Smateria Upcycled Net Cosmetics Bag

Handy small zipped cosmetics bag - ecofriendly & handmade to last from recycled mosquito net with high quality linings and zip. Perfect for keeping all your bits and bobs near. Fair Trade.


About the Smateria Net Collection
Originally designed as protective net for use on construction sites, the net that doesnt meet safety standards is sold off as faulty at the markets. It then becomes multipurpose: people buy it for drying rice, for fishing, or to protect cows from mosquitoes. Smateria purchased rolls of this strong mosquito net to manufacture amazing bags and accessories.


About Smateria
Smateria an Italian fair trade design house in Cambodia and is a self financed, for profit company, the profit from which goes straight back into the business. Employing tailors and members of their families, in five years, the business has grown from five to 60 employees.

All Smateria employees are contracted, in accordance with International Labour Law (ie 1 month paid annual leave, paid maternity leave, health insurance etc). 90 percent of employees are young women who are encouraged to bring their children to work, where Smateria pay for child care. Smateria pre-school program has start running in November 2011, with 2 teachers.

Training undertaken with Garment Industry Productivity Center (GIPC), a local project run by USAID, (today SRM&P) has taught the staff efficient work methods to improve performance.

Smateria outsource part of their work to family members of their staff, by financing the sewing machines (which are repaid to Smateria monthly, with no interest) and offer a free training to the tailors and their families. To date, Smateria has financed 40 sewing machines.

Smateria runs 4 shops in Cambodia.