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The Full Story
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One Saturday morning, my partner and I were sitting at a café, discussing business ideas. We were both eager to start something new and as we talked, I began to think about how I could combine my creativity with my passion for sustainability. My mind started racing with possibilities, and within a few hours, a clear idea began to form.
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The next day, motivated by the spark of inspiration from our conversation, I decided to take action. I bought a second-hand sewing machine and some old garments from a thrift store. That’s when everything started.
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In our apartment, I began experimenting with the materials, repurposing and transforming them into something new. Each piece I created was not only a product of my creativity but also a step towards promoting sustainable fashion.
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What started as a casual conversation quickly turned into a business focused on creating eco-friendly, unique bags. After experimenting for a while and testing the idea as a hobby, I launched my small business dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment, one bag at a time.
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I committed to a zero-waste policy, centered around using primarily preloved garments to manufacture Aza bags. Any scraps generated during production are carefully stored and reused in secondary projects, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
The commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials. The production process is free from harmful chemicals and environmentally damaging practices, ensuring that Aza bags are as eco-friendly as possible.
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In our studio, we also use preloved sewing machines and furniture, aligning with our values in every aspect of our operations.
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By embracing these practices, I strive to make a positive impact on the environment and inspire others to join in the journey towards a more sustainable future.
Single-country production strategy
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Aza takes a post-consumer approach to upcycling. In our bag production, we use primary old garments and textile products at the end of their lifecycle.
The offerings of recycling centers and flea markets often exceed the demand. Here is where Aza, and our single-country production strategy, steps in to save unsellable or worn garments that are likely to turn into waste. By sourcing all materials within Finland and centralizing production in Helsinki, we reduce our carbon footprint through minimized transportation emissions and support Finland's circular economy. This localized approach not only allows us to have strict oversight on quality and ethical practices but also reinforces our dedication to upcycling, breathing new life into locally sourced materials. Concentrating production in one place enables a close-knit, efficient operation that respects Finland’s natural resources and contributes positively to our community.
We consciously avoid upcycling ultra-fast-fashion garments, as we do not want to indirectly support unethical practices associated with exploitative labor and wasteful production.
Our commitment to sustainable sourcing extends beyond the materials used to produce our bags. In our studio, we use second-hand sewing machines and furniture, aligning with our values in every aspect of our operations.
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Upcycling and Operations
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Aza takes a post-consumer approach to upcycling. In our bag production, we use primary old garments and textile products at the end of their lifecycle.
The offerings of recycling centers and flea markets often exceed the demand. Here is where Aza, and our single-country production strategy, steps in to save unsellable or worn garments that are likely to turn into waste. By sourcing all materials within Finland and centralizing production in Helsinki, we reduce our carbon footprint through minimized transportation emissions and support Finland's circular economy. This localized approach not only allows us to have strict oversight on quality and ethical practices but also reinforces our dedication to upcycling, breathing new life into locally sourced materials. Concentrating production in one place enables a close-knit, efficient operation that respects Finland’s natural resources and contributes positively to our community.
We consciously avoid upcycling ultra-fast-fashion garments, as we do not want to indirectly support unethical practices associated with exploitative labor and wasteful production.
Our commitment to sustainable sourcing extends beyond the materials used to produce our bags. In our studio, we use second-hand sewing machines and furniture, aligning with our values in every aspect of our operations.
We use minimal packaging for our products, choosing recycled and recyclable paper and cartons.