About Us
Hey there, eco-warriors! 👋
We're Matejute - a group of passionate 20-something friends based in Sydney who decided to do something about the "P" problem that's been bugging us for way too long. It's plastic.
Our Story
It started with a simple frustration: everywhere we looked, plastic was taking over. Single-use bags, synthetic storage solutions, mass-produced home goods that harm our environment.
The turning point came when our founder watched David Attenborough's "Blue Planet II" – seeing those heartbreaking images of marine life struggling with plastic pollution was a real wake-up call that turned us into devoted nature lovers. As young homo sapiens who love spending time in nature, we couldn't just sit back and watch anymore.
So we did what any group of determined friends would do – we researched, we explored, and we discovered the incredible world of jute and traditional eco-friendly materials. That's how we found our amazing artisan partners in Bangladesh and learned about the beautiful craft of nakshi kantha quilts.
What We're All About
Our Mission: To promote the use of jute, hogla grass, and other eco-friendly products while helping you ditch plastic for good.
Our Goal: We're on a mission to help replace over 10,000 single-use plastic items with sustainable jute alternatives. Every jute bag, basket, or storage box you choose is a vote for a greener planet.
Our Values:
- Planet First: Everything we do is designed to reduce environmental impact
- Quality Craftsmanship: We believe in products that last, not disposable culture
- Cultural Preservation: We're proud to support traditional skills passed down through generations
The Heart of Our Products
Jute Essentials
From sturdy shopping bags to beautiful storage baskets, our jute collection includes:
- Eco-friendly bags (say goodbye to plastic shopping bags!)
- Home storage boxes and baskets
- Stylish wall hangers
- Durable laundry baskets
- Natural fiber rugs
Nakshi Kantha - A Labor of Love
Our handmade embroidered quilts are something truly special. These nakshi kantha have been a part of Bengali culture since the 16th century Mughal era. Each quilt is lovingly crafted by skilled women artisans in Bangladesh who learned their craft from mothers, grandmothers, and ancestors before them.
Here's what makes them extraordinary:
- Time & Care: Each quilt takes over 2-4 weeks to complete by hand
- Fair Wages: We work directly with artisans to ensure they're paid well for their incredible skill
- Living History: You're not just buying a quilt – you're preserving a 400-year-old tradition
- Unique Beauty: No two quilts are exactly alike, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind
Why Choose Matejute?
When you shop with us, you're not just buying products – you're joining a movement. You're supporting:
✨ Women Artisans: Helping preserve traditional crafts while providing fair employment 🌱 Environmental Change: Replacing plastic with biodegradable, sustainable materials
🌍 Global Impact: Building bridges between Australian eco-conscious consumers and skilled craftspeople 💚 Quality Over Quantity: Investing in products that are built to last
Our Customers (That's You!)
We know you care about our planet. You love being in touch with nature, whether it's beach walks, bush hikes, or just bringing natural elements into your home. You're someone who thinks before you buy and values authenticity over mass production.
You're looking for beautiful, functional products that align with your values – and we're here to deliver exactly that.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Every small change makes a big difference. When you choose jute over plastic, handmade over mass-produced, and fair trade over fast fashion, you're creating ripples of positive change.
Browse our collection and find your perfect eco-friendly essentials today!
Have questions about our products or our artisans' stories? We'd love to chat! Get in touch anytime.