magine reaching for your sustainable bag on a bustling morning, a small but powerful emblem that reflects your commitment to an eco-friendly lifestyle. This isn't just any accessory; it's a statement that even the smallest decisions can contribute to a more sustainable planet. It's about finding harmony between fashion and the environment, proving that you don’t have to compromise on style or break the bank to support ethical practices.
In this post, let’s focus on what makes a sustainable bag, how we evaluate sustainable bag brands, and our list of bag brands that have gone above and beyond in their green policies, innovative design, and overall branding.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Bag Sustainable?
A sustainable bag may be made using biodegradable, recyclable, or renewable materials. Biodegradable materials can be easily broken down by organisms without releasing toxic gasses or harming animals. Recyclable materials can be processed again to create new products after their initial use. For reusable materials, you can use them again and again, reducing the amount of waste produced. However, before we look into these materials further, let's cover the ethics of how they should be handled.
Ethical Material Sourcing
An authentic sustainable bag brand must either sources materials responsibly or ensures that its suppliers and vendors do so. This process involves protecting the materials' natural habitats, minimizing pollution, and reducing material waste.
Ethical Manufacturing Methods
These methods incorporate eco-friendly manufacturing processes such as the use of energy-saving processes like solar power, minimization of raw materials, and use of a closed-loop system that allows for water and raw material reusability.
You also want a sustainably designed bag that will be timeless. Polypropylene non-woven bags (PNB) are sustainable and even longer lasting compared to plastic bags.
Ethical Labor Conditions
The making of a sustainable bag must also ensure that the people involved are safe, paid fairly, and work in a safe environment.
Certificate of Sustainability
One way to be sure that the three mentioned ethics are met is when a sustainable bag brand has one or more sustainable certificates. These certificates are provided by authorized and verified third parties. Some that are commonly used include:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Leather Working Group (LWG)
- Fair Trade Certified
- B Corp Certification
What Materials Are Sustainable Bags Typically Made With?
In our previous section, we introduced biodegradable, recycled, and renewable materials as sustainable. Let’s go further and look into some of these materials:
Organic Cotton
Although cotton is a plant-derived material, conventional cotton cultivation uses synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that deteriorate the ecosystem and human health; making organic cotton the sustainable alternative. Organic cotton cultivation prioritizes the use of natural practices such as manual weeding that increases soil viability, and GOTS certification acknowledges that.
Recycled Polyester
Polyester is not biodegradable, but recycled polyester is sustainable and produces polyester fibers used to make sustainable bags. This option requires less energy to produce and utilizes existing plastic waste, which would otherwise release toxic chemicals when broken down.
Cork
The bark of cork oak trees is the cork’s source and it also regenerates after being harvested, showcasing its sustainability. Moreover, cork’s wear-resistant and low density make cork bags durable and easy to carry around.
Piñatex
Piñatex, a vegan leather alternative, is made from pineapple leaf fibers. The raw material is obtained without the use of additional land, water, or fertilizers; simply a byproduct of pineapple harvesting.
Mycelium Leather
Fungal mycelium grows the soft and pliable mycelium which has successfully been used as a material for crafting sustainable and fashionable bags. Moreover, its production process is carbon-negative, and it’s biodegradable at the end of its life.
Tencel
Tencel is used to make soft, smooth, and comfortable bags. They are sourced from sustainable wood pulp and their production process is closed loop, recycling 99% of its solvent. It also has an OEKO-TEX certification that guarantees it’s free from toxic substances.
Hemp
During cultivation, hemp produces less CO2 and it will absorb more during its growth. It's resistant to pests, boosts soil health, and is UV resistant to keep your bag contents from damage. To add on its sustainability, hemp-made bags are biodegradable and compostable when you’re done with them.
How We Evaluated Sustainable Bag Brands
We don’t take bag brands' claims of sustainability at face value, and neither should you. Our evaluation points of outstanding sustainable bag brands are:
Quality/Durability
Not just quality, but high quality. High quality materials don’t break or tear easily and an added reinforced stitching, makes the sustainable bag part of you for the long haul. A high quality bag can also be evaluated by its warranty; a manufacturer’s way of assuring you that you won't need a replacement soon.
Cost
"Cheap is expensive and expensive is cheap." We stick to high quality yet affordable options, and you should too. These prices cover the use of ethical labor, sustainable materials, and at the same time provide a bag that offers good value over its lifespan.
Materials
In line with the sustainable materials we’ve discussed, the bar set should be maintained. Renewable, recycled, and biodegradable materials are still the focus points. These standards are maintained when sustainable bag brands have organic certifications to verify sustainability.
How They Were Made
We focus on brands that practice fair labor and ensure safe working conditions, use sustainable materials, are transparent about how their products are made, and ensure no animals are harmed in the process.
Style
Our focus here is on minimal designs that will remain timeless and classic. Moreover, the design should incorporate multifunctional features such as convertible straps.
A List of 11 Sustainable Bag Brands We Love
After covering all you need to know about sustainable bags and what they are made of. Let's explore our eleven outstanding sustainable brands:
1. Rothy’s
This brand's sustainability initiative saves over 770,000 pounds of plastic from ending up in the ocean annually. They also pride themselves in creating durable products that are machine washable and feature strong bag handles.
Popular purse: The Lightweight Tote
Customer reviews: The customers review headline this tote’s popularity: “I was looking for a durable and sustainable bag. I found it!” and “Now I need the matching shoes!!”
Materials: Marine plastic, and recycled plastic bottles.
Product Range: Totes, crossbody, clutch, shoulder bag.
Occasions & Styles: Convenient to take to work, a function, or a casual everyday. Styled for versatility, classic, trendy.
Pricing: $95 - $425
Ships To: Worldwide
Sustainability Stats: Certified by Climate Neutral since 2020, works with Gold Standard carbon-neutral freight, the Global Recycled Standard and the OEKO-Tex Standard 100.
2. Canussa
This is a 100% vegan company that aims to keep you styled, and in the process care for the animals, people, and the planet. Look good, feel good, and do good.
Popular purse: Totissimo shoulder bag
Customer Reviews: With “love it” as the main comment the customers appreciate the Totissimo for its stylish design and functionality.
Materials: 100% natural leather, vegan leather, and recycled materials.
Product Range: Totes, crossbody, clutch, shoulder bag.
Occasions & Styles: Works for work, functional, casual everyday, dressy, versatile, classic, trendy.
Pricing: $106 - $262
Ships To: Worldwide
Sustainability Stats: Canussa offers biodegradable packaging, works on 5 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and is a B Corp-certified company with a score of 102.
3. Everlane
Costs of materials, labor, and transportation are true and transparent when it comes to Everlane's prices. Everlane is also aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) three-pillar framework:
- Keep Earth Clean
- Keep Earth Cool
- Do Right By People
Popular purse: The ReNew Transit Backpack
Customer Reviews: Customers reviews show praise for the ReNew Transit Backpack for its style, applications, and its simple yet effective design.
Materials: Recycled polyester, Man-Made Cellulosic Fibers, and organic cotton.
Product Range: Totes, crossbody, clutch, shoulder bag.
Occasions & Styles: Recommended for work, functional, casual everyday, dressy, versatile, classic, trendy.
Pricing: $50 - $150
Ships To: Worldwide
Sustainability Stats: Everlane uses certified organic from the Organic Content Standard (OCS), Farm-Traceable Cotton, and has a Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification. They have also been an RWS and RAS certified brand since 2022. Their sustainable wool usage is also in line with the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS), and the Good Cashmere Standard (GCS).
4. Svala
Svala is known for its use of innovative, premium vegan materials like Pinatex® (made from pineapple leaf fiber) and MIRUM® (a 100% plastic-free, recyclable material).
Popular Purse: Simma Tote
Customer Reviews: Customers rave about the Simma Tote for its stylish design, durability, and versatility. They also appreciate that it is vegan and eco-friendly.
Materials: Pinatex®, cork, vegan leather, MIRUM®.
Product Range: Totes, crossbody, clutch, shoulder bag.
Occasions & Styles: For work, functional, casual everyday, dressy, versatile, classic, trendy.
Pricing: $110 - $300
Ships To: Worldwide
Sustainability Stats: Svala uses sustainable materials like Pinatex® and MIRUM®, and their products are Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified.
5. Baggu
Baggu has been on the creation track of reusable shopping backs since 2007. Their focus is on sustainable design, materials, production, and the product life cycle.
Popular purse: Standard Baggu
Customer Reviews: “Obsessed” from one reviewer and “I've had it for nearly 10 years and it's still going strong” from another can’t be overstated, with other customers agreeing that they would recommend this product to their friends.
Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled cotton, and recycled leather.
Product Range: Totes, crossbody, clutch, shoulder bag.
Occasions & Styles: For work, functional, casual everyday, dressy, versatile, classic, trendy.
Pricing: $10 - $50
Ships To: Worldwide
Sustainability Stats: Baggu’s manufacturers are ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 140001 certified and their poly bags are also 100% biodegradable certified. Their paper packaging is made from FSC-certified 100% recycled paper stock.
6. Frida Rome
Beyond their sustainable offerings such as the use of vegan and biodegradable materials, eco-friendly production, and recyclable packaging; each bag design comes with its own story that’s based on the bag’s name.
Popular purse: WEEK/END Cactus Leather Vegan Crossbody Bag
Customer Reviews: This Frida Rome bag is highly reviewed for its design, materials, quality, and value for money. One review reads, “Definitely a head-turner. Can’t wait to be asked where it’s from!”
Materials: Cactus leather, apple leather, recycled polyester, and organic cotton
Product Range: Includes crossbody bags, tote bags, wallets, pouches, and bag charms
Occasions & Styles: Suitable for both casual and formal occasions, with a chic and edgy design aesthetic
Pricing: $33 - $528
Ships To: Worldwide
Sustainability Stats: Frida Rome’s products are PETA-Approved Vegan and some materials are certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). They focus on sustainable shipping and their packaging is made from 90% recycled materials.
7. Rose in April
They are a family-run business; giving them more control over their production process and a stronger commitment to ethical practices. They also focus on durable and timeless designs that help reduce waste and promote a sustainable pattern.
Popular purse: Bum bag
Customer Reviews: Customers love this bag for its practical size and design; they appreciate the creator for its quality at the set price. It’s unbeatable.
Materials: They use organic cotton, recycled polyester, linen, and jute
Product Range: They have bum bags, tote bags, children’s accessories, home decor items, and linens
Occasions & Styles: For everyday use, casual outings, and home decor, with a focus on practical and stylish designs
Pricing: $17 - $100
Ships To: Worldwide
Sustainability Stats: They have the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certificate and they practice eco-friendly production and ethical practices to support fair labor and local communities.
8. Wouf
The brand's bold and unique prints add a distinctive touch on top of their locally produced products that are made of eco-friendly materials like organic cotton that come in recycled packages.
Popular purse: Mia Vanity Bag
Customer Reviews: It has been received as a bag made of great quality and a lovely print.
Materials: Organic cotton, recycled polyester, and eco-friendly inks for printing
Product Range: Totes, crossbody, clutch, shoulder bag, and pouches
Occasions & Styles: Convenient for work, functional, casual everyday, dressy, versatile, classic, and trendy style
Pricing: $22 - $67
Ships To: Worldwide
Sustainability Stats: This brand is packed by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Recycled Standard (GRS), and the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications. They also use FSC-certified paper for responsible packaging.
9. Muuñ
This brand was a result of two worlds uniting and began as the idea of Tahiru, a straw-weaving expert, with a vision of his Ghanaian baskets to reach the world at a just and fair price. It’s now a brand that uplifts and takes care of Tahiru’s artisan community while creating sustainable natural materials.
Popular purse: MAXI CABA / COTON
Customer Reviews: This bag’s reviews show the customer’s admiration of this bag’s timeless and sustainable design.
Materials: Natural straw, organic cotton, and leather in some designs
Product Range: Basket bags, tote bags, clutches, and crossbody bags
Occasions & Styles: Convenient for casual outings, beach trips, market shopping, and formal events
Pricing: $110 - $335
Ships To: Worldwide
Sustainability Stats: They follow ethical practices that ensure fair wages and support for the artisan community. They also focus on handmade products that minimize their carbon footprint.
10. Rivedroite Paris
A brand that uses recycled and upcycled materials like cotton, denim, and nylon; a circular economy model that reduces waste and promotes reuse of materials. They began as a result of trying to fill the “14.5 million fabrics” gap that is not recycled every year. They went a step further to build their stitching team, nicknamed Dudes, from the ground up and continue to support them.
Popular purse: Charlot the Crossbody bag
Materials: Recycled cotton, upcycled denim, and recycled nylon
Product Range: Crossbody bags, tote bags, backpacks, pouches, and fanny packs
Occasions & Styles: Best for everyday use, travel, casual outings, and work
Pricing: $50 - $170
Ships To: Worldwide
Sustainability Stats: Their production process is both environmentally conscious and socially inclusive. They support local artisans and employ fair trade practices. Their packaging involves the use of recycled and recyclable materials like recycled paper and cardboard.
11. Jeane and jax
A brand with vegan option products made of vegan leather and cutting-edge materials like MIRUM® that’s made from natural rubber. Their use of plant-based materials and ethical production gives an assurance of stylish and cruelty-free products.
Popular purse: EMILY II Vegan Hobo Bag
Materials: Vegan Leather, MIRUM®, recycled polyester, and organic cotton
Product Range: Totes, crossbody, clutch, shoulder bag, and backpacks
Occasions & Styles: For work, functional, casual everyday, dressy, and it’s versatile, classic, and trendy
Pricing: $60 - $300
Ships To: Worldwide
Sustainability Stats: They are PETA-Approved Vegan, with materials that are certified at the European Union level, and YKK & OOK high-quality zippers. They also focus on ethical production practices that ensure fair wages and safe working conditions.
Bagging Green Chic
As we wrap up our journey through the world of sustainable bags, let’s take a moment and celebrate how sustainable fashion has transformed, and it's not just about clothes, jackets, and shoes anymore. We’ve seen how ethical labor practices and animal-friendly alternatives are stitching together a sustainable future and green bags are making waves as the perfect addition to your eco-friendly wardrobe.
By choosing bags that champion ethical labor practices and animal-friendly materials, you can make every aspect of your outfit a testament to sustainability. Whether it's a sleek tote, an elegant clutch, or a practical backpack, these bags are the ultimate accessory for anyone looking to make both a style and environmental statement. Embrace the full spectrum of eco-chic and make a lasting impact.
