.Handmade in El Salvador using rubber tire tubes salvaged from cars and trucks with recycled leather accents, this hip handbag proves that to recycle is a beautiful thing.
- Measures 14 inches wide x 10 inches high x 4 inches deep
- Pinstriped cotton lining, cell phone pocket, 8"x4" zippered pocket and a built-in clasp for keys
- Two 26 inch straps (13 inch drop length) and zipper closure
Due to its recycled nature, no two bags are exactly alike. Please
read our extended description below for more information on how recycled
leather is made.
Handmade in El Salvador and fair trade imported.
Uca Ruffatti Artisan Story
El Salvador
In
Santa Ana, El salvador, discarded truck and car tires litter the road,
ravines, and rivers, causing harm to the environment. Fortunately, one
small artisan group, Uca Ruffatti, is not only helping to clean up the
mess, but turning waste it into beautiful and functional works of art!
Uca Ruffatti collects the inner tubes from the discarded tires and uses
them to create handbags, purses, wallets and cosmetic bags in a variety
of sizes and designs. The long-lasting toughness of the material
contributes to the products' extensive life and durability. Some items
are accented with recycled leather scraps and locally-grown cotton and
indigo.
The artisans at Uca Ruffatti have repurposed tires and car upholstery to create unique and environmentally friendly purses for the past 20 years. Artisans are free to employ their creative vision when producing the bags, so each item is unique and meticulously crafted, and of course, pleasing to look at and functional in form. As such, Uca Ruffatti's innovative product line has attracted attention in the United States and Europe, and owner Maria de los Angeles de Ruffatti plans to extend her modest workshop, which means even more artisans will have the opportunity for employment.
In March 2009, One World Projects was recognized by the Fair Trade Federation on behalf of their collaboration with Uca Ruffatti. The "Excellence in Product Design" award was given in recognition of Uca Ruffatti's outstanding work in the field of design, innovation, contemporary style, tastefulness and responsible use of materials in accordance with FTF's principles and values.
Uca Ruffatti - Making Tire Bags
Watch this video on how recycled tires in El Salvador are used to make handbags, wallets, and other useful items. Click here
How Recycled Leather Is Made
1. Trimmings are collected from the garment and car industries that use leather.
2. Trimmings are dumped into a series of grinders to break the leather down into fibers. At this stage it looks like a pile of lint.
3. Fibers go through a series of washings and are then reconstituted by adding glue and bonding agent.
4. The mixture is rolled, pressed, heated, painted, and dried into sheets, then either stamped for texture (alligator, pebble, and other designs) or left smooth.
5. Ready for re-use! Recycled leather is then re-used on these purses.