Marina Moya (Alicante, 1978) is the CEO of , a ecommerce specialized in packaging that has been growing since 2009 based on a basic premise: offer a customizable product… and sustainable. Something that has served to differentiate itself from the multitude of competitors in the field of packaging for small businesses, as well as helping to spread the need to commit to sustainability.
Twelve years ago you created Bolsalea. How do you remember that time? How did the idea come about?
Initially, Bolsalea’s business idea was different. In 2009 with the purpose of reducing single-use plastic, we created the stock market, some ecological paper bags that were financed by advertising. We made an agreement with the municipal markets of Alicante and these gave their customers their eco bags that had brand advertisements printed on them.
But this idea did not work, it was difficult to find advertisers. but coincidentally the web was positioned very well with keywords such as ecological bags, paper bags…and we kept getting calls from people who wanted us to make their personalized bags. Thus we pivot the initial idea and we became the first ecommerce of sustainable bags. From then on, we expanded our catalog and we no longer only make bags, but also garment bags, covers for very different products… and a very long etcetera. In short, sustainable packaging in paper and fabric that is 100% customizable.
I remember at that time having a lot of fun while dedicating a lot of hours to the project, but the illusion was not lacking (not now either).
Since then, and beyond the pandemic, everything has changed a lot in the digital sector: the massive popularization of , the implementation of eCommerce as a form of consumption, the regular use of mobile phones as a gateway to the Internet… What are they for? you the most outstanding changes?
Has occurred a change of consciousness in which it matters more and more where, by whom and how the products we consume are made. Since the pandemic, society is more aware of how important it is to be able to produce efficiently here and not depend on countries where labor is cheaper. The value given to products made in Spain is increasing since they generate local employment with its consequent positive impact and also reduce the carbon footprint.
The purchase has become more thoughtful, not everything goes. There are more and more of us who do We care about the consequences that the purchases we make can entail. Trust in brands is growing, society is seeing that companies can be great agents of change and reward those that act in accordance with their values.
“There are more and more of us who do care about the consequences that the purchases we make can entail”
Of course, the packaging and packaging for eCommerce have also changed a lot. There are more and more options, more adapted to different types of needs, and competition has not stopped increasing. How do you see the sector in Spain?
Our sector has always been very traditional, which is why, until recently, not many had an internet presence. But today this has changed and the competition has increasingly better websites. Even large foreign companies have entered with very strong investments and that they are doing very well.
What are Bolsalea’s clients like? Why do they choose you over other alternatives?
Our clients are always companies, most of them small. 99.84% of the companies in Spain are SMEs and 95% of these companies are micro-SMEs and we are happy very much to work directly with this group because we are well aware that the impact they generate in society is of vital importance.
From Bolsalea we love talking to our customers, not only serve them but also know them, we We care in an individualized way since our products, being personalized can raise doubts. In addition, we do not want these small companies to have to lose much time on issues that are not your business focus, we put all our efforts into make it easy for you We have clients with whom we have been working for many years and we like feel close, as close as the waiter of all life to whom it is not necessary to tell what coffee you want and how you want it, online sales do not have to be cold.
And I think they choose us because many small businesses they feel identified with us, perceive us as similar to them and with values that define them both socially and environmental. Furthermore, as we want to pave the way for SMEs, the minimum amount for customize our products is very small so they do not have to make a large outlay or store in excess.
Do you think that eCommerces value the commitment to sustainability and respect for social values as they should? How do you think awareness is progressing in this regard?
Yes, we are on the way. More and more companies want their packaging to be sustainable, that is to say that they respond to the triple impact, social, economic and environmental. The Sustainability is a key concept to improve the current moment and not put the future at risk. future. Companies have to be a good example for the world and inspire society towards good practices.
Today, Many consumers are willing to stop buying brands that are they feel in love if they do not comply in sustainability and this type of consumer is on the rise. When newly created brands contact us, for them the sustainability variable is a indispensable requirement. However, perhaps the companies that have been in the market for longer and they have to readapt and changing processes costs them something more. But you can start small little and get better every day. Nowadays being 100% sustainable is impossible but still we can do many actions that do generate a positive impact on the chain.
However, sustainability purchases often fall by price. Contact us at Often companies with the desire to create mega-sustainable products but want to buy them at price of not so respectful products. There is still a way to go here.
“Many consumers are willing to stop buying brands that are they feel in love if they do not comply with sustainability»
In this sense, part of your production is made by women at risk of social exclusion. Why did you decide to take this step? What has been the result?
That society advances is one of the purposes of Bolsalea. Since we learned about the project we fell in love with him and we wanted our products to be sewn here. It is a small workshop located in a very marginal neighborhood that is doing a wonderful job, they empower the women of the area first by giving them training in sewing and then a decent job in fair conditions; Thanks to this, his day to day is a little better. From Bolsalea we are excited to work with them for the good results of the products they sew as for the chain impact it generates.
A few months ago we talked about your new customer service by video call in sign language. How is it working?
This is not a service that we incorporate to capture market share, obviously, but to improve accessibility. So far it has not been given that someone with these needs has contacted, but when it happens we will be fully prepared to make you feel just as well cared for than a hearing person. We want to break down the barriers that people with hearing impairment they face in their day to day. That is why we would like to encourage other companies to that they also incorporate customer service in sign language in their companies.
What do you recommend to a new online store that is looking for ideas for the packaging of its products? What are the main keys to keep in mind?
I encourage companies to choose for their packaging sustainable raw materials with a life very long and personalize thembut with a cool design, take advantage of the occasion to create a unique piece that is almost like a work of art that your clients want to use, use and use for a very long time. And when the time comes, it is easy to recycle or can even reach become compost.
For me, the main keys to take into account are:
- have a long life cycle
- that is recyclable
- That it is made of a single material to facilitate recycling
- that is biodegradable
- make it compostable
- That the carbon footprint is small, both for the product itself and for the material cousin.
- That the inks used are water-based
- And that the product is manufactured by people in ethical working conditions and fair.
In this sense, the materials that best meet these requirements are paper, cotton and hemp.
Where are your plans for this year?
We are starting this new course by starting to work with a social workshop with people with intellectual disability. In this way, from now on, part of our production that requires manipulated on paper is going to be done by them. Also, let’s increase production of fabric products sewn by women at risk of social exclusion. And we are designing new references with innovative materials to incorporate them into our catalogue.
Let’s take a trip back in time. What headline about Bolsalea would you like to read in Marketing4eCommerce in a year?
Bolsalea, one of the best ecommerces in the world
Imagine that you could travel in time: What advice would you give to your 2011 Self?
The world does not end if a transport does not make its connection well. Relativize!
Quick Quiz:
- What is the first social network you open in the morning?
- iOS or Android? iOS
- App or website? Web
- In which eCommerce and how long ago did you make your last online purchase? Two days ago in Hannun
- And it was? A mirror
- Last book read?
- Recommend us a fiction series Paquita Salas
- What website have you come across lately that has surprised you for the better?
- What is your favorite thing to do that has nothing to do with digital? On boards: dance and travel in a motorhome.
- Let’s spin a magic chain: Which acquaintance of yours do you think we should interview? Why Manuel Mas because he is a good little person who knows a lot about ecommerce and has a very cool project that he is
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