This year, we celebrate 20 years of Earthwise Bags, a journey that began with a vision: to reduce plastic waste and create sustainable solutions for everyday life.

From Plastic Waste to Purpose: The Birth of Earthwise Bags

In 2005, founder Stan Joffe took a jog along the Los Angeles River and was struck by plastic pollution. That moment ignited a mission. With his background in the garment industry, he transformed his Downtown LA import-export business into Earthwise Bag Company, pioneering reusable shopping bags long before sustainability was part of daily conversation.

Selling out of a car trunk, Earthwise Bags made their way into local grocery stores, and soon, major national retailers like Kroger, Albertsons, Stop & Shop, and Giant Food took notice. By 2007, our approach to sustainability was catching on across the country. Customers began to embrace the idea that small changes, like switching from single-use to reusable bags, could make a difference.

More Than a Bag: The Evolution of Earthwise Bags

As our brand evolved, so did our commitment to innovation. In 2007, we trademarked Choose to Reuse®, reinforcing our belief that everyday actions can lead to lasting change. Our partnerships with organizations like Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) helped spread awareness about plastic waste.

By 2016, Earthwise Bags had grown into an industry leader, and our acquisition by Bunzl North America expanded our capabilities. We strengthened our operational efficiencies, expanded our product offerings, and reaffirmed our role as sustainability advocates. Our bags were no longer just an alternative to plastic, but an extension of our customers’ brand and a symbol of commitment to a cleaner planet.

The Future is Green: A New Era for Earthwise Bags

In 2021, we welcomed new leadership, bringing fresh energy and a renewed focus on customer-centric solutions, sustainability, and innovation. With our 2024 move to a LEED Gold-certified headquarters in Glendale, CA, we took another step toward reducing our carbon footprint.

We are proud to collaborate with partners who share our values. Our dedicated factory in Cambodia adheres to ethical manufacturing practices. Our focus on innovation has led to new product designs, incorporating materials with a higher percentage of post-consumer recycled content while exploring alternative materials that further reduce environmental impact. We are also working on an exciting new partnership in plastic waste recovery – stay tuned for the official announcement later this year!

20 Years Down, a Lifetime to Go: Our Commitment to Future Generations

As we celebrate the past two decades, we know that we’re just getting started. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts (and bags), for being part of our story!

Here’s to another 20 years of driving change, inspiring action, and creating a cleaner, greener world!

A relic from the past: the first tote every sold

Our vertically integrated factory in Cambodia

Happy 20th from our team!