About the Brand
About
Founded on the working waterfront in Portland, Maine over two decades ago, Sea Bags has been making the go-to tote bag for fishermen and fashionistas alike. In fact, one of our early sail bag designs was made from an old sail for a local fisherman who used the durable design to tote his tools to and from the wharf daily. The original bag, fondly referred to as the “Jeb Tote” in honor of the fisherman who carried it, is still intact today and inspired the design of our Wharf Tote bag. Influenced by the character of the Maine coast and working waterfront, Sea Bags headquarters are still based on the wharf where it all began still proudly making every Sea Bag from recycled sail cloth in Maine.
Founding Story
Sea Bags start life as sails, conditioned by days on the water, and are carefully transformed into nautically inspired tote bags and accessories. We keep durable sail cloth out of landfills and turn treasured material into keepsakes people actually want, use, and cherish for years.
At a Glance
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sustainability, made in the USA
Every style is made from recycled sails in Portland, Maine
Signature Products
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Team & Experts
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Beth Greenlaw is the CEO of Sea Bags, a Maine-based company renowned for handcrafting bags and accessories from recycled sails. Greenlaw has been instrumental in transforming Sea Bags from a local enterprise into a nationally recognized brand committed to sustainability and US manufacturing.
Under her leadership, Sea Bags has repurposed 1.5 million pounds of retired sails, preventing them from being sent to landfills. The company has retail stores from Maine to Florida, and employs nearly 200 individuals. Greenlaw was pivotal in obtaining the brand’s Green Circle Certification and has forged influential partnerships with organizations like North Sails, the NFL, and Life Is Good, emphasizing community engagement and environmental responsibility.
In addition to her role at Sea Bags, Greenlaw serves as the Second Vice Chair of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and was the previous Board Chair for the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. She co-founded the Maine Textile Consortium and actively mentors startups, reflecting her dedication to innovation in local industries and the community.
Various organizations have recognized Greenlaw’s contributions; she was named a “Woman to Watch” by Maine Biz and continues to be a prominent figure in discussions surrounding sustainable business practices and leadership. Beth lives in Cape Elizabeth with her son, Aiden.
Press Coverage
SHOPIFY
Aug 18, 2026
Retail Marketing Software: How To Choose in 2026
*Sea Bags*, which sells recycled sailcloth bags, used to operate with disconnected data systems: Clover POS for their physical retail and Salesforce Commerce Cloud for ecommerce....
MR MAGAZINE
Aug 12, 2026
FROM THE AUGUST ISSUE | HARPERS CELEBRATES A CENTURY OF STYLE
I'm loving BOB, a whimsical men's sportswear brand out of Italy, and a collection of recycled sailcloth totes from *Sea Bags*, customized and selling well at $200-$300 retails."Brian believes his greatest growth opportunity involves intensified marketing to make more people aware of the store....
DOWNBEACH
Aug 10, 2026
7 Beach Brands You Can Feel Good About Buying
Sea Bags beach totes are made out of an unlikely material—recycled sails from sailboats. Once a sail has passed its prime, it can be traded in for a Sea Bags product. It will then be made into more bags and totes. They try to use every single inch of fabric and even make small wristlets as well....
MAINEBIZ
Aug 9, 2026
Main Street mojo: Belfast finds its groove in downtown independent retail
Made up of two adjoining brick buildings built in 1869, the structure with a striking red, white and blue façade is home to two stores, including Sea Bags. It is listed by Worth Real Estate Inc. for $1.7 million.
ABC7 NEW YORK
Aug 6, 2026
Best Backpacks Every Grade 2026 Edition
Shopping story that was syndicated to 7 cities featuring a Sea Bags backpack made from recycled sails.
HEAD TOPICS
Aug 6, 2026
2026's must-have backpacks for kids, teens, and college students
Every 18L pack is crafted from *Sea Bags* vintage recycled sail cloth and lined with 100% Repreve recycled polyester ripstop fabric....
YAHOO SHOPPING
Jul 30, 2026
7 Best Backpacks for Kids of All Ages
The *Sea Bags* Vintage Crew Backpack stood out for its craftsmanship and sustainability. Handmade in Maine from recycled sailcloth, you'll love the bag's nautical-inspired look that feels more artisanal than mass-produced. Bonaccorso liked the concept behind the bag....
ASPEN MAGAZINE
Jul 28, 2026
Bridget Bahl and Wölffer Estate Bottle the Essence of East End Style
Beach bag: The Bar x *Sea Bags* Maine tote made from vintage sailsBeauty essentials: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint, Rhode Pocket Bronzer and Chanel Rouge Coco Hydra GlossYacht day or vineyard afternoon?VineyardBarefoot on the beach or heelsat dinner?...
THE ROBIN REPORT
Jul 28, 2026
Why Brand Clarity Matters
Sea Bags: Sourcing by Design. An A-frame chalkboard outside a Portland, Maine shop reads: "Handmade Totes and Accessories from Recycled Sails." Seven words. The entire brand is expressed before a customer opens the door....
EVERYDAY HEALTH
Apr 13, 2026
24 Smart Swaps to Help You Shop More Sustainably This Earth Day
BESTREVIEWS
Apr 5, 2026
Valentine's Day Gifts
Valentine's Day Gift Guide featuring a Sea Bags wristlet
Locations
Portland, Maine
25 Custom House Wharf, Portland
Asset Library
Editorial-ready assets. All images cleared for press use with credit.
