Success is in the bag with innovative design

TWO mothers from West Yorkshire won a Dragons' Den-style competition to product an innovative way of cutting the use of supermarket carrier bags.

Claire Eastwell and Hanny Wadsworth set up FootprintBag, based in Honley, after designing a re-usable bag which can clip on to trolleys.

The bags proved popular when offered locally and they have now agreed a trial with Asda. The Leeds supermarket will sell the bags, which have six large compartments, for 3.50 at checkouts across Yorkshire. If the scheme is successful then the bags will be sold nationwide.

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Ms Wadsworth, a German educated former advertising agency account manager, said: "Our product is the perfect solution to driving down plastic bag use as it's convenient and practical. Unlike many reusable bags, it won't lie forgotten about on the kitchen shelves and as a mum myself I'm confident it will prove popular with Asda customers, especially those looking to do their bit for the environment."

The bags are made from ripstop polyester which is strong and easy to fold as well as being washable.They are made in China but the creators of the bag donate one per cent of website sales to Friends of the Earth to offset their carbon footprint.

Kirsty Pickard, an Asda buyer, said: "We love Claire and Hanny's invention and think the multi-pack concept will enable customers to hook the bag up to their trolley and not have to worry about leaving it in the car. We were impressed by the innovative pitch FootprintBag made to us. I've even started using the bag myself and I love it."

Ms Eastwell previously worked for design company The Da Vinci Studio in London and has also freelanced in media and public relations.