The practical everyday bag, created with the Solent Group, is made from 100 percent recycled plastic to encourage long-term reuse.
Why it matters
The brand said in a press release that the bag embodies its “Eco not Ego” philosophy by motivating customers to adopt better daily habits.
Founder and creative director Anya Hindmarch said, “The Universal Bag project has (since its launch in 2021) saved over 330 tons of virgin plastic from landfill to date, the equivalent weight of over 27 London double decker buses.”
“Plastic pollution remains a pressing environmental issue but working together with major global food retailers shows how the solution needs to be collaborative.”
The big picture
In the Philippines, GAIA estimates that the average Filipino uses 174 shopping bags each year—amounting to roughly 57 million bags a day or 20.6 billion annually. Hindmarch’s team positions The Universal Bag as a durable alternative that can meaningfully reduce dependence on disposables.
Local partnership
The Marketplace, the premium grocery chain under Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., is the exclusive Philippine partner for the bag’s rollout. It is also the first retailer globally to offer both the regular and mini versions at launch.
Christine Tueres, managing director of food segment (Big Formats), Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. said, “Partnering with Anya Hindmarch on The Universal Bag allows us to champion a more sustainable way of grocery shopping through a practical, long-lasting bag designed for everyday use.”“By offering both sizes—the regular and mini bags—nationwide, we hope to make it easier for customers to incorporate thoughtful, reusable choices into their daily routines.”
Behind the design
Manufactured by the Solent Group and certified under the Global Recycling Standard, each bag is engineered for longevity.
Tracey Dobkins, CEO of Solent Group, said, “Sustainability and innovation go hand in hand, and our partnership with Anya is a perfect example of that. The Universal Bag is more than just a reusable bag—it’s a thoughtfully designed solution that redefines style, convenience, and sustainability. With exceptional durability, it truly is a bag for life.”
Details
The Marketplace’s Philippine edition features brown tones with yellow handles and will be available in 38 stores starting December 2025. The small bag retails for P699 and the regular size for P899. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
