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

Our founder, Jocelyn, with the founder of Burt Bees, Burt Shavitz

Our Beginning

Clean Market Bag started with a simple Idea: replace plastic bags with something that actually lasts. After years of testing different plant fibres, we found the answer in Manila hemp (abaca), a strong, sustainable, and naturally antibacterial. What began as one bag has grown into partnerships with retailers and hospitality groups around the world, helping them meet sustainability goals with the greenest bag on the planet.

The Material Advantage

Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is a powerhouse fibre. It is naturally antibacterial, contains zero microplastics, and is durable yet compostable in about 90 days under industrial conditions. The same fibre trusted for marine ropes and Japanese banknotes is what makes Clean Market Bag stronger, safer, and built to last.

*Tested and validated by 5Redo, one of the top Canadian Sustainability labs

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 Artisans , Not Factories

Every Clean Market Bag is handwoven and finished by artisans in the Philippines, with no industrial chemicals. Choosing our bag means supporting sustainable livelihoods and giving your customers a durable and sustainable material that’s built to last for years.

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.