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This Company Turns Old Billboards into Beautiful Bags, Saving 5 Million Pounds from Landfills Every Year
This Company Turns Old Billboards into Beautiful Bags—Saving 5 Million Pounds from Landfills Every Year
June 20, 2025 | 10:52AM EST
by Emma Richardson
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A year ago, I thought I was doing everything right. I chose bamboo over plastic, recycled over new. Carried my own tote bags, used a reusable water bottle, and packed lunch in stainless steel containers.
Every label that said “eco-friendly” or “made from recycled materials” felt like a little win.
I was proud of myself... finally living up to my New Year's resolution to be more sustainable.
Then one night, everything changed.
A friend had sent me this documentary about greenwashing in the fashion industry. I can't even remember the title now, but one line hit me:
"When everything is called eco-friendly, nothing really is."
I stayed up until 3 AM researching. What I found made me sick.
According to Environmental Resources Management, 68% of US executives admit to greenwashing.
These companies slap "sustainable" labels on products that are barely better than regular ones.
They use earthy packaging, nature-inspired names, and charge premium prices, all while their products still end up in landfills after a few months.
I was fooled!
No more trusting labels at face value.
I started researching materials, manufacturing processes, and verifying whether brands actually backed up their claims. If a company claimed to be sustainable, I wanted proof.
Most swaps were easy: dish soap, cleaning products, even clothes.
But finding a truly sustainable everyday bag was tough. Every option felt like a compromise.
The "eco" totes fell apart after a few washes. The sturdy ones looked like potato sacks.
And don't get me started on the ones that cost $200 but were still mass-produced in factories.
The Discovery
Three months later, I was meeting my friend Sarah at our usual spot.
She walked in carrying the most incredible tote I'd ever seen: bold graphics, vibrant colors that looked almost like abstract art.
"Oh my god, I love your bag," I blurted out before she even reached the table.
"Thank you!!” Sarah grinned. "You're going to love this story."
She pulled out her phone and showed me a video from her Instagram. A massive warehouse in LA's Arts District.
Huge sheets of vinyl hanging from the ceiling like colorful curtains. People hand-cutting patterns, sewing machines humming. It looked more like an artist's studio than a factory.
"This company called Rareform takes down old billboards and turns them into bags," she explained.
"Each one is completely unique because they're cut from different sections of the billboard."
"Wait," I interrupted. "Billboards? Like the ones on the highway?"
The 600,000 Ton Problem Nobody Talks About
"Yes, and they only stay up for 4-8 weeks before they're replaced with new ads."
"Okay, but then they recycle them, right?"
"That's what I thought too. But no, that vinyl can't go through normal recycling. It just gets buried. We're talking about 600,000 tons of this indestructible material going to landfills every single year."
The number hit me hard. 600,000 tons.
While I'd been obsessing over plastic straws, there was this massive waste stream happening in plain sight that I'd never even considered.
"So how did anyone figure out how to fix this?" I asked.
Sarah smiled. "That's where the story gets really good."
Two brothers, Alec and Aric, got the idea on a surf trip to El Salvador, where they saw locals using old billboard vinyl as roofing. It was waterproof, durable, and surprisingly vibrant.
When they came back home, they discovered that in the U.S., over 90% of billboards end up in landfills because the material can’t be recycled traditionally.
So they bought one, started experimenting with it, and turned it into a surfboard bag. It worked, and local surf shops started carrying them.
That’s how the company started.
Now that was something truly incredible.
What I Discovered When I Got Home
I couldn't stop thinking about Sarah's bag.
That night, I was researching the company. Their website, reviews, social media... I wanted to know everything.
This wasn't some small operation making a few bags here and there.
They'd already saved over 400,000 billboards from landfills. That's 5 million pounds of waste that would've been buried in the ground.
Even crazier? They were now diverting 90% of all U.S. billboards from dumps. Basically, almost every billboard you see on your commute, instead of becoming trash, it becomes someone's favorite bag.
They are also a certified B Corporation, which means they've been vetted for real environmental and social impact.
This was exactly what I'd been searching for.
A company that didn't just claim to be sustainable. And they proved it.
What Other Customers Were Saying
Melinda A.
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2025
Verified Buyer
Still Perfect After Years
I've been buying from Rareform for several years. I have 2 big tote bags, a makeup bag, some small zip bags I've given as gifts. Mine have been on trips and airplanes and still look brand new
54 people found this helpful
Beth K.
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2025
Verified Buyer
My Go-To Gift
I love the Blake tote! I have separate ones for art supplies, groceries, the beach, and love to give them as gifts. I've probably bought 10+ at this point.
76 people found this helpful
Jessica W.
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2025
Verified Buyer
Indestructible
I love mine! It's indestructible. Spilled wine on it last month and it wiped right off. After 8 months of daily use, still looks perfect.
12 people found this helpful
Melissa H.
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2025
Verified Buyer
Worth Every Penny
It's so well constructed and durable. Plenty of inside pockets to keep everything organized. I also love that there's no other bag out there that looks like mine.
12 people found this helpful
The 5-Step Process That Creates Magic
Collect & Sort
Billboard vinyls from across the U.S. arrive at facilities in LA and Nashville.
1
Hand-Cut & Design
Not machines but real people hand-clean and cut each unique piece.
2
Sew & Photograph
Fair-trade certified partners sew each bag, then every item is photographed.
3
Pick Your Exact Bag
With 50,000+ unique bags online, you choose your specific one.
4
Ship
The exact bag you selected arrives at your door.
5
My First Order
A week later, I placed an order. When it arrived, I finally understood the hype.
The quality was undeniable. Vinyl that felt luxurious, not cheap. The colors were even more vibrant in person. And knowing no one else would ever have this exact design? That made it feel like art I could carry.
Within a month, I'd ordered two more and given one as a gift. Every time someone compliments mine (which happens constantly), I get to share this incredible story.
A Special Bundle - 29% Off
This is what actual sustainability looks like. Not sacrificing quality for ethics. Not settling for ugly to be eco-friendly. Just brilliant design solving a real problem.
Right now, Rareform's offering the Best seller Bundle at 29% off—you get 3 unique products, perfect for trying different styles or giving as gifts.
Certified B Corporation
90-Day Guarantee
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In This Article
This Company Turns Old Billboards into Beautiful Bags
The Discovery
The 600,000 Ton Problem Nobody Talks About
What Other Customers Were Saying
The 5-Step Process That Creates Magic
My First Order
A Special Mystery Bundle - Up to 60% Off
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Wiliam Devon
Can anybody vouch for this?
Yes, I’ve been using their bag for just over a month now and honestly, it’s been a total game changer for my everyday routine. I used to switch bags constantly because nothing held up or looked good for long
RAREFORM, thank you for the excellent customer service!!! Super helpful, fast responses, and they really made sure I was happy with my order. Totally impressed!
How long does shipping take??
Hey Skyler, got mine in a couple of days.
Ugh, being a mom is exhausting. Between errands, work, and chasing kids around, I barely have time to think. I randomly stumbled across Rareform and thought, “Okay, cool idea.” Didn’t expect much—but wow, this bag became my go-to. It’s strong, holds everything, and I actually love how it looks. It’s one small thing that makes me feel a little more put together every day.
Rosie Herbert
Just ordered mine – can’t believe how much this story hit home. Can’t wait to finally carry a bag that’s actually beautiful
Debra Peyton
I just bought one of of these bags from their website. Can't wait!
Wow, this looks amazing – has anyone actually tried one of these bags? Curious if it really holds up and feels as good as it looks!
My mom is always doing everything for everyone else. She was feeling worn out and kinda disconnected. I got her one of these bags just to brighten her day — and wow, she LOVED it. She carries it everywhere now and says it makes her feel stylish and like she's doing something good for the planet. Such a small gift, but it really lifted her spirits.
These bags are wonderful; I have 2.
I’ve been eyeing this bag for days! Definitely treating myself this weekend when payday hits — I need something fun, unique, and actually eco-friendly.
Does anyone know how long the shipping takes? Want to buy one for my friend.
Hey Ethel, mine arrived after a couple of days.
Ahmad Amin
Honestly thought eco-products were boring or low quality. This changed my mind completely. Design meets purpose!
Was feeling totally off and drained. Took a chance on Rareform—and wow, this bag gave me the refresh I didn’t know I needed.
Clara Milton
I absoutely love my new bag! Ended up getting one for my best friend too—she kept asking where I got it becase it looked so cool. Honestly, it’s too good not to share!
I know, I was so happy they still had some bags in stock today! Grabbed mine right away — didn’t want to miss out again. These go fast!
Just got my Rareform bag and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect — but wow. The quality, the colors, the story behind it... it just hits different. Feels like I’m carrying something with real purpose. Can’t wait to see how it holds up over time.
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The content of this page is sponsored by Rareform. All opinions and experiences shared here are based on the author's personal journey with the brand and its products. While Rareform promotes sustainability and environmental impact, individual results and experiences may vary.
