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M&S and Unicef UK have teamed up to create an ethically sourced, limited edition tote bag designed by legendary designer Barbara Hulanicki.

Created exclusively for M&S to raise funds for Unicef UK, the bags carry a unique design and are all made using upcycled fabric. This is the first time M&S has used upcycled fabric to create a bag.

The design features the entwined heads of two children in black and white alongside a heart symbol in Unicef UK blue.  Barbara’s signature also features in the design.  All profits from the bag will go towards the vital work of Unicef UK’s Children in Danger campaign which aims to keep children safe around the world. The bag retails at £4 and £1 per bag will be donated to the campaign to protect children from danger. 

Barbara Hulanicki is a new supporter of Unicef UK and was delighted to be asked to bring her design experience to the project.  In another first, M&S has worked with one of its suppliers, London Linen, to utilise upcycled fabric reclaimed from hotel and restaurant table linens to make the bags. 

Barbara said: “The idea behind the tote bag was to create something stylish yet ethical and I’m proud that we’ve achieved that. Everyone who buys the bag from M&S will raise funds to help Unicef UK keep children safe and I wanted to reflect that in the design with the image of two children and a heart. I also love that the bag is made from recycled table linen material.” 

Simon Colbeck, Head of Quality & Innovation for M&S, commented: “We’re delighted to be working with Unicef UK and Barbara on this initiative. Through our Plan A work, we have been partners with Unicef UK for many years with our hanger recycling programme and it’s exciting to be able to extend the relationship with the launch of the bag.”

Kate Goldman, Director of Partnerships and Philanthropy for Unicef UK, said: “We are thrilled that Barbara has kindly given her time and talents to design this amazing bag for M&S. The bag is stylish, yet affordable and offers an alternative to plastic bags. Unicef UK will proudly use the funds received from every sold bag to help protect more children in danger.” 

The bag goes on sale on 5 October, the same day that the 5p charge for single use plastic carrier bags comes into force in England and is the perfect alternative, being made of recycled fabric and with the profits from the bag going to supports Unicef UK’s campaign. The bag will be on sale in M&S stores and also online at www.marksandspencer.com 

Notes for editors:

For further information please contact the Unicef UK Press Office on +44 (0)20 7375 6030 or media@unicef.org.uk

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.  

Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children.  As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit www.unicef.org.uk   

About Plan A 

Plan A is Marks & Spencer’s eco and ethical programme that tackles both today’s and tomorrow’s sustainable retail challenges. Launched in 2007, the plan has helped M&S send no waste to landfill, become carbon neutral and win over 200 industry awards. To find out more please visit the Plan A website – www.marksandspencer.com/plana.