Unbegun (laptop sleeves from upcycled market tarps)

Unbegun laptop sleeve

Unbegun is a unique brand of accessories, made from upcycled market tarps in Amsterdam. This Dutch city has many outdoor markets, yet after market tarps wear out, they are thrown away and sent for incineration.

Unbegun laptop sleeve

Yet they are very strong and waterproof, so can last years. The tarp covers are washed and scrubbed, then repurposed into a new fabric to make bespoke bags and laptop sleeves, from a home studio. Due to previous life, each item is unique and retains quirky charm. Wear a part of local Amsterdam culture!

Unbegun laptop sleeve

The laptop covers are sold in various sizes, with a sleeve lining made from recycled foam, so your iPad can take a knock and is resistant to scratches. The zipper features a handy pull tab for quick access, and the case is also suitable for iPads with iPad pencils.

Laptop sleeves with handles

Unbegun laptop sleeve

The laptop sleeves with handles are ideal for the office or coffee shops, with a front pocket to store your charger, and a compact at the back.

Tote Bags (with upcycled tent material)

Unbegun tote bag

The tote bags are pretty indestructible. They can be work cross-body and work great has gym bags, and have a zip to keep contents cecure. Plus there is a compact outer pocket.

Again these are lined with water-repellent material made from recycled plastic bottles. The bottom is made from old festival tent material.

Keyrings (with strong carabiner hooks)

Unbegun keyrings

For a nice budget-friendly gift, how about the keyrings? They stay strong during wet or windy weather, and feature a powerful carabiner hook, so you can attach the keyring to your clothing.

From market waste to useful design

Discarded market tarps can vary enormously in size, colour, texture, thickness, and condition. Some may carry bold printed graphics, while others may have been exposed to weather until their original colours have softened. Some are relatively clean and intact; others contain stains and signs of heavy use.

The tarps are first inspected and sorted according to their condition. Damaged sections can be removed, while stronger areas are retained for the main body of the sleeve.

Why market tarps?

From a practical perspective, tarps are designed to withstand demanding conditions. They need to tolerate repeated handling, exposure to rain, sunlight, dust, and movement. Their durability makes them suitable for an item intended to protect a laptop during everyday travel.

Their surface can also provide a degree of resistance against moisture and everyday dirt. For a laptop sleeve, these characteristics are valuable because the sleeve is often carried through environments where spills, rain, and accidental contact are unavoidable.

Designing around imperfection

When working with newly manufactured material, designers can specify the exact colour, dimensions, finish, and texture they want. With reclaimed tarps, the available material already has a history. The designer has to respond to what exists.

A damaged area might be removed. A strong seam might become a decorative detail. A printed logo or fragment of lettering could remain visible rather than being cut away. A crease might become part of the surface texture. Slight differences between pieces can ensure that no two sleeves are completely identical.

This is important because the laptop sleeve is transformed from a mass-produced accessory into something closer to an individual object.

Protection with personality!

A laptop sleeve has a straightforward purpose: it needs to protect a device. A successful design therefore has to balance visual expression with practical performance. The sleeve needs to fit the laptop securely, provide cushioning against everyday knocks, and remain easy to carry.

The reclaimed tarp can form the durable outer layer, while a softer interior can create separation between the laptop and the tougher surface material. Padding can be incorporated to provide additional protection, particularly around the edges and corners.

The opening can be designed with a secure closure that allows the laptop to be removed easily without making the sleeve unnecessarily complicated.

Handles or straps can also be incorporated depending on the intended use. A minimalist sleeve might slide into a backpack, while another version could be designed as a standalone laptop bag.

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