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 shopping bag is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable and offered at an accessible price point.

Just Arrived

The Universal Bag at National Azabu, Japan

Our National Azabu Universal Bag is back in stores in Tokyo. Arriving in forest green with yellow accents, the reprised large bag is joined by a mini version – our first mini Universal Bag to launch in Japan – and is available in National Azabu stores.

Please note customers will be able to purchase a maximum of one of each size of bag. Follow us on Instagram to be the first to hear updates on the Universal Bag project.

The Full Line Up

FAQs

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 8PT
Australia
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 (addition when launch)

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 one of each set. 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 5-10 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 has the price of the Universal Bag changed?

We’ve priced the Anya Hindmarch limited edition Universal Bags at £23 for a set of two – one large, one small, and £20 – two small. We recognise that this is slightly higher than the cost of previous launches with supermarkets in the UK, when the large bags were priced at £10. This is partly due to the increased cost of the Universal Bag over time and also reflects the higher costs that we are incurring to bring this to you. We also don’t have the logistical and cost efficiencies of the large supermarkets that we usually work with to launch the Universal Bag. This price is also in line with our international launches, which were equivalently priced. We hope that you’ll agree this is still a modest price for a bag that is designed to last, is recyclable at end of life and will become the first bag you reach for, whatever the reason.
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. If you do encounter any faults, please contact our Customer Service team.
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.
Where can I buy the Universal Bag in Japan?

The National Azabu, Japan edition is available at the following stores:
National Azabu
4-5-2 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku Tokyo
National Den-en
2-6-21 Tamagawa Den-en-chofu, Setagaya-ku Tokyo
National Azabu Hiroo Garden Hills
Hiroo Garden Hills H 4-1-11 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku Tokyo

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.