Burlapping the Profits

It's easy to extend the life of packaging items such as plastic and paper grocery bags, gift bags, and cardboard boxes. But did you ever think of reusing burlap? That's right, those scratchy bags that hold coffee beans can have a whole new life, in agriculture, construction, decorative art, and even fashion.

Because burlap is a strong, natural, biodegradable material, it makes good erosion control products such as sandbags. Burlap bags are used for collecting fallen leaves, ground coverings in nurseries, and in winter residential gardens to prevent frost and wind damage.

Large (18-by 36-inch) burlap bags can become residential garbage containers in city curbside programs. Around 1990, the City of Mountain View employed such a program. But a fair amount of the bags turned up missing, whether they were full or empty. Mark Bowers, who assisted in developing the City of Mountain View's program, speculates that the bags were taken by local fishermen to wrap their catch, apparently indicating that there is more of a demand for the bags than anyone realized.

Burlap bags can also be an earth-friendly alternative for mattress filling and roofing insulation. Other uses for burlap include concrete curing, truck covers, nursery product wrapping, and lampshades. You can make a bulletin board by covering a discarded acoustical ceiling tile with a burlap bag. 

One individual reportedly uses burlap bags as an alternative to wallpaper to cover the walls of his house. Another functional and possibly less-known use of old burlap coffee bags is smoker fuel for beekeepers. Beekeepers use a smoker (a device that produces smoke) to calm the bees before working them. In addition, many vermicomposters (worm farmers) use burlap bags to cover worm beds for insect and moisture control.

Burlap bags also have a more artistic use. Bags in excellent condition sporting the names of coffee companies can become framed or natural wall hangings, then sold in trendy stores or on the Web. Burlap coffee bags are so versatile they have yet another life—as fashionable clothing and accessories! Using burlap bags, one innovative company—the Coffee Vest Company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-creates stylish reversible vests (in assorted sizes), neckties, pouches, and Christmas stockings.

The Coffee Vest Company is selective about the quality of bags they receive. They generally obtain their bags from a variety of coffee roasters in Pittsburgh, Vermont, and occasionally, Hawaii. In order to prepare the burlap bags for their "second life" as clothing or accessories, the Coffee Vest Company washes, dries, and presses the bags. Due to the unique characteristics of each bag, every product the Coffee Vest Company creates is considered a work of art. To enhance the individuality of each bag, the Coffee Vest Company uses a different reversible cotton lining for each vest, resulting in a one-of-a-kind quality outfit.

The Coffee Vest Company is also particular about the type of bags used to create neckties; they must be of a certain weight and weave. Their Christmas stockings, available in two sizes, are lined and accented with a red cuff. The Coffee Vest Company's products are available throughout the United States. Look for their products in boutiques masquerading as coffeehouses.

Dan Rider, a CalMAX user since 1996, has discovered two more innovative uses for burlap coffee bags. Rider's first use of the bags is for landscaping purposes. He has found the bags to be highly effective in controlling weeds—particularly star thistle—on his 5-acre property. Rider first mows the grass and star thistle, then quickly covers the ground with layers of burlap before the weeds can grow back. He places ground-up eucalyptus wood on top of the bags. This process serves as a shield against the unwanted vegetation. Using 5,000 bags in this manner covers only about 1/16 of his 5 acres, so Rider has quite a job to cover his entire property.

Rider has also discovered a more profitable use for burlap coffee bags in his statuary business. Located in Benicia, California, R Elements features garden statues and functional water fountains. Rider has found that the strength of the burlap material functions very effectively in holding the shape of the which are used to create the statues. 

Rider gets the majority of his burlap coffee bags from Mule Creek Prison in Ione, California, which he visits every few months. The Mule Creek Prison has been designated as the coffee bean roasting facility of the California State prisons, according to Rider. The prison roasts the coffee beans at their facility and then sends the coffee to other prisons throughout the state. The first time Rider went to the prison to pick up the burlap bags, he and his wife took a horse trailer to carry the bags home. After seeing the substantial quantity of bags available, Rider now brings a truck to collect the bags. 

Rider is continually searching for additional sources of burlap coffee bags to supply his landscaping and statuary needs. And, with the amazing potential of burlap bags, he may also find other uses for them!

Contact Information:

R Elements
938 Tyler Street, Suite 104
Benicia, CA 94510
(707) 746-0235 (phone) 
(707) 746-7443 (fax)
r.elements@worldnet.att.net 

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Last updated: August 01, 2008