BEAMS Scraps Vinyl Shopping Bags For Sustainable and Environmentally-Friendly Alternative

30.April.2021 | FASHION

BEAMS Japan will begin selling cotton shopping bags starting on May 1, scrapping the vinyl shopping bags it has been using until now in an effort to become a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly brand. Being made from natural cotton means no throwing away of plastic, plus it can be reused for a long time.

The BEAMS vinyl shopping bag has been in circulation since 1986

The new cotton bag being introduced on May 1, 2021

BEAMS-original paper water packs

The iconic BEAMS vinyl shopping bag was first introduced in 1986 and was adored for its convenient draw cord function, durability, and reusability. It became synonymous with BEAMS for etching its mark into the history of Shibu Kaji, or Shibuya’s casual culture. These bags were free to customers and were made down to the finest details just like clothing attire, from the inking to the braiding. Since their release, the bags have never undergone design or shape changes. The only thing that has been changed over the years is the material used for the eyelet where the cord is strung through in order to make it easier to separate. Additionally, part of the raw materials were changed to plant-based in order to reduce the reliance on oil resources.

 

BEAMS, which has been in operation for 45 years now, is now getting involved with the sustainable recovery efforts that have come even more to the forefront of the international stage during the pandemic. Their vinyl bags, of which 390,000 are made every year, will be abolished, and replaced with GOTS-certified organic cotton bags and sold for ¥550 (tax included) to customers who purchase something at BEAMS.

 

BEAMS has been making efforts to reduce since 1999, when it first introduced its scheme to gives shoppers the option to donate ¥100 to the OISCA Children’s Forest Program which “educates school children and communities about the environment through tree planting and other related environmental activities.” In total, it has raised over 30 million yen. With the introducing of the new cotton bags, this scheme will continue, with 10% of all proceeds made from sales of the bags to be donated to the program.



Additionally, BEAMS introduced FSC-certified paper bags to all BEAMS OUTLET and BEAMS GOLD stores in November 2020 and January 2021 respectively. It also released paper water packs in September 2020 which has saved on 60,000 PET bottles every year.

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Licaxxx Appears in KINGS with BEAMS SPORTS Concept Video

    17.January.2023 | FASHION

    Musical artist Licaxxx can be seen in KINGS with BEAMS SPORTS, a special concept movie made to promote the collaboration between BEAMS SPORTS and the Ryukyu Golden Kings, a B. League professional basketball team.   This project aims to expand the community surrounding both collaborators. BEAMS SPORTS creates opportunities for people to become more familiar with the positive energy generated by modern sports culture while the Ryukyu Golden Kings is known for celebrating the people and culture of Okinawa.   The concept video was planned and supervised by 92, a member of the artist collective GReeeeN. The star-studded cast includes Kabuki actor Matsuya Onoe and other basketball enthusiasts.   KINGS with BEAMS SPORTS
    <Comment from Planner and Supervising Director GReeeeN’s 92> “I want to share my home of Okinawa with both Japan and the world. The concept of this video is one of hope. I want the appeal of basketball to merge with tons of other cultures. I’m thrilled to be able to show my own take on historical backgrounds and culture in this new way!”   <Comment from Licaxxx> “There are so many musical artists who love basketball! But when compared to overseas fans, they’re much quieter and less open about it. I’m sure they blend in pretty well courtside. (Laugh) I hope everyone enjoys wearing these fashionable original items while cheering as hard as you can!”
  • BEAMS to Sponsor Music Festival, BE FEST, in July and August

    11.April.2022 | FASHION / FES

    BEAMS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022 ‘BE FES!’ will be held at Zepp concert halls in Sapporo, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka from July 5 to August 10, 2022.    The artist lineup and performance venues have been partially changed following the event’s postponement. The lineup will include a variety of unique artists that are all up-and-coming in the Japanese music scene, and the official T-shirts that were previously available for preorder are now available to order again at the BEAMS online store.   Areas around the venue will also offer events, and the BEAMS HAPPY TICKET will be available for guests to enjoy. The ticket is part of a collaboration with restaurants and shops in the area recommended by BEAMS staff.  The festival will be livestreamed so that those unable to attend the venues in person will still be able to enjoy! BEAMS is a company that loves music and wants to bring happiness to the people of the world with the power of music. Who are you most excited to see perform? 
  • Sweets Brand RURU MARY’S Collaborates with BEAMS COUTURE for Apparel Collection

    07.February.2022 | FASHION / FOOD

    BEAMS COUTURE, a BEAMS label focused on upcycling and handmade items, has teamed up with sweets brand RURU MARY’S for a special apparel collaboration collection.  

    Dress

    Knit Sweater

    Bag (Large)

    Bag (Small)

    Pouch

    Chocolate Sable

    The iconic floral illustrations used in RURU MARY’S packaging appear throughout the collection. The tote bag and pouch are made of insulating material, perfect for carrying chocolates! Each item also comes with a tag featuring a special rose sticker.
  • BEAMS Starts Campaign to Highlight the Charms of Aomori Prefecture

    09.January.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    BEAMS Japan has collaborated with 13 businesses to develop nearly 100 unique products to highlight the wonders of Aomori Prefecture. Under the title ‘BEAMS EYE on AOMORI,’ these products are now available to purchase from the BEAMS Official Online Store. They will be available at the BEAMS Japan shop in Shinjuku starting January 19, 2022.    BEAMS EYE on AOMORI Products at a GlanceBEAMS Japan travelled to Aomori to search for inspiration and to learn more about the prefecture famous for its blue skies and apple orchards. The areas rich nature and traditions come to life in this new line of merchandise, so why not enjoy some of these products for yourself?
  • BEAMS EYE on OKAYAMA Event to be Held in Shinjuku and Taipei, Taiwan

    06.January.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    BEAMS Japan will hold an event highlighting the wonders of Okayama Prefecture in both Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Taipei, Taiwan! The event will feature specialty products from 11 businesses in Okayama, and is now open in Shinjuku, with the Taipei event beginning in February 2022. Certain items are also available at the official BEAMS online shop.   Selected ProductsOkayama prefecture is known for its mild climate and nature. BEAMS Japan has developed 81 unique products, with some highlighting the denim creation in the region and others showcasing local crafts. As Okayama is closely associated with Momotaro, a figure out of Japanese folklore, peaches are very prominent in the region and can be seen in a number of these special products.    Selected products from the collection will be available at the Taipei location from February 24 until March 13, 2022. Although travel has been made incredibly difficult during the pandemic, this pop-up shop was made possible by Okayama prefecture and BEAMS Japan. 
  • Artist Maki Ohkojima Collaborates with UpcycleLino to Create Sustainable Items

    20.October.2021 | FASHION

    Artist Maki Ohkojima is inspired by life and the environment. UpcycleLino is creating completely recyclable products that produce zero waste. It makes sense that these two would collaborate, and their new items ask people to think more about their relationship with nature. With a theme of ‘circulation,’ these items will be on sale at participating shops around Japan and online.   

    UpcycleLino × MANDALĀJU Big Band Collared Shirt

    UpcycleLino × MANDALĀJU Sketched Tote Bag

    UpcycleLino × MANDALĀJU Scarf

      The ‘Tree of Life’ project is inspired by the theme of coexistence between the environment and all living things. It is important to protect limited resources for future generations. UpcycleLino is a completely sustainable company, using fabric scraps from other projects to create brand new clothes.    People, animals, insects, plants, and all other living things exist in the circle of life, and this is the message conveyed through Maki Ohkojima’s art. What can we do to better coexist with the planet?    ©角川武蔵野ミュージアム