Sustainability

 

McWilliam Bags – Sustainability Report 2025

1. Introduction

McWilliam Bags has been proudly designing and manufacturing high-quality, customisable holdalls and tote bags in Crosshaven, Co. Cork, Ireland, since 1971. Our commitment to sustainability is embedded in every stage of our operations, from material sourcing to end-of-life product management. We believe in creating durable products that last for decades, reducing waste, conserving resources, and supporting the local economy.

2. Our Sustainability Commitments

2.1 Energy & Carbon Management

  • 100% Renewable Electricity: All operational energy is supplied by SSE Airtricity, which provides 100% renewable electricity from certified wind energy sources.
  • Carbon Footprint Monitoring: We track electricity consumption annually and will continue to monitor our carbon footprint through 2030.
  • Reduction Targets: We are committed to setting measurable, timebound carbon reduction goals by 2026, informed by benchmarking against industry peers.

 

B Corp Certification - Disclosure Questionnaire Documentation

Disclosure Questionnaire category: Energy and Emissions Intensive industry

Updated as of: 08/06/2025

 

McWilliam Bags is involved in the production/sale of products or is part of an industry that can potentially be classified as energy and emission-intensive, meaning that they are more likely to have significant impacts on the environment based on their carbon emissions associated with their operations and their contribution to climate change. Certified B Corps are required to make transparent their involvement in such activities or industries.

 

2.2 Water Usage & Stewardship

  • Water Source Identification: McWilliam Bags operates from a workshop connected to the public water supply in Crosshaven, Co. Cork, Ireland. We do not rely on industrial-scale water extraction or use any water sources that compete with critical community needs.
  • Water Stress Assessment: Our operations are not located in a water-stressed region as defined by the World Resources Institute Aqueduct tool. We will continue to monitor regional water stress risk annually.
  • Water Use Reduction Targets: As our manufacturing process is low-water-intensity, our focus is on minimising consumption in ancillary processes (e.g., cleaning, maintenance) and promoting efficient use.
  • Industry Benchmarking: We will benchmark our water usage against similar-scale textile and manufacturing businesses in Ireland to ensure efficiency and identify opportunities for improvement.

 

 

B Corp Certification - Disclosure Questionnaire Documentation

Disclosure Questionnaire category: Water Intensive industry

Updated as of: 08/06/2025

 

McWilliam Bags is involved in the production/sale of products or is part of an industry that can potentially be classified as water intensive, meaning that they are more likely to have significant impacts on the environment, such as water stress or depletion of local water sources if water use is not appropriately managed. Certified B Corps are required to make transparent their involvement in such activities or industries.

 

2.2 Materials & Production

  • Ethical Material Sourcing: We work with suppliers who can provide certification of sustainable materials, ensuring that we do not use heavy metals or harmful chemicals in our manufacturing process.
  • Durable Design: Our bags are designed to last a lifetime. Bags made in the 1970s are still in use today.
  • Local Manufacturing: All products are made in our Irish workshop, supporting local jobs and reducing transportation emissions.

2.3 Waste Reduction & Circular Economy

  • Repair Over Replace: We repair approximately 1% of all bags returned to us, significantly extending their lifespan.
  • Plastic Removal Commitment: For every purchase, we fund the removal of plastic waste from the ocean through our partnership with EcoDrive.
  • Recyclable Packaging: All our packaging is recyclable, with clear recycling instructions provided to customers.

2.4 Community Engagement & Impact

  • Local Job Retention: We are committed to sustaining and growing our Irish-based operations, preserving traditional sailmaking and bag-making skills.
  • RNLI Volunteering: Our owner and team members volunteer with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), contributing to maritime safety and community resilience.
  • Charitable Support: We regularly support local charities and initiatives aligned with our values.

3. Goals for the Future

  1. Establish a public baseline carbon footprint measurement by end of 2025.
  2. Develop and publish measurable, timebound carbon and energy reduction targets by 2026.
  3. Increase the percentage of repaired bags to further extend product lifespan.
  4. Continue to enhance transparency in sustainability reporting, with an annual public update.

4. Conclusion

At McWilliam Bags, sustainability is not a trend—it’s how we’ve operated for over 50 years. By producing long-lasting products, reducing waste, and engaging in meaningful community work, we ensure our impact is positive, enduring, and aligned with the values of our customers, employees, and stakeholders.