As a small recycling company, Used Rubber USA thinks of quality in a unique way. Most goods these days are mass-produced and have a planned obsolescence. Such things are designed to wear out or become outdated to insure their replacement by a future product. Our philosophy is exactly the opposite: Used Rubber USA products are designed to last as long as possible. We want to keep that rubber out of the landfill and provide you with a product you can cherish for decades! This type of rubber has very specific material characteristics. With over 25 years of experience working with the material we have a deep understanding of its strengths, how it wears, and the best techniques for fabrication and assembly, and we integrate this into our designs. We have generally chosen riveting or wide lacing over sewing on most bag styles because it has a lesser tendency to tear under stress. And this has created our signature aesthetic since the 1980's. We do not line our bags because the rubber itself is easier to clean and much more impervious to spills and stains than any lining material. And while we use the most durable materials and methods we can in order to minimize the need for repairs, we will attempt to repair our bags for as long as they exist. We do not make a profit from repairs. We consider them a service to and an investment in our customers. We rarely advertise -- our business comes through loyalty and customer referrals. The best advertising in the world is a great product, good service and happy customers.       Our products are cruelty-free and vegan; there are no animal products in Used Rubber USA goods. Our materials and manufacturing methods are environmentally sound. We do not melt or process the rubber we work with; we simply wash the used inner tubes, cut them up, and rivet or sew them back together in more useful forms. This is called reuse. Reuse over recycling is generally the most environmentally sound form of manufacturing because there are no chemical by-products and very little energy expenditure (utilization of fossil fuels, etc.) is necessary. Zero waste is an important philosophy for us. We use the whole tube, laying out our patterns in intricate puzzles to minimize any wasted material. We use ONLY waste tubes. Several of our "knock offs" over the years have followed the path to profits by substituting new tubes for used ones without the consumer's knowledge. If you have any questions as to whether inner tube products seem new or used please contact us. We can provide hints for you to determine the validity of claims. Due to the uniqueness of our story, we were everywhere in the news throughout the 90's -- from fashion to environmental to business media -- in nearly every U.S. state, on the national level, plus abroad in many foreign countries. We believe our efforts and exposure have changed the perception of "raw materials" inspiring countless individuals to look differently at potential materials. As a result we have focused not only on the commercial aspects of making bags, but increasingly on educating to make the emerging eco-trends a part of everyday thinking and design. Creating a balance between artistry, business, and education has always been the primary goal. Mandana has directed an approach different from most design studios. Instead of patenting and privatizing all of her rubber design work, she has taken great interest in inspiring other designers and artisans. Knowing that her own products alone could not make a dent in the current volumes of waste rubber, Mandana has created projects and lectures to promote and educate about recycling and design concepts crucial to the acceptance and adoption of material reuse. Our educational and artistic efforts (consumer, designer and artist awareness) have often taken the lead over our commercial aspects, but we believe this is what is needed to make change. All others using inner tube rubber and other reclaimed materials will benefit. Follow this link to see some of the wonderful student work from her Rubber Re Craft Project. Awareness of labor practices is not very high for many Americans, though this has begun to change. All of our products are manufactured by hand in the USA. The owner supervises all the cleaning, riveting, and heavy manufacture herself. The independent sewing shop we work with meets or exceeds all regulations and the owner runs her shop well above industry standards. We know her personally and have been to the shop many times. Sometimes people ask us why our work isn't cheaper, since the basic material is so cheap. What you pay for in a Used Rubber USA product has much to do with sound labor practices; the ethically and environmentally sound, quality manufacturing we invest in order to transform worthless and environmentally threatening trash into stylish, functional accessories.       Since we reuse the inner tubes directly without melting or processing, the rubber bears some wonderful markings from its first life. Some bags have textured patterns pressed into the material from the inside of the tire as a result of heat and pressure in their original use. Other bags may have printed text on them, or even tire patches. This makes each bag different and unusual. We create handsome, functional designs with simple yet striking shapes. We want to ensure that the aesthetic aging of our bags is as graceful as the physical aging. The combination of classic form and modern materials make our work unique. We want our bags to be symbols of enduring fashion not flash in the pan fast fashion. We are proud of our company's philosophy. The principles behind the products are as gorgeous, durable and stylish as the products themselves. Questions about our store? Contact us!