Edinburgh Eco Startup and Luxury Pet Brand Partner to Fight Plastic Pollution

Edinburgh-based Project Harmless announced today a collaboration with Stocky & Dee, known for luxury pet accessories handmade in Leith, Edinburgh.

The two Edinburgh-based businesses decided to team up to amplify the under-appreciated eco-issue of over 10 billion harmful dog waste bags used in the UK this year. 

The innovative Harmless Poop Bag, which is made of medical grade and water-reactive material, was launched last year. It can quickly disintegrate in landfill and oceans compared to conventional poo bags made of recycled, degradable, biodegradable, or compostable material. 

Project Harmless recently gained support from British Business Bank and Virgin Startup to help build inventory after it was sold out last December. 

"Over 100 million marine animals are killed by plastics each year, our bags pose no harm to wildlife because the same material is approved for human consumption if manufactured differently. Using our bag is probably the simplest thing responsible dog owners can do to help fight plastic pollution." Said George Greer, Co-Founder of Project Harmless.

"While customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, some asked if we could create a pouch for the ease of dog walking. The collaboration with Stocky & Dee enabled us to work with a local business to create a new line of high-quality dog accessories targeted at eco-conscious dog owners." George added.

The bespoke houndstooth pattern Harmless Poop Bag pouch costs £24 and can be easily attached to a colour matching dog leash. The accessories are made of merino lambswool and cotton blend fabrics. It is available on the Project Harmless website immediately. 
Stocky & Dee will also introduce the Project Harmless solution to its growing numbers of customers worldwide.

"The dog accessory market in the UK is overflowing with poorly designed and mass produced products falling squarely into fast fashion, many made with harmful plastics. All of our products are handmade to order in our Leith studio. This also allows us to focus on craftsmanship and to utilise any excess materials to minimise wastage." Said Mairi Robb, Founder of Stocky & Dee.

"As a dog owner and a new parent, I am increasingly conscious of my choices, particularly when I reflect upon what the planet might be like when my son grows up. I am delighted that we can join forces with such an innovative Scottish startup to fight plastic pollution together." Mairi added.

The two businesses are now working on designing further exclusive styles for the winter season.