A second life for street banners
Upcycled Street Banner Bags Australia
Two ways to give street banners another life: shop a one-of-a-kind upcycled bag, or work with us to transform your organisation’s retired banners into something useful.
The Fresh Green Bag works with councils, festivals, galleries and organisations to turn suitable used banners into tote, messenger and market bags. Every finished piece can carry part of the original artwork.
- Existing materials, new purpose
- Project-specific styles
- Australian business since 2001
Shop upcycled bags
One-of-a-kind bags, ready to buy.
Choose from finished bags already available in our upcycled range. Each piece carries a different part of an original banner or textile design. Availability and prices reflect current Shopify listings.
From banner to bag
An event ends. The material doesn't have to.
Street banners are designed to stand out across city streets, precincts and events. Once a campaign finishes, there may still be useful material left.
By reviewing the material and the artwork, we can discuss how retired banners might be cut and sewn into a new range of practical bags. The colour and graphics vary between pieces, so no two designs need look identical.
Whether your organisation has a handful of banners or a larger campaign to retire, the first step is to talk through what's available and what you would like to create.
Ideas from real banner material
From flags to bags, with character.
Styles depend on the size, composition and condition of your banners. These existing retail examples show what's possible with suitable material.
Classic Tote
An everyday bag that puts fragments of the original event graphics back into use.
Browse retail examples ↗
Messenger Bag
A distinctive format for reuse projects with enough material for its shape and structure.
Discuss this style ↗
Market Bag
A practical shopping format for bold blocks of banner colour and artwork.
Discuss this style ↗Your project, step by step
How a banner-upcycling project works
We start by understanding the material rather than promising a one-size-fits-all result.
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Tell us about the banners
Share the quantity, size, age, material (if known) and images of the existing banners.
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Review suitability
We discuss condition, material and possible bag styles before you arrange transport.
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Agree on the project
Confirm the design direction, quantity, manufacturing options, delivery and quote.
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Give the artwork a new life
Suitable banners are transformed into finished products for your organisation.
Experience across Australia
A trusted idea for councils and cultural organisations.
The Fresh Green Bag's existing project history includes street-banner work for councils and cultural organisations, including those listed below. Logos and project photographs can be added when approved.
- City of Sydney
- North Sydney Council
- Northern Beaches Council
- Lane Cove Council
- ACMI
- Sydney Festival
- Sydney Olympic Park Authority
- Inner West Council
Good to know
Questions before you get started?
Each batch of retired banners is different. These answers are a starting point; Wendy can discuss the specifics with your organisation.
Can any street banner become a bag?
Not necessarily. The material, dimensions and condition need to be reviewed before we can confirm whether it is suitable.
How many bags can we make?
That depends on the banners, their usable area, how the artwork is positioned and the bag style you choose. We can estimate quantities once we understand the material.
Will every finished bag look the same?
Often not. Different sections of the original artwork and colours can create naturally varied finished pieces.
Can you make a specific bag style?
Tote, messenger and market styles are examples. Other options may be possible depending on the material and project requirements.
Where are the bags made?
The Fresh Green Bag has offered upcycling production in Australia, including projects made in Sydney. Production location and availability for your specific project will be confirmed before an order.
How much will the project cost and how long will it take?
Costs and timings depend on the usable material, complexity, quantity and delivery. Please share your deadline and requirements so we can discuss a quote.
Should we send our banners now?
Please contact us first. We need to review the project and agree on the next steps before any banners are shipped.
Your organisation’s banners could be next.
The service is available for new enquiries from councils, cultural organisations, festivals and community groups. Start with a conversation about the materials and possibilities.
Start a council or organisation project ↗