FREITAG's 'sweat-yourself-shop' lets you make your own recycled tarp bag

a new FREITAG concept store in zurich invites visitors to make their own one-of-a-kind truck-tarp bag. for the first time, customers of the german swiss bag brand will have a chance to fully design and finish their own version of the exclusive f718 BUH model.

images courtesy of FREITAG

the store, which is located in zurich’s grüngasse district, houses a microfactory that provides the hands-on experience. visitors get to interact with tarp cutters, plexiglass templates, punching machines, welding machines, and FREITAG’s experienced f-crew who will assist in the assembling and creation of each bag.

‘here’s how it works’, freitag explains. ‘under the friendly eye of the shop crew, you first switch on the conveyor system and then, no matter how good (or bad) your taste, you’ll pick out a front and back side, a bottom for your bag, a pair of handles and, finally, a bold patterned tarp cut-off left over from the freitag factory in zurich oerlikon.’

‘using a cutter and a plexiglass template, you’ll use that cut-off to create an external pouch, and round it off with a punching machine.’

‘after you’ve stamped the CI-compliant brand mark onto the tarp using a supersonic welding machine, you hand over your pieces to the experienced f-crew to be sewn and riveted immediately.’

‘then, your job is done—so we’ll give you an after-work drink to enjoy while you wait for your unique bag to be finished.’

the process takes about one and a half hours per person and costs CHF 250 (€230) per person. if you’re ready to sign up for a production shift, check out the availabilities and more details here.

earlier this year, FREITAG introduced a series of lightweight accessories made of recycled plastic bottles. at milan design week in april it presented an immersive installation, inviting designers and consumers to confess their ‘design sins’.