handmade for you

crafted from waste

1. recycled plastic AS THE BASE MATERIAL

We use plastic that comes from industrial waste. This plastic is collected, sorted, and thoroughly cleaned so it becomes suitable for reuse.

2. from plastic to granulate

After cleaning, the plastic is ground together with the colour into small pellets: granulate.
This granulate forms the basis of the weaving material.

3. from granulate to straps

The granulate is then heated and formed into long, flexible plastic straps.
These straps are strong and pliable. Because the composition of the granulate can vary slightly per batch, small colour differences may occur. Immediately after forming, the strap is cooled so that it hardens and does not remain soft.

4. PREPARATION FOR THE HANDCRAFTERS

Once the strap material has been produced, preparation for the weaving process begins. From large rolls, the straps are carefully cut to size. This way, each handcrafter receives exactly what is needed for one bag or basket.

5. FROM PRODUCTION TO THE HANDCRAFTERS

These bundles are then transported by bicycle or scooter to the various weaving locations, or to weavers working from home.

6. Weaving using a mould

Each weaver receives a complete package and can immediately begin weaving. Using a custom-made wooden mould as a base, the weavers start their work. The mould ensures that each bag has the same size and that the shape remains consistent within the collection.

7. Interim quality control

Because the entire process is done by hand, small variations may occur. The width of a strap may vary slightly per batch, and the weaving tension may differ. To minimise these differences, measurements and checks are carried out during the weaving process.

8. The finishing touch

Once the products are finished, they are collected and undergo quality control. They are then fitted with their final details: handles, button and hangtag.
Only after each component has been attached and checked is the finished product carefully packed. It is then ready for shipment to the Netherlands.

the story behind our products

CRAFTED FROM WASTE

In a world where it’s so easy to throw things away, we choose to reuse.

Our baskets and bags are carefully handwoven, giving plastic a second life, turning leftover materials into something beautiful, durable and unique. Each product tells a story of craftsmanship and dedication.

In the rural villages of China and Vietnam, local artisans weave them with care and precision after working in the corn and rice fields.

By giving waste new purpose, we create not only distinctive, user-friendly and sustainable products, but also contribute to a circular production process. What was once considered waste is transformed into something valuable; a product that is gentle on the planet and supports the livelihood of its makers.

Our products are thoughtfully designed, fairly made and sustainably crafted.

ethically produced

fairmade for you

Handed By products are all handwoven. Respect for the Asian traditions and habits is high-up in our agenda. We do not co-operate with heartless manufacturing facilities but directly with the handcrafters; mostly women working from their homes. We offer regular work to around 400 qualified craftswomen. After the work on the fields is finished or when the children are at school, they generate extra income by weaving Handed By products. At home, with their husband, together with the neighbour on the porch or with a group of weavers somewhere in the village.

A glimpse into the life of…

mrs. HUONG, handcrafter

Mrs. Huong is one of about 400 craftswomen who weave baskets and bags for Handed By. She lives on a farm in northern Vietnam. During the day, Mrs. Huong works in the rice fields, and in the evenings, she weaves baskets and bags.
Mrs. Huong has a son and daughter. Since the death of her husband, she has been caring for her children virtually on her own.

products

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MINGLE

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shopper

COLOR MATCH

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furniture

HALO

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recycled for you

give plastic a second chance

The Handed By products are giving used-plastics a second chance. We recycle industrial plastic waste into strap material, to create new Handed By bags and basket collections. The entire Handed By collection is made out of recycled plastics. We can all contribute to this process by using recycled plastics in our daily lives. Help the environment and be creative yourself by finding new ways to reduce the use of plastics in general.