A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Sustainability

For over five decades, McWilliam Bags has been a symbol of quality and resilience.

Founded in 1971 in Crosshaven, Co. Cork, Ireland, the brand is known for its signature striped bags, handcrafted with water-resistant materials for long-lasting durability.

More than just a functional accessory, each bag embodies a commitment to sustainability, with responsibly sourced materials and a strong focus on repairing rather than replacing.

By saying no to fast fashion, McWilliam Bags is ensuring its products stand the test of time while minimizing environmental impact.

In late 2024, the brand integrated Ecodrive technology to remove a pound of plastic from the world’s oceans with every bag sold.

To date, they've contributed to the removal of over 2,000lbs of trash and their impact is only growing.

We sat down with owner Claire Morgan to discuss the company's commitment to sustainability, why they partnered with Ecodrive, and what’s next for their brand.

Check out the full conversation below 👇

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Q&A with McWilliam Bags

Ecodrive: Could you give us a brief rundown of who you are, how you got started, and how things are going today?
Claire: McWilliam Bags are known for their distinctive striped design and exceptional durability. Our products are made from water-resistant materials to ensure longevity and practical use. Each McWilliam Bag reflects meticulous craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability, responsibly sourcing materials and minimizing waste.

Perfect for both travel and daily use, the brand combines timeless style with reliable functionality, making each bag a cherished choice for those who value quality and eco-friendly accessories.

With a focus on repairing bags also we say no to fast fashion!

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How important do you think sustainability is to your customers?
Sustainability is very important to our customers! They appreciate products that are made to last and align with their values of reducing waste and protecting the planet.

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Why did you choose to integrate Ecodrive into your business?
As a company deeply connected to the ocean, we feel a responsibility to keep it clean. Partnering with Ecodrive allows us to contribute to environmental efforts that align with our brand’s mission.

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How easy was setting up and managing Ecodrive technology?
It was very easy! The integration process was seamless.

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How have you communicated your Ecodrive partnership to customers?
We’re integrating the Ecodrive dashboard into our new website, and customers will see their impact at checkout with options available to support sustainability efforts.

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What impact has partnering with Ecodrive had on your key business metrics?
It’s still early to tell - we’re giving it more time to analyze the impact, but we’re optimistic about the results given the eco-friendly outlook of our consumers!

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How do you practice sustainability in your own life?
We incorporate sustainability into our daily lives in as many ways as possible. We recycle everything, use solar energy to power our home, and make conscious choices to reduce waste and environmental impact.

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Are there any other sustainability projects that you would like to see Ecodrive support?
It would be great to see more locally focused initiatives, such as an Irish-specific sustainability projects!

‍> Ecodrive editor's note: "Watch this space!"

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What are you working on in 2025?
We’re currently developing a new material for our bags that will be over 80% recycled. Right now, we’re at 60%, and we’re excited to push that even further!

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Awesome! Thanks for joining us today Claire, and we can't wait to see the new line of products!
My pleasure!

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A Commitment to Quality and the Planet

By prioritizing durability, responsible sourcing, and impactful partnerships with organizations like Ecodrive, McWilliam Bags are setting an example for how brands can create lasting products without harming the planet.

Looking for a bag that’s as tough as it is timeless? Explore McWilliam Bags’ collection and see the impact they’re making firsthand.

And if you'd like to grow your brand sustainably with Ecodrive, input your details below to book a demo.

Set-up takes less than 10 minutes! 👇