Waste in Progress is not just another sustainable bag company; they truly demonstrate practices that change the way you see their company. I first met Ben Wood, one of the founders, through Carrigami during our bag submission presentations. He gave me some very valuable feedback for the design of my bag, I even took a photo of his notes to make sure I didn't forget any. At this point, I still had no idea what WIPWRK was.

A few days later, Ben Tang told me Ben Wood was interested in letting me visit their studio. This was very exciting so I contacted the team and organised a date. I drove to them in the East, where their studio was based out of an outdoor gear store, on the mezzanine floor. I was greeted by Ben and introduced to Frank. They were both such happy and kind souls. We talked for hours about their studies and their work experiences afterward, how they live a meaningful life for themselves, and so many different things in between. But the reason I was there was to learn about their business, WIPWRK.

They realised the damage caused by the current end-of-life of soft fabrics, especially the vast numbers of outdoor gear which is no longer useable. That's how they concluded that there had to be a way to convert these long-lasting products. The vast number of materials they acquired since operating was a good indication of the incomprehensible amounts being disposed of worldwide.

The first product they released was a barrel chalk bag, made from 100% repurposed materials. The concept was strong, however, maybe too niched. 

Along the way, they also experimented with the commercial space. They worked with an advanced technology manufacturing company, making recycled-material robot arm covers. This was a sector that had massive potential to provide great purpose for the material they have promised to keep out of landfill. One of the limitations they found with this space was the capacity required for them to fulfil. Still in the early stages of the business, some of the requests they were receiving would make it impossible, currently, to also look after their product lines.