FAQ

Where are Colony Co. bags made?

All of our bags are made in India under safe and ethical working conditions throughout all steps of production, from farm to factory, all of which are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (G.O.T.S.).

How do I care for my new waxed canvas bag?

A periodic cleaning with a damp cloth or spraying it off with cold water is usually all that is needed. Sometimes you might need to use soap, but try to use it sparingly because regular use of soap will eventually remove the wax from the material. You may also use a soft scrub brush if you have a stubborn stain. Never use hot water. And never ever machine wash and dry it.

Will using the Reusable Produce Bags and Reusable Bulk Bin Bags cause me to pay more at the register due to the bag's weight?

No. We have printed the tare weight on the back of the brightly colored exterior labels. This is for the cashier to use when they weigh the purchase. This deducts the weight of the bag. Weights are given in both English and metric units so that the bags can be used anywhere in the world.

The cashiers sometimes seem confused by the tare weights on the labels and don’t know what to do.

We find most markets that focus on local and/or organic foods have no problem at all with this. However, some of the bigger supermarkets still have training issues. This is the beginning of the movement away from plastic bags, and in a few years, this will no longer be an issue, no matter where you shop.

Is your packaging easily recyclable?

Yes, all Colony Co. products now come packaged in kraft paper envelopes or cardboard box packaging made from post-consumer recycled material.  In addition, we use paper tape and biodegradable shipping labels when shipping items to you. Colony Co. shipments are always plastic-free!

Can I put my bags in the washer/dryer?

For waxed canvas Lunch or Grocery bags – No, not at all. These bags are durable, but waxed canvas should always be hand cleaned. Think of it as how you would care for leather bags.

For the organic cotton Reusable Produce Bags and Bulk Food Bags – Kind of. Machine washing is fine, but cold water is required to prevent shrinkage. Same for the dryer, use low/delicate heat to avoid shrinkage. High heat will cause them to shrink. We recommend just hanging them to dry since they dry very quickly.

The cashier has to open the bag to get the code off the little stickers on the produce. Do you have any suggestions for this?

Yes, one trick we've learned (that many of our customers say works for them, too) is if the produce has those little stickers on them, peel one off and put it on the front of the brightly colored exterior label. That way, the cashier doesn't have to open the bag. Instead, they can see the produce sticker and the bag's tare weight all in one place. 

Why did you give your business the name Colony Co.?

We chose Colony Co. because we wanted a name that hinted at a connection to bees. (i.e., bee colony) Since we use sustainably-sourced beeswax on our most popular bags, our original plan was to partner with an environmental charity that helps preserve the bee populations. We are still working toward this important goal and hope to announce a charity partnership later this year. We also have plans to incorporate more information and graphics about this goal into our product packaging and website, so the mission is clearly defined. Stay tuned...