The more you look into Day Owl, the more amazing things you find.
Based in Pittsburgh in the United States, Day Owl started their journey back in 2010 after a major earthquake in Haiti. Initially called Thread International, they started by helping the trash collectors by making it into products. They employed these locals to collect plastic waste and help recycle it for use in their fabrics.
Thread developed a responsible supply chain with two significant outcomes, getting people out of poverty and cleaning up the waste. They also realized that Haiti wasn’t the only place to offer help, so they expanded into other countries like Honduras and Taiwan.
In 2019 Thread rebranded and split into two companies, First Mile and Day Owl. First Mile is focused on their responsible supply chain work, while Day Owl showcases their first product, a better backpack.
First Mile’s responsible supply chain works by supporting local communities through the collection of plastic bottles. They involve the locals in the process, empowering them and creating positive outcomes in waste collection.
Another goal of First Mile is to have more products made from recycled and sustainable materials. Something they believe is achievable today. They are working hard at this goal by creating fabrics from recycled water bottles and making them available to companies. So far, they have partnered with Puma, Ralph Lauren, Aerie, HP, Marmot, Timberland, and Reebok.
To date, First Mile™ has saved over 121 Million plastic bottles, and their local entrepreneurs have generated over $700 thousand in revenue. If you want to learn more about First Mile or are interested in partnering with them, head to their website here.
Day Owl has created backpacks made from the sturdy First MileTM waxed canvas. It’s a practical backpack that lets you carry everything you need while looking stylish. Plus, each bag they make saves 25 bottles, 700 gallons of water, and 1.2 lbs of pesticides and fertilizers compared with cotton.
Their fabric is made from ocean-bound plastic and was initially designed for boots. Their bags are definitely built to last. Add to that their recycling program and these things will be around forever. When you are ready for an upgrade, you can trade in your old bag, and they will either resell or recycle it. Not only that, but you get $50 toward a new bag.
Often companies list their values and promises. Well, Day Owl has a list of promises, and I think these are great and should apply to all of us.
- We can ALWAYS get better.
- We won’t say it unless we can back it up.
- Even though we’re not perfect, we’re always going to work hard to be perfect.
They even suggest that you can come and see for yourself. They have an open invitation to any part of their supply chain. So if you are ever in Haiti, Honduras, or Taiwan and want an interesting side trip, why not take them up on the offer to visit their facilities? Be sure to let us know; we would love to hear your story.
Day Owl: Recycled Material
Day Owl makes their products from a waxed canvas called First MileTM. It’s made from post-consumer recycled bottles or rPET.
Certifications
They are a Certified B Corporation, making decisions that make a positive impact across their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.
Other Kudos
- They only work with partners that are committed to improving their own environmental sustainability and making the industry a safe and fair place to work.
- Apart from a little tape on the shipping label from the carrier (which we can’t control), there is no plastic in the packaging. You can reuse the box, or recycle it because it is 100% recyclable.
Recycled Products
Their bags come in two different sizes and many different colors.
