handmade
Alchemy Goods
Whoever stole Eli Reich’s messenger bag in 2003 probably didn’t realize that the
transgression would result not only in the creation of a company, Alchemy Goods, but also
a nationwide “upcycling” initiative.
Reich could not find the perfect replacement bag to carry along on his bicycle rides, so he
made his own—out of extra inner tubes lying around his apartment. That first prototype,
created on his home sewing machine, caught his friends’ interest, and soon orders came in
from local bike shops.
In 2004, Alchemy Goods was born, bridging the medieval transformative act of alchemy
with the 21st century idea of upcycling, which turns unwanted objects into something of
greater value. The company custom manufactures unique bags, wallets, backpacks, tech
sleeves, belts and other soft goods from used advertising banners, old seatbelts, and
reclaimed inner tubes. To date, Alchemy Goods has recycled 400,000 inner tubes,
keeping them from the landfills.
Eli works on products with staff designer, Margaret Chin and other key staff members. The
team is not only challenged by trying to upcycle as much material as possible, but also by
working with tubes which aren’t flat, and are only available in small dimensions. Their most
successful results include the top-selling “eco vegan” Franklin Wallet, the Elliott Toiletry
Bag, the Pike messenger bag, and the Mercer mini iPad shoulder bag.
Some 325 retailers – specialty stores, gift shops, university stores, outdoor stores and bike
shops – carry “Ag” products. Look for the debut of several new bag and wallet styles at the
winter 2014 edition of NY NOW™, inspired by the company’s cycling customers in urban
markets. New messenger-style bag and backpacks are simple, clean and European in design.
Seattle Central
The “right product in the right place at
the right time” convinced Eli to base his
company in the historic SODO district of
his “progressive” home town of Seattle.
Alchemy Goods now directly employs
14 local residents. Eli enjoys being out in
the city on his daily bicycle commute, or
on weekends when he’s hiking or playing
Ultimate Frisbee with friends.
Tiny Numbers Tell Big Story
Each Alchemy Goods bag has a small
number stitched in the upper right
corner. The tiny number represents the
bigger picture -- the percent of upcycled
material that goes into each product.
alchemygoods.com
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