At Urban Creative we make products based on our three guiding principles.- minimalist design, locally sourced and sustainable produced.. Nothing embodies our philosophy more than our Bento Bags.
One of our favorite products , it is a simple but universal bag design with a rich heritage and limitless practicality for a sustainable lifestyle.
The History of Bento Bag in Japan
The bento bag, also known as ‘Azuma Bukuro’ originated in Japan during the Edo period ( 1603-1868). The term roughly translates to Eastern Bag , with Azuma referring to the Edo region (Modern Tokyo). The bento bag evolved from the Japanese Furoshiki wrapping cloth which was a square cloth used for carrying personal items and also as a gift wrap. Bento bags were used to carry bamboo bento boxes which were used to easily carry meals by people on the move.
The Design of the Bento Bag
The traditional bento bag is made from a single piece of rectangular fabric with its length 3 times the width. The fabric is folded and sewn into its functional shape.
The design of the bag is such that there is almost no wastage of fabric in production.
These triangular-fold bags are the epitome of simplicity and style which finds use even in present times.
The bento bag at Urban Creative and legacy fabrics.
Traditionally, bento bags were constructed from durable natural materials like cotton or linen which were easy to wash and reuse. At Urban Creative, we have embraced this lovely design heritage by making our bento bags in organic heirloom Kala Cotton and also in pure hemp, materials that pay respect to our local culture and ecological values.
The two types of fabric we use for our bento bag
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Organic ‘Kala’ Cotton Bento Bags: Soft, breathable, and biodegradable, these bags are perfect for everyday use in your home or kitchen. Native to India, kala cotton is a hardy, rain-fed crop that's cultivated without the use of pesticides or artificial fertilizers. Completely natural and eco-friendly, it needs less water and maintenance and is one of the most sustainable fabrics available today.
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Hemp bento bags: Famous for their durability and strength, hemp fabric is antibacterial by nature, breathable, and long-lasting. Our hemp bento bags are perfect for the zero-waste, plastic-free lifestyle.
By selecting these fabrics, Urban Creative encourages sustainable agriculture, minimizes synthetic chemical use and makes products that are as gentle on the earth as they are on your everyday life.
Various Uses for Bento Bags
What makes bento bags special is their adaptability. Although they have Japanese origins, their applicability is even greater in modern kitchens and homes. Below are some of the numerous ways you can use them:
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Purchase and storage of fruits and vegetables: Substitute disposable plastic for reusable bento bags to store grocery or produce storage.
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Lunch box carrier: In keeping with their original function, they are the ideal carrier for tiffins, lunch boxes, or snacks.
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Roti or bread basket: A stylish and practical solution to serving breads, rotis, or baked foods on the dining table.
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Straining paneer or nut milks: The airy weave of our light weight kala cotton bag and organic cotton bag makes them perfect to strain fresh paneer, yogurt, or plant milks at home.
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Travel or gift bag: Utilize them as environment-friendly gifts, or as organizers for your travels.
More Than Just a Bag
At Urban Creative, we envision bento bags as something beyond mere carriers. They symbolize a conscious lifestyle – one that honors heritage yet accepts sustainability. Having traced their origins to Japan, and having reinterpreted them in fabrics like organic cotton, kala cotton, and hemp, they embody the perfect blend of heritage and innovation.
By incorporating bento bags into your everyday life, you’re not only choosing functional, beautiful design, but also making a conscious choice for the planet. Small steps, like switching to reusable bento bags, can lead to meaningful change – and the humble bento bag is proof of that.
