajevo Film Festival. This years event was the fifth year in a row which took place this summer in early August at the Dubrovnik Palace Hotels' Vala Beach Club.

Guest of honour at the 2010 film festival was Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman, who was presenting his latest film Invictus to the Dubrovnik audience, under the starry sky in front of Rector's Palace. Despite being surrounded by VIP's from the world of film, the real star of the show was the jute bag designed by the Adriatic Luxury Hotels Group, the bags were presented to guests at various exclusive parties.

'We were very pleased with the bags, they looked absolutely amazing and we got great comments from our guests and VIP's. Actually, Morgan Freeman took one with him back to the States.' – Zeljana Udovicic, Event/PR manager of Adriatic Luxury Hotels.

Trick or Treat

2010-10-22T10:17:00.000+01:00

Vikki Beeney had the idea for Beenbags when her son wanted a bag "like mummy's". The range has since expanded into bigger bags and more designs are gradually being added. The bags are hand painted and can be personalised for individual customers.

My favourite has to be the mini jute bag with the hand stencilled Pumpkin design. Happy Halloween!

Tweeting!

2010-10-22T10:16:00.000+01:00

We are joining the world of Twitter, follow us @ Jutexpo

PLEASE HELP - RBL Poppy Bag Campaign

2010-10-20T15:34:00.004+01:00

For more information please call 0800 169 2328, or email poppy.bag@jutexpo.co.uk

The Royal British Legion and Jutexpo Limited have joined forces, working closely over several months to develop what will become an iconic series of ethically produced, reusable Jute and Juco 'Official RBL Poppy Bags.'

Together, we are hoping to raise £1 million to support the building and running of The Battle Back Centre. This centre is a rehabilitation unit for injured ex service men & women. The unit helps support and educate soldiers to enable them to return to work within a different role following their injuries.

Many retailers will stock the official poppy bag to be sold throughout the year; among them will be Booths, Kent Library and the RBL Poppy Shop. We are however, still looking for other retailers who would like to stock the bags and help us reach our target.

A donation from each bag sale will go directly to support the essential welfare work of the RBL.

Living the high life

2010-10-20T13:23:00.003+01:00

One lucky Sainsbury jute bag got to relax by the pool at the luxury Ritz in Los Angeles last year. There he got to mingle with celebrity guests including Britney Spears who was taking a break from her Circus Tour.

Strictly Tesco

2010-10-20T12:57:00.002+01:00

Tina O'Brien was seen taking a break from Strictly Come Dancing last week, making good use of her Tesco Stiffened jute bag. The 27 year old was due to be dancing the Rumba Saturday night but had to pull out after she caught Chickenpox. Hopefully, she'll be back to strut her stuff on the dance floor this week.

A planet poisoned by plastic

2010-07-14T10:09:00.002+01:00

In an article written for the Daily Mail, Simon Reeve says the most critical challenge we face is our relationship with the environment.

From Hawaiian beaches to the coast of Britain, we're paying a lethal price for our throwaway society, says the TV adventurer.

View the full article from 17th May 2010 on
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1278967/A-planet-poisoned-plastic-From-Hawaiian-beaches-coast-Britain-paying-lethal-price-throwaway-society-says-TV-adventurer.html

Sponsors and Awards day for Deben Jutes basketball club

2010-05-14T11:41:00.009+01:00

Felixstowe based Deben Jutes Basketball Club’s Annual Sponsors and Awards Day took place on 25th April 2010 at Brackenbury Sports Centre playing hosts to local rivals Leiston Lynx with a rotation of games at Under 11, Under 14, Under 18, and Senior levels.

Jutexpo has sponsored the club for the last four years and Andrew Stanhope, Logistics Director at Jutexpo was present at the event to present this year’s sponsorship, which contributes towards the costs of staging next season home league matches at Brackenbury Sports Centre. Tesco, through its association with Jutexpo alsocontributed
to the day by kindly donating some of their jute bags to raise money for the club.

The festivities got under way with an entertaining Under 11 game played with verve and passion by both sides. This was closely followed by a game which heralded the launch of Deben Jutes newly formed Senior team which will take part in the Suffolk Senior League Division to in 2010/2011 season.

The game was preceded by a formal presentation of the new playing kit supplied with a grant from a Suffolk County Council locality fund administered by Felixstowe North and Trimley County Councillor John Goodwin. He and his wife, the Lady Mayor of Felixstowe were on hand to formally present the kit to club coach Adrian Clarke.

From L to R: Mayor Angel Goodwin and County Councillor John Goodwin, Stephanie and Andy Stanhope from Jutexpo

A bag for wine connoisseurs

2010-05-14T11:37:00.003+01:00

Freixenet, the number one producer and exporter of traditional method Cavas worldwide, is exhibiting at the forthcoming International Wine Fair in London. The event will be attended by importers, merchants, producers, agents, restaurateurs, wholesalers, sommeliers, wine journalists… in fact everyone whose work brings them in direct contact with wine and spirits.

Visitors to the Freixenet stand (T40) will receive a free jute bag – elegantly designed in Freixenet’s trademark black and gold colours.

Tracey Duggan at Freixenet says “We want to offer our clients and visitors something practical, attractive and useful to remember us by, and which also reflects the quality of our products and our respect for the environment. We feel these luxury jute bags fulfil all these criteria, and judging by the positive responses from our clients, they agree.”

The London International Wine Fair takes place at ExCeL, 18-20 May.

A posh little bag from Schertler Brot in Austria

2010-05-12T15:57:00.003+01:00

When Matthias Schertler was preparing his business for Christmas last year, he decided that he wanted to give his customers something special that would act as a gift as well as an incentive to do business with him. Whatever he chose had to be affordable, yet make an impact and be relevant to his bakery business in Feldkirch, Austria. So he hit on the idea of a jute bag - if customers pre-ordered bread for Christmas or spent €20 or more in one transaction, they got a free bag. Simple, yet effective and a lot of smiling customers with a Schertler Brot bag.

'What a nice little bag!" "That's a posh bag" and "That's what I call a proper bag" were just some of the comments he received - and it became such a hit he has since ordered more bags for a similar summer promotion.

Jutexpo wins council purchasing contract for Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO)

2010-05-12T12:16:00.004+01:00

Jutexpo recently applied to tender for a contract set by ESPO and were awarded inclusion for Promotional Products in their contract schedule from 1 April 2010 to March 2013.

The ESPO deals with purchasing and distribution of Schools, Councils, Universities and any public sector body in Cambridgeshire County Council, Leicestershire County Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Norfolk County Council, Warwickshire County Council, Leicester City Council or Peterborough City Council.

This is a new venture by the ESPO – one of the five larges public sector professional buying organisations in the UK. If successful, it is expected to be rolled out to other similar purchasing organisations such as the Central Buying Consortium.

This now means Jutexpo is now on the preferred suppliers list for these councils going forward, so it opens up exciting business opportunities for us - well done to the team!

Jutexpo partners with Tesco to support Breast Cancer Charity

2010-04-23T13:05:00.000+01:00

Jutexpo Limited, the UK’s leading supplier of eco-friendly jute and juco bags, is delighted to be associated with a Tesco initiative to help raise £50,000 for the Worchester Breast Unit Campaign.

On April 18th, 50,000 pink juco bags bearing the “Everybody Knows Somebody” slogan will go on sale in key Tesco stores in the Worcestershire region – Worcester Warndon Village, Worcester St Peters, Evesham, Kidderminster and Redditch. All profits from the sale of the bags will go to the Worcestershire Breast Cancer Campaign, a registered charity with the aim of raising £2.5 million.

Stuart Driver, Community Planning Manager at Tesco, said “We are delighted to team up with one of our regular suppliers, Jutexpo, who are also based in Worcestershire, to raise substantial funds for a local charity. Not only do we raise awareness of breast cancer and help raise much-needed funding, it helps our continued efforts to support climate change by encouraging our customers to reduce their plastic bag usage.”

Barrie Turner, CEO at Jutexpo says: “Being involved in such a worthwhile and local campaign as this brings a great sense of pride to everyone at Jutexpo, and the benefits of the bags are numerous – continuing awareness of the campaign for the lifetime of the bags as well as a positive impact on the environment.”

'Degradable' plastics not as environmentally-friendly as consumers think

2010-04-13T17:30:00.000+01:00

According to new Defra-funded research, plastics marked as 'degradable’ might not be as environmentally-friendly as consumers think.

Oxo-degradable plastics are used in plastic bags and packaging and are often advertised as being degradable, biodegradable or environmentally-friendly. However, the independent study found that using additives to accelerate their degradation will not improve their environmental impact.

For full-details of the study carried out by Loughborough University visit
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2010/100311c.htm

The Deben Jute’s Annual Sponsors Day

2010-03-24T14:42:00.005Z

The Felixstowe based basketball club sponsored by Jutexpo has grown slowly but surely over the last few years, it now has teams for almost all ages and has even entered a team in the Suffolk Senior League for season 2010/2011.

The club is hosting its annual sponsor’s day on Sunday 25th April at Brackenbury Sports Centre, Felixstowe. During the day the clubs sides will play host to the Leiston Lynx teams.

There will be an opportunity for parents and spectators to take part in the fun & games.

The Lady Mayor Angel Goodwin and her husband Councillor John Goodwin will also attend the event.

Green Fashion Event sponsored by Jutexpo wins award

2010-03-08T11:52:00.001Z

A Green Fashion Event at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh which was sponsored by Jutexpo was awarded the Best Small Event 2009 at the Scottish Events Award - an awards scheme which rewards and celebrates all areas of the events industry in Scotland.

The Fashion Event took place on Thursday 26th March 2009 and was sponsored by Jutexpo. Money raised at the event was donated to Friends of the Earth Scotland
www.foe-scotland.org.uk

Well done to Arlene and the team at the university!

Worcestershire Life - March 2010 (50 movers and shakers)

2010-02-23T10:45:00.000Z

Incredibly, our MD, Barrie Turner, has been named as one of the top 50 movers and shakers of Worcestershire in Worcestershire Life Magazine, March 2010 edition.
He is part of an eclectic mix of business men, tv and music celebrities, fashion designers, sportsman and jute bag men(!).
Just to give you an idea of the prestigious company we are keeping, Graeme Hick, Anne Diamond, Nigel Kennedy, Stella McCartney and Sue Barker, along with some other local business and charity people.

In all seriousness, it's great to be included in this list, even just as recognition of our efforts to reduce the plastic bag usage of the UK.

ClimateCare wins Best Offset Retailer in Environmental Finance survey

2010-02-16T10:17:00.001Z

In our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint as an organisation, Jutexpo Limited is part of JP Morgan's ClimateCare initiative, which offsets carbon emissions through credible, verified carbon reduction projects. ClimateCare has recently been awarded the Best Offset Retailer in the Voluntary Carbon Survey 2009 by Environmental Finance magazine.

In total, J.P. Morgan’s voluntary markets team won three out of a total eight categories in Environmental Finance’s survey. More than 500 votes were received in the survey which, for the first time, was conducted separately from Environmental Finance and Carbon Finance’s annual market survey, which polls readers on mandatory carbon markets, renewable energy finance, weather risk management, and sulphur and nitrogen oxides allowance markets.

The results are published in the February 2010 issue of Environmental Finance.

For more details visit:
http://www.jpmorganclimatecare.com/about/news/best-offset-retailer-climate-care/
http://www.environmental-finance.com/onlinews/0211win.html

Jutexpo benefits from government's EFG scheme

2010-02-02T15:24:00.002Z

A report from the BBC uses Jutexpo as an example of a company benefiting from the government's Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme, launched in 2009.

Read the full report here
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8481463.stm

Boris Johnson sets an Olympic goal for London to be Britain’s first plastic bag-free city

2010-01-18T14:58:00.006Z

Article in the Times newspaper on Boris Johnson's plans to make London plastic-bag free

"London could become Britain's first plastic-bag-free city in time for the Olympics in 2012, under plans published today by Boris Johnson to reduce litter and landfill waste.

Shoppers will be given greater incentives to bring their own reusable bags, and supermarkets may be encouraged to charge for single-use bags issued at the check-out....."

Click here to read the full article
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6991689.ece

How big is a tonne of CO2?

2009-12-15T12:27:00.011Z

Published in the Daily Telegraph in reference to the Copenhagen climate change conference, this photo very clearly illustrates the size of a tonne of CO2.

If you consider that each jute or juco bag saves a 10kg of Co2 in its lifetime, it only takes 100 regularly-used jute and juco bags to save this amount of CO2 in 3-4 years.

How eco-friendly is that?!

New eco alternative to cotton is launched

2009-12-09T11:59:00.000Z

Our new Juco range was officially launched on 19th November. Made from 75% jute and 25% cotton, jute has been developed to take the best properties of both fibres to create an ecological alternative to cotton and canvas bags that:

• Is just as strong and reusable
• Is produced from a sustainable resource
• Has a lower carbon footprint
• Has a lower water footprint
• Has a lower overall ecological impact

So in addition to jute bags, we can now supply ethically-produced juco bags – and continue our efforts to reduce plastic bags and landfill waste.

Promoting the Best of British with jute!

2009-12-09T11:42:00.006Z

From Broadway.....

Russell’s award-winning hotel and restaurant in Broadway recently undertook a novel marketing campaign to attract the attention of journalists and key travel writers in London. Wanting to promote the local area and local produce, a bag of local apples with an apple-based recipe were sent, together with an invitation to visit their restaurant. These were extremely well-received and resulted in a number of journalists visiting the restaurant.

.....to Sweden

The English Shop is a busy, lively shop in Sweden with branches in Stockholm, and Gothenburg on the west coast. Both shops sell a huge range of British food, drink, books and gifts to the large expat population and native Swedes, with the biggest sellers being Walkers
Salt & Vinegar crisps, PG Tips and Cadbury’s chocolate.

Over the years their Union Jack-embellished carrier bags have been a trademark in both cities, and have helped to develop strong brand recognition for the business. A recent redesign of their logo prompted the shop to consider their use of plastic carrier bags and their impact on the environment. Jute bags were chosen as the obvious alternative, and have proved very popular with customers. A larger model is currently in production.

Sharing our experience with other SMEs

2009-12-09T11:27:00.004Z

Jutexpo was invited as a guest speaker at a recent Lloyds TSB event aimed at SMEs. Sam Turner, Director of Operations, took to the stage to share our experiences of running a successful company and the various obstacles and hurdles we have had to overcome. Roger Scott, Senior Manager, Lloyds TSB Commercial said, "Jutexpo is a great example of a successful UK company with a sound yet ethical business model. We wanted them to be part of this event to show other entrepreneurs what they can achieve".

Tesco launch jute bag mascot

2009-12-09T11:20:00.003Z

In their continuing efforts to reduce plastic bag consumption among its customers, Tesco recently launched a jute bag mascot. Based on the design of their iconic ladybird bag, which is produced by Jutexpo, the mascot will be available in stores to encourage customers to switch from using plastic bags to jute or juco bags, and promote the benefits of making that change.

Like the bags, the mascot is ecologically-friendly, ethically produced and very long lasting...so watch out for it in a store near you!

Delta Taxis - an ingenious marketing campaign with and ethical twist

2009-12-09T10:53:00.007Z

Delta Taxis, a Merseyside Taxi firm, recently ran a very successful and ingenious marketing campaign around jute bags. The objective of the campaign was to raise the profile of their company in a fun way – but with a sound ethical message. They created eye-catching shopping bags and sandwich bags based on their buzzy bee logo, with the strapline “give us a buzz’ which they then distributed on a busy Saturday. In key locations, shoppers were welcomed by a Buzzy Bee stage and a real live Buzzy Bee giving out free bags, as well as balloons and other treats.

In total, 10,000 bags were distributed and the following weekend, Halloween, they recorded their biggest ever demand for taxis since the company’s inception – a record 20,000 calls an hour. The sandwich bags also proved the ideal tool for kids collecting sweets in their trick or treating games!

Birminham Post 27 Nov 09 - Funding Bagged by Ethical Manufacturer

2009-12-09T10:38:00.006Z

An ethically-produced bag-maker plans to boost turnover and break into new domestic and overseas markets after securing a £4.2 million funding package. Evesham-based Jutexpo, which employs 25 people in the UK and more than 2,000 in India, plans to grow its £10 million turnover after securing the funding from Lloyds TSB.

The firm provides reusable jute shopping bags to some of the UK's largest organisations, including supermarket giant Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco, plans to benefit from a growth in environmentally-aware consumers keen to reduce plastic bag usage. It reached a deal with the bank for a £3.5 million invoice discounting facility and £700,000 worth of loans from Lloyds TSB Commercial.

Barrie Turner, managing director at Jutexpo, said the invoice discounting facility would beef up the company's cash flow and free up funds to ensure it has the capital required to secure more new contracts. The funding is expected to dramatically increase the firm's turnover over the next 12 months by enabling it to target new markets in the UK and internationally.
Mr Turner said: "Each year our turnover has increased significantly, in line with the rising demand for an ethically produced and eco friendly alternative to plastic bags. There is huge growth potential in the UK and overseas and we intend to make the most of these expansion opportunities. Our ongoing relationship with Lloyds TSB will contribute significantly to our success over the next few years."

Jute bag telly watch

2009-11-04T17:58:00.000Z

Another truimph for the lowly jute bag!

This time on BBC 1, Have I Got News For You. The jute bag has made the opening credits!
In a scene where a lazy slob is trying to take a load of free plastic bags, he is interrupted by a shopper showing him the jute bag!

Jute bag Telly Watch - X-Factor and Economy Gastronomy

2009-09-23T10:13:00.003+01:00

There are 2 this week!

First up is X-Factor, you have to look quite closely, it's at the bottom right of the screen!

It's one of our older Tesco Green jute bags, and it's being used by one of the supporting family members of one of the good groups this year... there's not been many good groups!

Obviously Dermot is very happy about this...

The second wonderful telly watch was on Economy Gastronomy and this time it was one of our lovely National Trust bag. It was being used to go shopping economically, in an attempt to reduce the amount they spent on food each week. More importantly it is helping them cut down on the amount of plastic bags they use too!

Marketing Conference - Edge Hill University

2009-09-23T10:13:00.000+01:00

Jutexpo were invited to speak at a conference at Edge Hill University last week.
The talk was part of an internal conference day on marketing within the learning services teams.
The speaker prior to me was Alison Gow at the Daily Post and Echo in Liverpool, who gave a great speech on how marketing has changed within the newspaper print industry, and how it is all moving online at a rapid rate.
I spoke about how our marketing has changed over the years, as our understanding and the market has evolved.
The key message now is all to do with re-usability. The manufacture cost and disposal cost can only really be affected by how often the bag is used, and our bags last longer than most.

http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/

Jutexpo help support IMEA - Lean and Green Conference 2009

2009-09-23T10:06:00.000+01:00

Jutexpo were delighted to attend the Lean and Green Conference in the heart of London at Westminster this week.

The conference was set up to look into the following:
We have waited for many years for the environment to be at the heart of the economic agenda: Government has argued that it is the shift to a low carbon and resource efficient economy that will pull the UK out of the economic downturn.
What is the role of the environmental profession in this new economy? Has the Government got it right?
This innovative conference will answer these questions and provide you with the latest thinking to support you and your company to make money and save money.
The conference will promote:

The role and importance of the Environmental Professional in a Low Carbon and Resource Efficient Economy – how you can make money and save money for your company
Government’s approach to a Low Carbon and Resource Efficient Economy including key policy initiatives, financial incentives and free support
The latest technologies, tools, skills and environmental thinking to equip you in making a real difference to your company’s bottom line.

http://www.iema.net/leanandgreen

Jutexpo support local restoration project - Evesham Observer

2009-08-20T09:39:00.000+01:00

Regal bags show green credentials

Gary Smee, Evesham Observer, 19 August 2009

Read the full article here.

A NEW way has been developed for townsfolk to show their support for the ongoing restoration of the Regal Cinema and demonstrate their green credentials at the same time. The operators of the Port Street cinema have teamed up with the UK's leading jute bag supplier, Broadway based Jutexpo, to design three different Regal Cinema bags - one with a picture of the cinema building, another with a director's board and the third with an ice cream tray on it. The bags will go on sale for the first time at the E.W. Huxley and Son 80th birthday celebrations at Hampton Ferry on Sunday (August 23).

The Regal's restoration manager Laurence Wiper said he was delighted with the town's response to the restoration plans so far. "The support from the public has been unprecedented," he said. "These bags are another great way for people to get involved with this project and further show their support. We also want this re-development to be as green as possible."

The bags cost £10 each or all three for £20.

Jutexpo ME and Jute Couture on Radio Dubai

2009-08-17T13:04:00.000+01:00

Danny Berger, Jutexpo ME, and Georgie Hearson from Jute Couture were delighted to be asked to speak on the Nightline Radio Show in Dubai, to talk about the moves afoot in the Emirate to reduce their reliance on plastic bags, and to move to a more sustainable model of reusable bags.

Radio Station:- 92.8FM
Programme:- Nightline
Presenter:- Rachel McLoughlin
Date:- Sunday 9th August 2009
Time: 9-10pm

It makes very interesting listening!

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust - New Adoption Product

2009-08-14T11:56:00.002+01:00

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), a leading UK conservation organisation saving wetlands for wildlife and people across the world, has proudly launched a new Bird Adoption product. This new and improved shop product contains information about the bird adoption scheme, an adoption form and a species specific cuddly toy.

Currently sold in WWT shops located at nine visitor centres around the UK, Bird in a Bag introduces people to one of five species – Mallard, Eurasian Crane, Lesser Flamingo, Hawaiian Goose Nene and Bewick’s Swan. Proceeds from Bird Adoption helps WWT protect the future of threatened birds here in the UK and around the world.

“We are very grateful to Jutexpo Ltd for helping us design and deliver such fantastic packaging for our Bird in a Bag. Response to the jute bag, and the product as a whole, has been really positive from both staff and visitors”. Sarah Masterman-Lees, Membership Executive, WWT.

Sshhhhh!! - Special project!

2009-08-14T11:55:00.001+01:00

Jutexpo have been working on a secret project for the last few months now and we are soon to reveal what it is! Safe to say it will continue the unique message of ‘Beyond the Bag’ that sits behind every one of our reusable jute bags.

Watch this space!

We are committed to reducing the number of plastic bags in the world, whilst continuing to reduce the already low footprint of our bags. This has formed the basis of our new project, as we seek to utilise Jute’s best inherent property, it’s very low footprint.

We’ve sold over 25m jute bags, which if one Jute bag was used as it was intended, it would replace the need for around 100 plastic bags per year. Potentially the usage of our jute bags have contributed to a reduction of 2,500,000,000 plastic bags, that’s 2.5 billion!

Holy Xabia

2009-08-14T11:50:00.003+01:00

Jutexpo were delighted to support the Environment Group of Agenda 21, to help them create an awareness campaign which aims to reduce the consumption of plastic bags through the introduction of our attractive jute bags which will be provided to local businesses. Xàbia wants to put itself on the map as a sustainable town, one of the first in Spain to try and stop the use of plastic bags.

The growing number of plastic bags is a major source of pollution which contributes directly to the deaths of millions of animals.

According to the Ministry of the Environment, 10,500 million plastic bags are distributed in Spain each year. They are also the main producer of these single-use bags and the third consumer in Europe, only 10% of these bags are recycled. Throughout the world, countries are increasingly aware of the damage caused by plastic bags and take action to prohibit distribution or at least force consumers to pay for them.

But Spain is different, and the Government has had to retract its goal of banning plastic bags from 2010. Finally the National Integrated Waste Plan 2008-2015 only reflects that we must reduce the use of these bags by 50% from 2010.

The Environmental Group of Xàbia's Agenda 21 has initiated an awareness campaign through which it is intended that the town serves as a reference, in the region and in the country, for the replacement of plastic bags for others of sustainable material.

Tesco - Shine - Talent 2 Trade bag Design Competition

2009-07-02T11:34:00.004+01:00

As part of our commitment to supporting youth projects, Jutexpo were delighted to work together with Shine and Tesco on their Talent2Trade competition. The competition was a joint venture between Tesco and Shine, a Government and Arts Council backed organisation. Talent2Trade is focused on developing commercial design talent in students. It works through every stage of development from idea to marketable product.
School pupils were set an artistic and environmental challenge, to design an eco-friendly shopping bag. The nationwide Talent2Trade competition saw the design concepts of the lucky winners brought to life when their bags were produced and sold in Tesco stores in their region.

Over 70,000 entries were submitted, with 6 regional winners and 1 overall winner.

The winners were:

Jack Royal, East Midlands, Overall Winner
Kyle Doran, North East Winner
Nicole Sarens, North West Winner
Shannon Mcelvenney, East England Winner
Ezoe Robinson, City of London Winner
Eve Gordon, Scotland Winner
Ebonie Whitwell, North East Winner

We produced the bags direct from their designs, which was a fun challenge, as we had to interpret some of the designs to work in production, whilst retaining the key messages of the design.
The winner, Jack Royal, said his bag design had been aimed at encouraging people to be more aware about major environmental issues such as cutting down pollution. He said,

“I wanted to draw something that people would have to look twice at to really get the message.” - Jack Royal

Congratulations to all the winners from everyone at Jutexpo.

Environment Agency and EYE Project - plastic bag free day in Worthing

2009-06-30T15:44:00.000+01:00

Jutexpo have supported the Environemt Agency for many years now, and this year we were delighted to help support them again, along with the EYE Project (Eco, Young and Engaged), set up by Tim Loughton MP.

They were out and about in Worthing asking shoppers to switch from plastic bags to one of our ethically produced reusable jute shopping bags.

They had a great response, giving away over 4,500 bags.

Congratulations from all of us at Jutexpo.

Jute Bag Telly Watch - The Money Programme @ 52m - (BBC 2, 9:00pm Tuesday 23rd June 2009)

2009-06-26T09:26:00.000+01:00

Another jute bag spot! They are getting around... this time on the Money Programme. It was a Tewkesbury shopping bag, supplied by Jutexpo to help support the shop local campaign.

For the past ten years, the British have shopped till they dropped. Now recession is threatening the nation's favourite pastime, and one of its biggest industries. It is the latest blow for many of Britain's beleaguered high streets.

Retail guru Mary Portas wants to discover why boom towns are becoming bust towns, and what can be done to stop the extraordinary number of shop closures around Britain. Can anything be done to keep tills ringing and high streets alive?

Mary takes on her biggest challenge to date: saving not just a single shop but the entire town centre of Tewkesbury, which is fighting the recession with true Blitz spirit.

To watch the episode click on the link below (available until 8:59pm Wednesday 15th July 2009)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00lbsvh/Money_Programme_2009_Mary_Portas_Save_Our_Shops/

ASDA Magazine - May 09

2009-06-23T15:40:00.000+01:00

Like all of our customers, ASDA is working with the Government to reduce the environmental impact of carrier bags. Customers can do their bit by picking up a reusable bag in store, or by buying a Bag for Life for 5p or a Jutexpo jute bag (above), 88p for a small, 98p for a large.

Jutexpo and the One Foundation - working together

2009-06-16T13:17:00.007+01:00

Jutexpo are now working with the One Foundation. Ethics and integrity are the core of both organisations, and we look forward to working with them well into the future.

We've committed to buying one of One water's water pumps, and have set up a donation page with Just giving to help raise more money for One:

http://www.justgiving.com/jutexpo_onefoundation

All One water’s profits fund amazing roundabout powered water pumps in Africa. We’ve already raised over £2 million and really need your help to continue this.

Please show your support and sign our online petition at:

www.onedifference.org

Jute Bag Telly Watch - Eastenders @ 22m (BBC 1, 7:30pm Tuesday 09 June 2009)

2009-06-15T14:09:00.003+01:00

Yet another bag sighting, this time on Eastenders!
It seems Whitney's estranged mum (who has now left for Greece without her) was using one around Albert Square! Thank goodness real life is not like it is in Walford, but at least reusable bags spreading even further.
On a serious note, it's great to see how widepsread the use of reusable bags is getting, in particular our jute bags.
Thanks to all our customers, and especially the lady on the clip!

Broadwalk Center - Bag Giveaway

2009-06-15T14:04:00.002+01:00

Last week to celebrate World Environment day and the governments campaign of “get a bag habit” The Broadwalk Center treated their shoppers to a free Jutexpo Eco bag for spending £15 or more in the shopping centre between the 5-7 June. It was a resounding success as they managed to shift over 850 bags in 15 hours!

If you would like to see any pictures of our event… please view them by clicking onto the following two links:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=80221&id=87209207838&ref=mf

http://www.thebroadwalkcentre.co.uk/news-events-offers/news/eco-bag-photos.aspx

Girl Guide Design-a-Bag Competition Winner

2009-06-15T14:02:00.003+01:00

We were delighted to have the opportunity to support a bag design competition with the Girl Guides.

This competition was won by Emma Blackburn, with this excellent design. There were 500 entries from 62 girl guide groups, so winning is a real achievement.
The design was chosen due to its’ creative flair, and reflects the values currently being celebrated throughout the 2009 centenary year.
These bags are going to be sold at the Centenary Launch Party in September to help raise funds for the Fourth Saint Anne’s Guides Unit.

http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/guides/newsandevents/jutebagwinner.html

Celebrity Jute Bag Watch - Sienna Miller (Highgrove bag)

2009-05-19T09:40:00.000+01:00

Sienna Miller was wandering around the Chelsea Flower Show yesterday, at the VIP preview day, and just so happened to be sporting a lovely jute bag, one that might make Prince Charles happy!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningpicturegalleries/5345379/Chelsea-Flower-Show-2009-Celebrities-at-the-VIP-preview-day.html?image=1

Jutexpo jute bags pass 25 million mark

2009-05-13T19:39:00.000+01:00

Jutexpo were recently featured in the grocery trader magazine:

With over 25 million bags currently in circulation in the UK, Jutexpo’s ethically produced jute bags are fast becoming synonymous with the reusable bag movement. Jutexpo have established themselves as the market leaders in ethically produced reusable jute bags, supplying the major supermarkets, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose, along with many councils, charities and retailers.

Click here fo full story

Council of Europe Bags

2009-05-08T14:03:00.000+01:00

Jutexpo recently supplied bags to the Council of Europe, to celebrate their 60th anniversary. Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe:

groups together 47 countries plus one applicant country, Belarus, whose special guest status has been
suspended due to its lack of respect for human rights and democratic principles.
includes 5 more observer countries (the Holy See, the United States, Canada, Japan and Mexico),
is distinct from the 27-nation European Union, but no country has ever joined the Union without first
belonging to the Council of Europe
has its headquarters in Strasbourg, in north-eastern France.

Jeremy Moakes, spokesman for the council of Europe said of the bags:
"They have been a real hit! Everyone says they are excellent for shopping, but I suspect that they are really planning to take them to the beach ... ! The bags are getting spread around various member states too. 200 were sent back to London for a big meeting organised by the FCO on 5 May. We are also sending stocks out to our information offices in Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Slovenia, etc, and to our centres in Lisbon and Graz. On 5 May every visitor to the main Council of Europe building will receive a bag."

Jutexpo support Buy Local Campaign with Worcester News

2009-04-30T13:33:00.000+01:00

We are sponsoring this campaign and have produced an iconic environmentally-friendly jute bag specifically for it. There are 5,000 bags to give away to readers – make sure of your Worcester News next week for full details of how to get yours.
Jutexpo’s operations and compliance director, Sam Turner, said: “As a local business ourselves, we are very excited to be part of this great initiative and delighted we are able to help.
“We believe the bag will prove very popular with local people by reminding them about the aims of the Buy Local campaign to help raise awareness of many smaller, independent, businesses throughout the county.”

For more information please click below
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/buylocal/