RetroActif

We are so thrilled to welcome RetroActif to the growing ibu family. Original handcrafted designs, innovative eco-friendly practice, socially responsible programs, all the facets we look for in our contributors. So what's their story?

RetroActif founder, Monica Shuman moved from Portugal to the USA in 2001, where she now lives with her husband and four-year-old son. Upon arriving in the US, she was soon dismayed by the amount of PVC waste generated from the millions of advertising banners hanging from light posts and buildings in every American city. Millions of banners are thrown away each year never to be used again, cluttering the landfills in every community. As a creative contribution to this ecological concern, RetroActif was founded.

As unique objects produced in limited editions from a finite number of banners, RetroActif bags embody great art and contemporary advertising trends. By mixing and matching materials, colours and designs, RetroActif recreate functional, durable and stylish products. Another great example of functional art to be found on ibu. Thank you Monica.

The company operates from Monica's new home in the State of Florida where all the bags are handmade in accordance with fair trade practices.

Within the first year, RetroActif’s bags and concept quickly gained widespread acceptance around the world. Along with retailers, RetroActif also works closely with major corporations and organisations on “Green Projects”, turning their old banners into “green” give-a-ways. RetroActif was also chosen to join the American Film Institute (AFI Fest) in November 2007, in their efforts to create a sustainable village and festival environment by recycling their street pole banners and converting them into 850 beautiful unique bags.

Starting January 1, 2008 RetroActif has adopted a non-profit organization. Room to Read. (www.roomtoread.org). Contributing positively to the environment and the global community is very important to RetroActif. As a proud supporter of Room to Read, RetroActif remits a percentage of its sales income to this very worthy organization.

Room to Read partners with local communities throughout the developing world to establish schools, libraries and other educational infrastructure. Room to Read seeks to intervene early in the lives of children in the belief that education is a life-long gift that empowers people to ultimately improve socioeconomic conditions for their families, communities, countries and future generations. Through the opportunities that only an education can provide, Room to Read strives to break the cycle of poverty one child at a time.

Monica believes that a truly successful company should have a positive impact not only on the environment but should also be socially responsible.  Like us ibuTraders, RetroActif are constantly striving to be that type of company.

View RetroActif's ibu collection