A woman and an older man standing inside a store with shelves of woven baskets and mats behind them, both giving thumbs-up gestures.

Clean Market Bag’s founder, Jocelyn, with the founder of Burt Bees, Burt Shavitz

Our Story

Clean Market Bag started with a simple Idea: replace plastic bags with something that actually lasts. After years of testing different plant fibres, such as jute, sea grass, cotton, and coconut, we found the answer in Manila hemp (abaca), a strong, sustainable, and naturally antibacterial fibre. What began as a solution to plastics when grocery shopping has evolved into partnerships with retailers and hospitality groups worldwide, helping them achieve their sustainability goals.

The Material Advantage

Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is a powerhouse fibre. It is naturally antibacterial, strong, and gets stronger when it gets wet; no wonder it has been used for years as a marine rope to haul ships. The same fibre is trusted in making paper, textiles, and Japanese banknotes.

Close-up of a traditional hand-woven broom made from dried plant fibers tied to a wooden handle in a lush green outdoor setting.
A woman working on a sewing machine in a workshop, sewing burlap material.

Crafted by Filipino Women Weavers

Every Clean Market Bag’s bag is handwoven and sewn by women weavers in the Philippines. It is not made in an industrial factory, and no chemicals are used.

Sustainability at the Source

Our supply chain starts with abaca farmers in the Philippines who harvest and strip the fibre by hand. By working directly at the source, we reduce waste, support rural communities, and ensure every bag is made responsibly from field to finish.

A young man in a blue t-shirt and shorts stands in a tropical garden, peeling a large banana leaf near a simple wooden structure.