Anya Hindmarch’s Mini Universal Bag to launch in Selfridges Foodhall

Following its launch in over 500 Tesco stores in March, Anya Hindmarch’s Mini Universal Bag will be launching in the Selfridges Foodhall this week in the retailer’s stores in London, Manchester and Birmingham.

The launch of the smaller, “more playful” size bag will coincide with a restock of the larger size version, both featuring Selfridges’ iconic yellow Pantone with black and white handles.

The Universal Bag project is a sustainability initiative led by Anya Hindmarch, in partnership with major global food retailers, and manufactured by the Solent Group, described as “the next generation of reusable bag” - a recycled and recyclable shopping bag “designed to take everything, everywhere”.

Since launching in 2021, the project has collaboratively saved over 546 tonnes of plastic from landfill, the equivalent of 46 double-decker buses.

The Selfridges version of the Mini Universal Bag is the 36th edition and adds to the growing global lineup of retailers including Waitrose, Aldi, Morrisons, Asda, Co-op and Whole Foods in the UK, Seijo Ishi and Meidi-Ya in Japan, City’super and Fusion in Hong Kong, Woolworths in Australia and MarketPlace in the Philippines.

Anya Hindmarch, founder and Creative Director of her eponymous brand, said: “It’s exciting to see the Universal Bag project is truly driving change in consumer behaviour and contributing to a circular economy, with over 500 tonnes of plastic saved from landfill.

“Plastic pollution remains a pressing environmental issue, but working together with major global food retailers shows the solution must be collaborative.”

The Universal Bag fabric, including handles, is made from 100% recycled plastic. Each step and material used in the making of the bag has been fully certified under the Global Recycling Scheme (GRS).

The bag also features an innovative, convenient freepost returns pocket built into an internal pocket inside the bag. You simply turn the bag into its pocket, which acts as a pre-addressed envelope, and then post it through a letter box. It is then 100% recycled locally.

Tracey Dobkins, CEO of Solent Group, said: “The Universal Bag is more than a reusable bag; it’s a thoughtfully designed solution that combines style, practicality and sustainability, with durability that truly makes it a bag for life.

“Drawing on our technical and quality expertise, we work closely with Anya and her team throughout our manufacturing process, from development and retailer compliance through to delivery and merchandising - this collaboration isn’t just about a product; it’s about reshaping behaviours and encouraging better choices.”

The new mini bag, which Tesco was the first to launch in the supermarket’s brand colours of navy blue with red handles, retails at £9.99, while the larger size is £12.99.