[Insta Walk] Mailpack - The Most Perfect 'Eco Bag'

Seongsu-dong Paper Bag Workshop 'Mailpack'
Previously Produced and Designed Bags for Other Companies
Realized the Seriousness of Industrial Waste
After Research, Created Durable Paper Bags for Lifetime Use
Square Design Minimizes Waste
Scraps Used for Card Wallet Making Experience
Genuinely Connects with MZ Generation Seeking Unique and Conscious Consumption

Interior view of the 'Mailpack' store. Photo by Juhee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] The world can truly be called the "Era of Environment." Individuals, companies, and governments alike are all deeply engaged with environmental issues. It is not uncommon to realize that the reality of our daily eating, drinking, and breathing cannot be taken for granted without considering the environment. The agreement signed last month in Glasgow, UK, by representatives from 190 countries to reduce or halt coal power generation also attests to this trend.

From the perspective of manufacturing, "production" inevitably causes some degree of environmental damage. Just as trees must be cut down to produce paper, many things made to sustain life utilize raw materials obtained from nature.

So how should we consume? People naturally ponder how to consume in a healthier and more conscious way. The brand "Mailpack," the place introduced this time, also started from such concerns. Mailpack produces bags, card wallets, pouches, and all products are made from paper. Located near Seoul Forest in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, this place is gaining attention from the so-called MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z), who do not want to give up both healthy consumption and style.

A store of the bag-making brand 'Mailpack' in the cafe street of Seoul Forest, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

The first impression of the Mailpack showroom is its trendiness. Despite being in a semi-basement, the storefront is made entirely of glass, allowing a clear view inside from the outside. Anyone passing by would naturally feel curious and want to step inside. The interior space is charmingly decorated with various products made by Mailpack. The warm feeling given by the brown paper bags blends with the wooden, white, and gray-toned interior, creating a cozy atmosphere.

What catches the eye most is undoubtedly Mailpack’s "trademark" paper bags. At first glance, they look like leather bags that people commonly carry, not flimsy or weak at all. However, upon closer inspection and touch, one can tell they are made of paper. Perhaps because of this, compared to regular bags of similar size, they are much lighter and convey a unique warmth and comfort that paper provides.

Paper bags are commonly used as disposable bags when buying items at supermarkets or stores. They get wet in the rain, cannot hold heavy items without tearing easily, and thus are difficult to use for a long time. Mailpack has addressed these shortcomings to create sturdy, long-lasting bags. These are paper bags that do not get wet, never tear, and are not disposable but can be used for a lifetime.

Paper material bags made by 'Mailpack'./Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

According to the story, Mailpack originally was a small company that planned, produced, and designed bags, carriers, and other products for other companies. During the production process, they realized that a lot of industrial waste was generated, which did not align with the values the Mailpack operators aimed for. To think more about the environment and create eco-friendly products, they chose paper as the material and, after research, introduced their first paper bag early last year.

Manager Jomin-gyu said, "Of course, leather or fabric would be better materials for bags. However, despite the countless drawbacks of paper, we wanted to keep showing the possibility that it could be better."

Mailpack’s environmentally conscious approach is also reflected in the product manufacturing process. All products are made in rectangular shapes because this shape minimizes waste. This production method, called "zero-waste design," is an effort that shows Mailpack’s vision and direction of continuously thinking about eco-friendliness regardless of product sales. Manager Jo explained, "Generally, making one bag produces a lot of scraps. Designing the product itself in a rectangular shape can significantly reduce waste."

Of course, even with such efforts, some waste inevitably occurs during production. Mailpack uses leftover fabric scraps to make card wallets for customers who visit the store. Manager Jo said, "We thought about what to do with the leftover fabric and decided it would be good to let customers experience making products themselves. The discarded fabric is recycled, and customers naturally learn about the products."

Making card wallets from leftover fabric.
Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

Seeing is believing. The reporter, who had only observed, was given the opportunity to experience making a card wallet. After selecting scraps of fabric and the button color for the wallet, a simple folding and sewing process quickly produced a sturdy card wallet. It was fascinating that small pieces of paper that would have been discarded instantly transformed into a useful item.

Manager Jo said this marketing approach resonated with the 20s and 30s age group. The small environmental effort genuinely appealed to young people who pursue individuality and conscious consumption. He explained, "Young people these days are very active in expressing themselves. They are especially interested in the environment and are greatly influenced in their product choices. Our efforts seem to be well received in that regard."

Manager Jo expressed hope that Mailpack could become a new option for environmentally conscious people. He said, "There are moments when an eco bag that can be easily used in daily life is needed. Our goal is to make practical products that conscious consumers can choose at those times, while also showing style."

It made me think that small efforts and healthy consumption in daily life, rather than shouting grand slogans or declarations, might come together to become another form of action for the environment.