Why WBC will never supply ‘bags for life’ at unsustainable prices
Acquiring a jute bags for life business has certainly opened our eyes to the printed “bags for life” market in the UK, especially the knock on effect it has on the Indian communities where jute bags are made. The entire process from growing jute, processing the raw fabric, manufacturing and finally shipping jute bags, is hugely important to the West Bengal region of India, as well as neighbouring Bangladesh.
Whilst the use of jute fabric has declined from its peak in the late 1950’s, the jute bag business has been given a massive boost in recent years. That’s a positive development for the region. Everyone wants a piece of the action, especially as consumers and governments alike begin to wise up to the destructiveness of plastic. But what happens when you drive down prices at the expense of those who depend on it for subsistence? Here are some of the reasons why WBC will never supply ‘bags for life’ at unsustainable prices.
Glasgow smiles better – was the PR mantra Scotland rolled out some 20 years ago in a bid to promote trade and tourism and capture much needed capital investment. It was one of the first and laudably most successful promotional campaigns ever held by a city and it quickly landed Glasgow with a sporran full of national and international awards. A quick wiki scan shows the campaign focused on the cultural richness of the city, its environment, its mild climate and its suitability for retail enterprise. Whilst I have to immediately take issue with any concept of Glasgow having a ‘mild climate’, certainly some decades on from the campaign and it’s clear something has worked. Tourist boards now refer to Scotland’s ‘better’ capital as the best place to shop outside London. In fact an Experian study has had it placed in the top spot for the last 5 years! Bobby visited Scotland’s trade Fair Autumn 2012 to have a look and see what’s happening in the area of gifting, who was exhibiting and some of fair highlights.