Think your bag is sustainable just because the label says so?
You might want to look again.
In today’s fashion world, “eco-friendly” has become a trend and with it, a lot of misleading marketing. From brands using recycled plastics to those wrapping polyester in green-colored tags, many so-called “sustainable” products are far from truly eco-conscious.
At MaLeeMa, we’re not just rethinking bags we’re rewriting the rules of what it means to be sustainable. In this blog, we uncover how many ‘green’ bags are still harming the planet and how MaLeeMa is different, down to the last thread.
Many mainstream brands use the term "eco-friendly" for products that still include:
🧵 Synthetic threads (polyester, nylon)
♻️ Recycled plastic linings (still plastic!)
🔘 Plastic zippers and buttons
🌊 Microplastic-shedding fabrics
Just because it’s “recycled” doesn’t mean it’s sustainable.
If it’s still plastic it’s still pollution.
These materials do not biodegrade. They shed microplastics, release toxins during production, and stay in landfills for centuries.
No plastic. No shortcuts. No greenwashing.
Every MaLeeMa product is:
🍌 Crafted from banana fiber a waste material turned into beautiful fabric
🌾 Stitched using cotton threads and natural trims
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏾 Made by rural women artisans, preserving heritage craft
📦 Packed in compostable packaging
♻️ 100% biodegradable and safe for the planet
| Feature | Typical 'Eco' Bag | MaLeeMa |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Recycled Polyester | Banana Fiber |
| Threads | Polyester Blend | Cotton |
| Zipper | Plastic | Coconut Button / Fabric Loop |
| Labels | PVC or Synthetic | Handwritten, Plant-Based |
| Made by | Machines | Artisans |
| Biodegradable? | ❌ | ✅ |
Greenwashing confuses consumers and slows real environmental progress.
Plastic pollution is still plastic even if it's "recycled."
Your choices create demand for better products and better systems.
When you support MaLeeMa, you're not just buying a bag.
You're voting for transparency, craft, and circular design.
It’s easy to get tricked by beautiful packaging and trendy buzzwords. But real sustainability lies in what your product is made of, who made it, and how it returns to the earth.
So… is your bag lying to you? Or is it telling the story of change?
With MaLeeMa, your bag speaks the truth and the planet listens.
https://www.instagram.com/maleema.in/
