Tropical Factory, a recycled bag brand from Réunion Island
Who is behind Tropical Factory, where its patterns come from and why every bag is made from recycled plastic bottles.
By Tropical Factory4 min read
Tropical Factory is a recycled bag brand from Réunion Island: tote bags, insulated bags, lunch bags and pouches made from recycled plastic bottles and illustrated with the island’s wildlife, plants and culture. The brand is based in Les Avirons (97425) and sells its bags online, at the Saint-Paul street market and through stockists all over the island.
This first post in our Logbook tells you where the brand comes from, what it makes and why.
Who is behind Tropical Factory?
The man behind the brand is Jérémy. On our The Tribe page, he explains that he grew up in Mayotte, then in New Caledonia, surrounded by striking landscapes and wild nature. Those islands shaped the way he sees the world. He has lived on Réunion Island for about ten years, and this is where the idea for Tropical Factory was born: a brand that brings together style, adventure and respect for the planet.
The starting point is simple: turn waste into a useful object that means something and tells a story. The story of his island roots, of nature worth protecting and of a more sustainable way of life.
Why bags made from recycled plastic bottles?
Every bag in the shop is made from recycled plastic bottles. It is the brand’s common thread, and what sets it apart from an ordinary printed tote.
This choice comes from two simple ideas:
- giving waste a second life, instead of producing brand-new material;
- making something that lasts: a bag you keep and reuse for shopping, the beach or work, replacing dozens of throwaway bags.
We go into more detail in our post on bags made from recycled plastic bottles.
Patterns that tell the island’s story
Each design has a name and a clear source of inspiration:
- Letchi, the island’s iconic lychee, in pinks and reds;
- Paille-en-queue, the white bird of the cliffs;
- Case créole, traditional Creole houses and their colourful fronts;
- Ravenala, the traveller’s tree;
- Endormi, the chameleon of the tropical forests;
- Fano, the sea turtles of the lagoons;
- Baliste and Picasso, coral reef triggerfish;
- Kori, the cowrie shell, once used as currency;
- Nguzi, the tiger shark;
- Victoria, the Victoria pineapple;
- Pitaya, Zanzibar, Pink Monstera, Tropical, India and Bora for flowers, leaves, colours and lagoons.
Some designs come from a collaboration with Léa, an illustrator based on Réunion Island: Case créole, Paille-en-queue and Letchi make up the Collab' range.
A range made for everyday life
Designs come in several sizes, depending on the pattern. Here are the prices shown in the shop at the time of writing:
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic pouch | €14 |
| Insulated bottle bag 1.5 L | €16 |
| S classic | €20 |
| L classic | €24 |
| Insulated lunch bag S | €24 |
| Insulated lunch bag M | €27 |
| XL classic | €29 |
| XL insulated | €42 |
Not every pattern comes in every size: each product page lists the options available. You will find totes and pouches in the Classic bags range, and bags that keep things cool in the Insulated bags range.
Tropical Factory is a micro-business: VAT does not apply (article 293 B of the French tax code), so the price you see is the price you pay, plus shipping.
Where to find the brand
Online
The shop delivers to Réunion Island and Europe with Colissimo. Orders ship within 5 business days of confirmation. According to the site banner, shipping is free from €99 for Réunion Island and from €150 for Europe.
At the Saint-Paul street market
The Tropical Factory stall is there every Friday from 8 am to 2 pm and every Saturday from 8 am to noon. It is a good chance to see the bags in person, feel the material and compare sizes. Read more in our post on the Saint-Paul street market.
At our stockists
Several shops, hotels and venues on the island carry our bags. The full list is on the Our retailers page.
The Tribe, more than customers
Tropical Factory sees itself as a tribe: a community of people ready to shop differently and take action for the environment, while keeping a touch of the tropics in their daily lives. To keep up with new designs, pop-up stores and markets, the easiest way is to follow @tropicalfactory974 on Instagram.
FAQ
Where is Tropical Factory based?
The brand is based in Les Avirons, Réunion Island (3 Chemin Kerbel, 97425 Les Avirons).
What are the bags made of?
Recycled plastic bottles. That goes for every design in the shop, classic and insulated alike.
Do you ship to mainland France?
Yes. The shop delivers to Réunion Island and Europe with Colissimo. Shipping costs depend on the address and the weight, and are shown before you confirm your order.
Can I return a bag?
Yes, you have 14 calendar days from delivery to change your mind. The item must be returned in its original, unused condition.
