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The war in the Middle East has made raw materials for making plastic bags difficult to acquire, resulting in price increases and shortages. Because of this, traditional “ox head” bags have made it out of the fields. Originally used to carry pesticides, farmers are now using these large and durable bags for their daily necessities as well. The distinctive Taiwanese Gaji bag is also seeing a resurgence.

A farmer is going out into his orchard to tend to his crops. But what does he have there? There’s a white nylon bag hanging from his scooter, and he’s carrying another. What’re they for?

Farmer
For laying plastic piping. If we’re not irrigating, we’ll carry some water and my phone—whatever I’ll need in the orchard.

This is the “ox-head” bag used by farmers, called that because it looks like an ox head when folded. As it was designed to carry pesticides out into the field, it’s spacious and durable—suitable for shopping and eco-friendly to boot. As the war in the Middle East rages on and plastic bags are becoming harder to find, the “ox head” bag is quickly becoming a replacement.

Pesticide seller
Back in the day they were made from canvas. Later, we made plastic versions. It’s eco-friendly. It can be used many times. After carrying pesticides, you can use it to carry farming tools. So the tradition has been passed down.

It’s not only “ox-head” bags. The colorful blue, green, and red-striped “Gaji” bags from Tainan’s Houbi District are also having a moment. Once a must-buy souvenir for foreign tourists, they’ve also recently seen a surge in sales.

Huang Cheng-hsiung
Gaji bag maker
Due to the rush to buy plastic products recently, many people have come to our store to place orders. We’re working hard to produce more to meet demand.

Businesses that use lots of plastic bags are also feeling the squeeze. In Kaohsiung, a famous soy milk restaurant announced they’re no longer offering them from April 1. If customers want a bag, they have to bring their own.

Member of public
If I need a regular hand bag, I usually bring my own. But if I need one of those heat-resistant bag for food, it could be inconvenient.

With the temporary shortage, some shop owners are unwilling to absorb the increased costs and have simply stopped buying plastic bags. Some are instead using classic Taiwanese bags as a replacement. After all, necessity is the mother of invention, and it could even bring a touch of traditional fashion.

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