There's an easier way.
Outsource production. Find cheaper partners. Scale faster.
We chose not to.
Not because we couldn't. But because we know exactly what gets lost along the way — control, quality, accountability. And the people behind every product.
Our bags are made in Poland. In three permanent workshops. By hand.
That's not a marketing decision. It's a commitment.
The Short Answer
Plant Inside produces all bags, wallets and accessories in small workshops in Poland — in Malbork, Elbląg and Nowy Sącz. We've worked with the same partners since the beginning, know the people personally and follow every prototype through to the final stitch. European production is not a strategy for us — it's the only way we can keep our promises on quality and transparency.
Why European Production Has Become Rare
The fashion industry has taken a clear direction over the past few decades: move production wherever it's cheapest.
The result is supply chains that stretch across multiple continents. Materials from Asia, production in Bangladesh, design in Europe — and dozens of invisible steps in between.
🌱 Did you know?
According to the Global Fashion Agenda report, over 60% of all garments and accessories produced worldwide are made in Asia — often under conditions that are difficult to verify. Only a small fraction of fashion brands can fully document where and how their products are made. (Source: Global Fashion Agenda, Fashion on Climate Report, 2020)
We take a different path. Not because it's easier. But because we believe responsibility starts where you can still see what's happening.
Three Workshops. Three Cities. One Philosophy.
Plant Inside works with three permanent workshops in Poland:
Malbork — where every new design begins. When a new model is being developed, the work starts in Malbork — with discussions, tests and sometimes four prototype versions before a production run begins.
Elbląg — a city with a strong tradition of skilled craftsmanship, known for precision and care in working with materials.
Nowy Sącz — southern Polish craftsmanship that stands for exceptional attention to detail.
None of these workshops is an anonymous factory. They are small teams — people who know their craft and understand the materials they work with.
We know their names. We visit. We discuss directly when something needs adjusting.
If you'd like to meet the people behind these workshops personally — their stories, their approach and their own words — you'll find them in our article Inside Craft: The People Behind Your Vegan Bag.
This proximity isn't a romantic ideal. It's the foundation for making products that turn out the way we imagine them.
Quality Comes from Closeness — Not Remote Control
There are two ways to ensure quality.
The first: strict control at a distance. Checklists, audits, spot checks on delivery.
The second: proximity. Conversation. Shared development from the very beginning.
We choose the second.
Every new model starts with prototypes — usually two to four versions. We carry the bags ourselves in daily life. We notice when a strap is too rigid, when a seam creates pressure, when a zipper could be better positioned. These observations go directly into conversations with our workshops.
Only when we're convinced does production begin. In small batches. Without rushing.
More on why we deliberately work in small quantities — and what that means for quality — in our article Small Series vs. Mass Production.
Shorter Supply Chains — More Transparency
Sustainable production doesn't begin with the finished product.
It begins with the journey a product takes before it reaches your hands.
Shorter supply chains mean:
- fewer invisible steps
- more clarity about material origins and production processes
- faster response when adjustments are needed
- lower CO₂ emissions from transport
Our materials come from Europe. Viridis® — plant-based leather from European corn and wheat — is produced in Italy. Washpapa — the washable kraft paper used in our laptop cases and lunch bags — comes from Germany. The organic cotton for our linings is carefully sourced within Europe.
From material to finished bag, everything stays in Europe. That's not a coincidence — it's a deliberate choice we make with every new product.
If you'd like to learn more about our materials, our guide to vegan leather explains all the details about Viridis® and Washpapa.
It's Not the Cheapest Option — and We Know It
European production is more expensive. Often slower. More demanding to coordinate.
We know. We chose it anyway.
Because European production enables things that cheaper alternatives can't:
Quality control — not through remote audits, but through personal relationships and direct communication.
Fair working conditions — EU standards for wages, working hours and labour rights are not optional. They are a given.
Avoiding overproduction — we don't produce for warehouses. Every run begins based on real demand.
Long-term partnerships — we've worked with the same workshops for years. That builds trust on both sides — and better products.
A product handcrafted in Europe is not a mass-produced item. It's an object with a story — and with people behind it.
A Family Business — and a Personal Decision
Plant Inside is a family project.
Wojciech handles supply chain, purchasing and product development. Bartosz looks after communication, content and design. Many decisions happen in direct conversation — not in formal meetings, but on the phone, over coffee, on the way to a workshop.
This closeness to our own decisions is perhaps why European production was never really up for debate.
We want to know where our products come from.
We want to know the people who make them.
We don't want to delegate responsibility.
That's not a strategy. It's a personal commitment — one that shows in every stitch.
What European Production Actually Means
For you as a buyer, this means:
✔ Every product is handcrafted — no two pieces are exactly alike
✔ Fast response times — when a material is improved, it can be implemented immediately
✔ Transparent origin — we can tell you exactly where your bag was made
✔ Fair production conditions — European labour standards, no exceptions
✔ Lasting quality — because handcraft precision doesn't scale, but it shows
FAQ
Where are Plant Inside bags made?
All Plant Inside products are handcrafted in small workshops in Poland — in Malbork, Elbląg and Nowy Sącz. We've worked with the same partners for years and know the people personally.
Why does Plant Inside produce in Poland and not elsewhere?
Poland offers a strong tradition of skilled craftsmanship, EU-compliant working conditions and short supply chains to our material suppliers. The geographic proximity to our material sources in Germany and Italy allows us to produce entirely within Europe.
Is European production genuinely more sustainable?
Yes — across multiple dimensions. Shorter transport routes mean lower CO₂. EU standards mean fair working conditions. Small series mean no overproduction. And personal relationships with workshops mean better quality control.
Does European production cost more?
Yes. And that's reflected in our pricing. We believe a fair price should reflect the real cost of honest production — not hide it.
Can I visit the workshops?
We're open to enquiries. As a small family business we don't run regular visits, but we're happy to talk about our production partners.
How many prototypes are made before a new product launches?
Usually two to four. Each prototype is tested in everyday use before adjustments are discussed. Only when everyone is convinced does the small production run begin.
Are all materials of European origin?
Yes. Viridis® is produced in Italy, Washpapa comes from Germany, organic cotton is sourced in Europe. We aim to keep the entire supply chain within Europe.
From Workshop to Your Life
A bag is more than an object.
It's the result of decisions — about materials, about partners, about processes. About people who know their craft and are given the time to do it properly.
When you hold a Plant Inside bag, you're holding the result of those decisions.
From the workshop in Malbork. Across the table in Elbląg. All the way to you.
If you'd like to see what's made in these workshops, explore our vegan bag collection.
Updated: April 2026