The art world’s reliance on traditional, single-use packaging—including plastics, bubble wrap, and heavy wooden crates—has long been overlooked in broader sustainability efforts. With approximately 37 million artworks sold each year, these materials generate immense waste and contribute to excessive CO2 emissions. Traditional art crates, for example, weigh between 50 and 200 kg, significantly increasing carbon output during transportation.

In a sector that contributes an estimated 77 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, largely driven by art logistics and inefficient, single-use packaging materials, we hope to set a new standard for eco-conscious art logistics.

I invented the proprietary solution in 2021, seeking a better solution to an outdated problem. After two years of studying different materials safe to be used on art, interviewing specialists, receiving product feedback and more than 20 prototypes later, I launched what I found to be the most sustainable product both for the consumers and the environment.

Spongy Bags® tackles this crisis head-on by upcycling discarded plastics into reusable, durable, and acid-free (pH-neutral) packaging designed specifically for the art industry. Unlike conventional materials, Spongy Bags® are lightweight, recyclable, and have a minimum lifespan of five years. By replacing single-use plastics with a high-performance alternative, Spongy Bags® significantly reduce the environmental impact of artwork transportation.

The art logistics sector is often overlooked in broader environmental solutions, yet it holds immense potential for impactful change. Our mission is to inspire the industry to embrace sustainable practices, proving that economic efficiency and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

If adopted for 25% of the 37 million artworks sold annually, Spongy Bags® could eliminate 30.5 million kg of plastic waste and save 201 million kg of CO2 emissions over five years. This transformative potential positions Spongy Bags® as a leader in creating scalable solutions that redefine sustainability in the arts sector.

I call on galleries, museums, art logistic companies, auction houses, artists and collectors to rethink their packaging choices and join the movement toward a sustainable art world. Together, we can lead the industry into a cleaner, more responsible future.

Elsa Åkesson

Founder of Spongy Bags®, Elsa has been recognised for her work in sustainability. She won the 2022 Gavel Prize by Sotheby’s Institute, was honoured in the 2023 Forbes 30 under 30 and was a 2024 Earth Shot Prize nominee.