Bolsalea is an Alicante-based company certified as a B Corp and is a pioneer in the development of sustainable and ethical packaging solutions. At Canussa Lab, we had the opportunity to interview the founder and CEO, Marina Moya, to learn more about the company’s goals, working methods, and the impact it generates.
A Revolutionary Idea from 2009
When Marina founded Bolsalea in 2009, she did it with a clear purpose: “To put an end to single-use plastic, which at that time was everywhere".
But the commitment didn’t stop there. Marina also wanted to advocate for local production: "We wanted to offer an option that was respectful of the planet, but also made in Spain, at a time when China was the world’s factory and it seemed like nobody here knew how to sew or produce anymore”.
The approach was bold: producing locally, generating employment in rural areas, and doing so with sustainable materials. The goal was to show that there was another way to choose packaging, more aligned with social and environmental values, without having to compromise either design or functionality.
Being Pioneers: Challenges and Learning
Bolsalea was the first online store in Spain specializing in paper and fabric bags. Entering an unfamiliar market wasn’t easy, but it allowed them to make a difference from the very beginning.
Marina remembers this phase as a time of experimentation and continuous learning: “It was most of the time a lonely and misunderstood path, because there was neither YouTube nor tutorials for everything. But it was also very challenging and exciting. I really enjoyed it, as every day was a small experiment and a new discovery”.
What Is Ethical Packaging?
At Bolsalea, they don’t just talk about sustainability, but also about ethical packaging—a concept that goes beyond the product itself. “For us, ethical packaging is not just about the ‘what,’ it’s also about the ‘how’ and the ‘who,’” Marina explains.
For this reason, at Bolsalea they work with women in vulnerable situations, people with intellectual disabilities, and artisanal workshops that respect human rhythms.
“Every bag, box, or cover tells a story of dignity, care, and patience. Every stitch carries affection, not haste,” says Marina. They also pay close attention to materials, choosing recycled, compostable, and locally sourced fabrics whenever possible.
This approach is also reflected in their commitment to inclusive workshops: from their own workshop, where Sonia—a 56-year-old woman who regained her confidence after years without employment—works, to occupational centers where professionals with diverse abilities carefully handle paper and cardboard products. Since their beginnings, they have also collaborated with a small printing workshop in a village in Alicante, with whom they have built a stable and close relationship.
A More Conscious Brand Experience
At Canussa, we collaborate with Bolsalea in the production of our customized e-commerce envelopes, a partnership that reflects our values and makes us truly proud. Marina highlights that they are made from 100% recycled and compostable materials.
She also adds a key reflection on brand consistency: “Many brands put so much care into the product, the process, everything… and then they ship it in a single-use plastic envelope and—boom!—all that effort deflates.”
A Triple Bottom Line Company
Bolsalea is part of SANNAS, an association of companies that practice the triple bottom line (economic, social, and environmental). Marina is a member of its board of directors and embraces it as both a responsibility and a commitment: “We believe that a company should not exist to make money at all costs, but to leave a positive impact on people and the environment.”
SANNAS was founded more than ten years ago, at a time when this approach was still considered “strange” or idealistic. Today, however, it is increasingly recognized as the necessary path toward sustainable and meaningful business development.
The Future of Sustainable Packaging
Marina believes that sustainable packaging will very soon become the norm, not the exception: “Sustainability will no longer be seen as an ‘extra,’ but as the bare minimum.” And at Bolsalea, they are already working to go one step further: “Not just avoiding harm, but helping to regenerate.”
They remain committed to circularity, using materials that give back life and promoting increasingly local and conscious processes. As Marina explains, at Bolsalea they pursue the following vision: “We want every bag to act as a seed, capable of inspiring and generating a positive impact wherever it goes.”
Future and Advice for Learning with a Purpose
Among the upcoming challenges for Bolsalea are the growth of circularity projects, the creation of more inclusive employment, and international expansion. “We want to keeplearning, innovating, and showing that it’s possible to grow without leaving anyone behind,” shares Marina.
Regarding advice for those who want to start a purpose-driven business, Marina emphasizes the importance of not seeking perfection from the start, as it often masks the fear of taking the first step.
She suggests moving forward in small steps, keeping purpose as a constant guide, and placing social and environmental impact on equal footing with economic impact. She also highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people with strong values and, above all, enjoying the journey full of challenges and learning experiences.
