Five Years Of The Universal Bag
Launched in 2021 after two years of research and exploration, the Universal Bag is Anya Hindmarch’s most ambitious sustainability project to date. The next generation of reusable bag, the Universal Bag builds on I Am Not A Plastic Bag and I Am A Plastic Bag, tackling single-use plastic, rescuing post-consumer waste from landfill and inspiring a reuse mindset. The spacious bag's fabric is made from 100% recycled plastic and is fully recyclable and offered at an accessible price point.
Since we launched our first Universal Bag, five years ago, the project has saved approximately 600 tonnes of plastic from landfill – the equivalent weight of 40 double decker buses.
Just Landed
To mark five years of the Universal Bag, we’re delighted to launch our exclusive claret colourway. The duo of bags – one full sized, one mini – are available online now.
Customers are able to purchase a maximum of two sets per order. Please note when ordering online, the Universal Bag cannot be purchased with any other items, please allow 5-10 days for delivery.
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The Full Line Up
![[cover]](http://www.anyahindmarch.com/cdn/shop/files/24_02_06_Model_May1537copy_{width}x.jpg?v=1775560192)
![[cover]](http://www.anyahindmarch.com/cdn/shop/files/24_02_06_Model_May1537copy_2048x2048.jpg?v=1775560192)
Universal Bag FAQs
What does 100% recycled fabric mean?
All of the fabric we use to make the Universal Bag, including the straps, is 100% recycled, certified according to the Global Recycling Standard (GRS) criteria, and made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. To finish the bag and ensure it is sturdy and long-lasting, the inside is coated with a finishing, or lining, which is 98% recycled – made from PCR plastic.
When we first created the bag it was categorised as 100% recycled, as previously the GRS scope certification did not include finishings. Now the certification has changed, we are able to include this PCR plastic lining within the GRS certification.
Where do you ship to?
In order to be able to supply Universal Bags to customers who wish to order online, we’ve worked with distribution and shipping partners to create a special delivery process. This is separate to our usual online shipping process, and unfortunately doesn’t cover all countries.
We are able to ship to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.How will my Universal bag be packaged?
You might notice your online Universal Bag order arrives packaged slightly differently to your usual Anya Hindmarch orders. This is because we are using a completely separate shipping service to make sure the Universal Bag is accessible to as many customers as possible, and to be able to bring you the chance to shop it online. Your Universal Bag or bags will be delivered in minimal packaging without paperwork, with your bag or bags folded inside.
Where can I buy The Universal Bag?
The Universal Bag project is a series of collaborations with supermarkets and grocery stores worldwide – each edition is produced in limited quantities and sold via individual retailers. Stock is limited and our team has no visibility on availability – to secure a bag, keep an eye on our social media and get in touch with individual retailers for further information.
Where can I recycle my bag?
The Universal Bag is 100% recyclable.
If you are in the UK, you can use the innovative returns pouch that is part of the bag’s pocket. Simply fold your bag into its pouch and post through the nearest postbox using the printed Freepost address. The pouch avoids contamination and ensures that when it reaches the recycling centre it will be 100% recycled locally.
If you are in the UK and your bag does not have a Freepost address, please send your bag to:
Freepost RUCL-STYT-YZAZ
Solent International Ltd
Unit 7
Towngate Business Centre
Everite Road
WIDNES
WA8 8PTAustralia
If you are in Australia and wish to recycle your Universal Bag, please send to:
FAO Terracycle Zero Waste Bin, 4/24-30 Dover Drive, Burleigh QLD 4220
If you are outside the UK, Australia and/or your bag does not have a Freepost address, your bag can be recycled following your local recycling regulations.Can I buy The Universal Bag online?
From time to time we may be able to offer The Universal Bag to buy online. This may be as an Anya Hindmarch edition, or from our supermarket collaborations, both in strictly limited quantities. These online launches will operate in a slightly different way to our usual ecommerce orders, please refer to the below FAQs for further information.
How many Universal Bags can I buy online?
The Universal Bag is available online as a set of two bags; customers are able to purchase a maximum of 2 sets per order. This is due to the bags being available in limited quantities and to ensure more customers have a chance to purchase. Please also note you will be unable to add other products to your order, as we are using a different shipping method and dispatch location from our usual ecommerce orders.
When will my online Universal Bag order arrive and will there be any extra charges?
We know you’re excited to receive your order, and we’re excited to get it to you. We’ve worked with our shipping partners to arrange the fastest delivery possible, but we’re expecting high demand so if you don’t receive your order as quickly as you’d like, we apologise and promise it’ll be worth the wait!
All orders will be shipped on a DAP service. Please note you will be responsible for any additional charges at customs.
Please allow 5-15 days for delivery.
Why is the shipping higher for Universal Bag online orders than on standard orders?
In order to be able to supply Universal Bags to customers who wish to order online, we’ve worked with distribution and shipping partners to create a special process that is outside our usual delivery method. It’s a different and specific set-up for us, and for this reason the shipping costs are slightly higher. We hope that the modest price of the bags will make up for this.
Why can’t I add other items to my basket?
In order to be able to supply Universal Bags to customers who wish to order online, we’ve worked with distribution and shipping partners to create a special delivery process. This is separate to our usual online shipping process, and the bags will be dispatched from a different location. For this reason, we are unable to combine your orders. We hope this doesn’t cause too much inconvenience.
What happens if my bag is faulty?
We hope you’ll be really happy with your Universal Bag, however, if your bag was purchased recently and is found to be faulty, please contact the retailer where you bought it. For example, if you purchased it from a supermarket, reach out to them directly. If the bag was purchased through our website, please contact us.
If you've already sent your bag for a replacement using the returns address found on the inside pocket, you can check the status of your replacement by emailing theuniversalbag@solentgroup.co.uk
Does the standard returns process apply to Universal Bags bought online?
Yes, our standard returns process applies to any purchase made. Please refer to our returns page for full details. If you do proceed with a return, in lieu of an invoice please include a mention of your order number from your confirmation email in order for us to locate your purchase.
Why can’t I add a gift message to my online order?
Because we are using a special delivery process that is separate to our usual online shipping process, it is unfortunately not possible to add a gift message. Please also note that paper invoices will not be included in packages for the same reason and to keep any excess packaging to a minimum.
Can I cancel or amend my order?
Due to high demand, it will not be possible to amend or cancel your order once place.
How do I activate my Woolworths Universal Bag guarantee?
If you are in Australia and have purchased a Woolworths Universal Bag, there is no need to register your purchase to activate your guarantee– manufacturing defects are covered, but accidental damage is not. If you need a replacement within 10 years of purchase, please send your bag (at your own cost) to the following address, including your return address inside your parcel for your replacement: 4/24-30 Dover Drive, Burleigh QLD 4220 AUSTRALIA.
A Global Initiative
It is the scale of the project which sets the Universal Bag apart. Designed by Anya Hindmarch and made by Solent Group, it includes multiple collaborations across supermarkets, each working with us on their own unique design and colour which are sold exclusively in their stores. The ongoing global initiative sees new editions introduced regularly across the world – to date 15 retailers across 3 countries, with dynamic future plans.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
In the years since I Am Not A Plastic Bag and I Am A Plastic Bag, use of single-use plastic bags has reduced dramatically. But it’s not enough. Often, reusable bags are forgotten, only used a few times, or even thrown away, as it’s tricky or impossible to recycle them.
"a desirable, durable, reusable, 100% recycled and 100% recyclable tote bag"
