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Empowering Filipino Women with Crocheted Raffia Bags

Sulci Inc.
Empowering Filipino Women with Crocheted Raffia Bags
Eco-friendly and sustainable bags made from natural materials

Eco-friendly and sustainable bags made from natural materials

A bag brand tackling social issues like poverty through craftsmanship

On Cebu Island in the Philippines, Sulci has set up a workshop that offers employment to local women who often find it difficult to get jobs. By teaching them the art of crocheting, Sulci helps these women achieve a balance between work and home life.

We produce eco-friendly bags using crochet hooks and natural fibers from raffia palms. By consistently purchasing raffia yarn, the production also generates jobs for those who transform raffia leaves into yarn. From sourcing the yarn to crafting the bags, we have developed an integrated production system that focuses on traceability and sustainable manufacturing practices.

The warmth of handmade craftsmanship, carefully crocheted one by one

The warmth of handmade craftsmanship, carefully crocheted one by one

Empowering Filipino women and showcasing their potential to the world through sustainable craftsmanship

Guided by our principle, "Empowering Filipino Women with Confidence and Independence," Sulci is committed to crafting sustainable products that positively impact both people and the environment. By providing fair wages, we empower our crocheters to improve their families' lives through better education for their children, the ability to purchase livestock, and the means to upgrade their homes. This financial empowerment not only enhances their morale but also inspires them to create products of even higher quality.

Additionally, Sulci has embraced a fully handmade approach, eschewing machinery in favor of artisanal craftsmanship. We start by teaching local women the fundamentals of crocheting and gradually build up their skills. Through consistent commitment and dedicated follow-ups, we foster a deep trust that strengthens over time. This close-knit relationship, developed over many years, is a unique aspect of our business that sets us apart from others.
Handmade raffia bags in a variety of around 50 unique designs

Handmade raffia bags in a variety of around 50 unique designs

Exquisitely designed, high-quality hand-crocheted bags unique to Sulci

Each hand-crafted bag, made with natural raffia yarn and crocheted with care, offers a warmth and texture unmatched by mass-produced, machine-made products. These lightweight, breathable, and durable bags are available in roughly 50 designs, in colors like the natural chocolate shade of sun-dried raffia yarn and a beige achieved through an eco-friendly bleaching process using plant-based oxalic acid, showcasing a commitment to environmentally friendly craftsmanship.
The women driving success at our Philippine workshop

The women driving success at our Philippine workshop

Voices from customers and local women employed by Sulci

Sulci's bags, celebrated for their exceptional quality, have made their way into major department stores. Customers have expressed their deep appreciation, noting, "These bags carry a warmth that brand-name bags simply don't have," and "It’s as if I can feel the care and effort of the makers." These comments reflect their joy and strong connection to Sulci's philosophy.

From the local women themselves, sentiments of pride and excitement are evident: "'The harder I work, the more I earn," and "It’s exhilarating to think that the bags I made are being sold overseas." The joy of enhancing their living conditions and the pride of having their work recognized fuel their enthusiasm, driving them to produce even higher-quality products.

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