t’s not lost on us that travel of any kind has a certain carbon footprint. And yet, in a world filled with wonders awaiting discovery, the call to go wheels-up can be strong for globetrotters.
If your wanderlust is strong but you want to tread lightly on our planet, fear not. Consumers today are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products, leading many luggage makers to go green with recycled luggage and eco-friendly production. Whether you’re seeking a recycled vegan suitcase, the most durable travel luggage, or the most durable luggage wheels, this guide to eco-friendly luggage brands will help you discover your new favorite bag.
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What Eco-Friendly Luggage Brands Do Differently
For many eco-friendly luggage brands, sustainability starts with the materials. For example, many of them source recycled plastics, organic textiles, and even plant-based materials or biodegradable packaging. The end result is less waste and fewer resources consumed, generating a smaller ecological footprint.
Equally important is how and where luggage is made. These brands often run tight, energy-efficient ships — some powered by renewable energy. For example, Paravel has earned a Climate Neutral Certification, which requires companies to proactively measure and cut their greenhouse emissions. Others participate in the circular economy — like Lo & Sons, which has a line of upcycled designs that use existing damaged goods to create new products, reducing waste.
Then there’s Eagle Creek. The company not only uses recycled materials and responsible manufacturing processes but also works to make our planet better. The brand remains committed to protecting natural resources and getting involved in outdoor and community projects. It also keeps a close eye on its supply chain, ensuring the fabric used for its eco-friendly suitcases is safe for its workers, customers, and the environment.
Beyond the materials and processes, sustainable luggage brands are concerned about worker welfare. By partnering with factories that have high standards, these brands guarantee fair wages, safe working environments, and ethical labor standards.
The Environmental Impact of Opting for Sustainable Luggage
Switching to sustainable suitcases isn’t just good for the planet. Organic luggage and luggage made from recycled plastic bottles and other reusable materials is a wise investment that pays off. Here’s why.
Durable, Affordable Luggage
If you’ve ever seen your suitcase get hurled inside a cargo hold, then you know that bags often take a beating. Most durable suitcases can withstand several years of heavy use. However, with their sturdy materials and smart engineering, a sustainable suitcase may last much longer, holding up to decades of adventures. That translates into less landfill waste and fewer replacements. Plus, some brands, like Db, feature resale programs that breathe new life into used luggage, further extending its lifecycle.
Materials Matter
The difference a recycled suitcase can make is eye-opening. Research shows that making products from recycled materials uses 75% less energy than using virgin plastic. Recycling is also better for the planet. It cuts carbon emissions, conserves fossil fuels, and keeps plastic out of landfills and the environment. Best of all, recycling gives materials a second chance, turning waste into something useful again.
Fair Treatment of Workers
You’ll rest easier throughout your travels when you choose luggage from brands that value fair, ethical worker treatment. It means supporting fair wages, safe working environments, and stronger communities where people are paid well enough to support their families and futures.
Putting your dollars behind these brands creates a better world where everyone gets a fair shot at thriving — and, yes, seeking getaways of their own. These workers are also more likely to want to sustain their environments, building a legacy for future generations.
Why Supporting Eco-Friendly Brands Matters
Every sustainable purchase sends a message. As consumer demand for sustainable products grows, brands will have to adopt eco-friendly and socially responsible practices to keep pace. Buyers care more than ever about the journey of a product from raw material to home, and they’re willing to make their preferences clear with their wallets. McKinsey & Company reveals that products attached to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives averaged 28% growth over a five-year period, compared to 20% for products not making ESG claims.
Those numbers hint at a market shift. The more we choose sustainable, reliable luggage brands first, the more that larger companies will strive to improve their production processes, further reducing the global carbon footprint. Meanwhile, sustainable brands will have the funds to invest in larger production spaces and optimize their current tools and processes, making products more affordable.
In short, eco luggage can inspire positive change across the planet — from reduced waste to protection of natural resources and worker lives. Next, we’ll explore five durable suitcase brands doing things right.
5 Eco-Friendly Luggage Brands
We’ve previously discussed Paravel being one of the best destinations for eco-friendly luggage options, but it’s by no means the only. Let’s explore a few other sustainable travel brand options:
1. Solgaard
Solgaard began with an idea for a backpack with an in-built solar panel. It’s now an extensive line of eco-friendly luggage and bag options that feature recycled materials and clean up 6 pounds of ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities for every product sold. Their simple, neutral designs don’t look like much from the outside, but get a little closer, and you’ll see just how unique they are.
Solgaard’s sustainable suitcases feature charging ports, pull-out wardrobes, and completely frictionless 360-degree spinner wheels. They’re also so durable that the brand has added a lifetime guarantee to many of their products.
Product Range: Backpacks, weekenders, and suitcases.
Prices Start At: $215 for a carry-on.
Customer Reviews: The durability and easy organizational aspects of many of Solgaard’s products are what customers gush about most.
Ethics and Sustainability Practices:
- Uses recycled materials.
- Certified B Corp.
- Various eco and charitable partnerships.
2. Db
This minimalist Norwegian brand was founded in 2009 by an engineer, Truls Brataas, and a free ski icon, Jon Olsson, and has won multiple awards for their sustainability efforts and clever designs. Their soft, roller carry-on bag, for example, can be “hooked” onto their larger luggage so that you can pull both along with just one handle. That kind of simple but highly practical design thinking is what’s made them one of the best in the game.
Their use of recycled materials and commitment to full transparency regarding emissions and an ethical supply chain are even more reasons to love this brand.
Product Range: Soft and hard case luggage, as well as backpacks, duffel bags, etc.
Prices Start At: $299 for the Hugger Roller Bag Carry-on 40L.
Customer Reviews: “Sturdy”, “lightweight,” and “high quality” are the sentiments most often shared in Db’s customer reviews.
Ethics and Sustainability Practices:
- Recycled and Oeko-Tex 100, GRS materials.
- Certified B Corp.
- Full transparency regarding their supply chain.
- Transparency on carbon emissions and programs in place to reduce impact.
3. Solo New York
Everything at Solo New York comes in a sleek black or grey. The brand has put all the effort that may have gone into flourishing aesthetics into smart, practical features instead.
The handles on their eco-friendly luggage have great grip, the pockets are perfect for easy organizing, the sizing is always roomy, and everything from the telescopic handles to the wheel system is designed for easy, no-fuss movement. Many of their items feature recycled materials as well and have scratch-resistant surfaces that can withstand extensive travel.
Product Range: Backpacks, duffels, and both soft and hard sustainable suitcases.
Prices Start At: $139.99 for the Retreat Carry-on.
Customer Reviews: A customer reviewing one of the carry-on options from Solo New York said, “It is very well made and it is the best one I have ever used!”. This experience is echoed throughout the brand’s comment sections.
Ethics and Sustainability Practices:
- Recycled materials with at least 40 million plastic bottles repurposed by 2024.
- All packaging is 100% recycled, recyclable, biodegradable, and FSC Certified.
- Partner of the National Forest Foundation
4. Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek’s environmentally friendly luggage seems primarily designed for the more rugged, practical traveler. In their collections, you’ll find limited colorways and simple designs made with recycled materials. You’ll also find clever innovations like a piece of carry-on luggage that can be used as a roller bag or converted into a backpack.
One of the brand’s stand-out features is its No Matter What® Warranty. This ensures that customers get unlimited repairs on their purchases, which helps keep used luggage out of landfills. We wish more brands took the lifecycle of their products into account like this.
Product Range: Backpacks and soft case luggage.
Prices Start At: $259 for the Expanse 2-Wheel 21.5" International Carry-On Luggage.
Customer Reviews: First off, we need to give credit to how thorough the customer review system is on Eagle Creek’s site. Verified buyers are marked clearly, and there’s an option for reviewers to get specific on what kind of travel they’re using items for and how frequently. It means that when someone says how much they love their Eagle Creek item, and many do, you can really trust it.
Ethics and Sustainability Practices:
- Luggage repairs program,
- All products included recycled materials.
- Carbon-reducing strategies.
5. Lo & Sons
Lo & Sons may be a small, family run business, but their products are by no means small-scale. They’ve implemented various sustainability measures, from better packaging to recycled materials, to lessen environmental impact and yet are still always looking to do more.
Their focus is lightweight, soft case carry-ons with amazing versatility. A prime example of this is their Catalina Supreme Tote, which not only comes equipped with adjustable organizational compartments but a sleeve that allows it to hook onto luggage handles too.
Product Range: Totes, duffels, backpacks, and laptop bags.
Prices Start At: $205 for the Catalina Deluxe Tote.
Customer Reviews: “I would be hard-pressed to find another bag that does better than this one for me as both size and style are things I consider,” commented one customer on the above tote. Many others have also expressed appreciation for how durable and multi-purpose the items from this brand are.
Ethics and Sustainability Practices:
- Recycled and plant-based materials.
- Recycled and Recyclable packaging.
- Runs an upcycling initiative.
Some Helpful FAQs About Sustainable Luggage
1. What luggage has no Prop 65 warning?
Prop 65 warnings alert consumers to chemicals that might cause harm. Luggage that does not carry such a warning label is more likely to use nontoxic, eco-friendly materials. To avoid harmful chemicals, look for brands like those in this guide, designed with safety and environmental responsibility in mind. Check product details or reach out to the brand directly if you’re unsure about its Prop 65 status.
2. Is Paravel actually sustainable?
Yes, Paravel is a go-to option among sustainable brands. From carry-ons to laptop bags, the company makes a wide variety of products featuring upcycled and recycled materials — giving over 8 million plastic bottles new lives as luggage. As a certified climate-neutral company, Paravel offsets its carbon emissions, including those generated by shipping. To learn more about this eco-friendly brand, check out our guide to Paravel Luggage.
3. Why are luxury brands not sustainable?
Some luxury brands focus more on prestige and exclusivity than eco-consciousness. They may use virgin materials like leather or non-recycled plastics, which have a high carbon footprint. Additionally, their production processes and worker treatment may lack transparency. However, as more and more consumers seek out sustainable brands, we may see shifts among luxury brands. As we can see in this guide, it’s possible to incorporate both luxury and sustainability into luggage, with beautiful results.
4. Is Samsonite a sustainable brand?
While not 100% sustainable, Samsonite is making strides toward eco-friendliness. The company has big sustainability goals, like shifting to renewable electricity and increasing its use of recycled materials. These targets are part of larger ESG objectives that include a goal of going carbon-neutral across its operations by 2025.
5. Where to buy chemical-free luggage?
Most sustainable, durable luggage brands offer good quality suitcases online or at select retailers. Check the website for any brands you’re considering to find long-lasting luggage that’s made with eco-friendly materials and production processes. Even better? Find out where they sell in stores and purchase locally — you’ll cut down the carbon footprint even more.
6. Is luggage recyclable?
While you can’t toss your whole suitcase in a recycling bin, certain components may be recyclable, such as fabric, metal zippers, rubber wheels, and plastic handles. Check your local recycling guidelines for details, or inquire with brands directly about luggage recycling programs.
7. What is the most durable luggage material?
The most durable large luggage is often made with polycarbonate, a recyclable material. Rugged luggage brands may use recycled polycarbonate to make hard-shell suitcases. As some of the longest-lasting luggage, these bags are durable and weather-resistant — perfect for airline travel afar. However, many vegan luggage, outdoor luggage brands, and other eco-friendly luggage offerings are among the most sturdy luggage brands.
8. Who has the most durable rolling luggage that’s also sustainable?
Paravel is a popular favorite among eco-conscious consumers concerned about wheel sturdiness. Carbon steel bearings and steel axles make for tough, smooth-spinning wheels.
Good, Durable Luggage Can Be Eco-Friendly
The journey to finding the most sustainable yet durable luggage brand might seem like a long and winding one. But with this helpful guide, you now have everything you need to shop for an eco-friendly suitcase with confidence from some of the most durable suitcase brands.
If reducing your carbon footprint is important to you, remember to look at the complete picture for any particular brand. The most durable luggage brand choices might not be the most sustainable. The materials, production processes, worker standards, and design all come into play. Plus, it’s pretty cool to know that you can make a difference just by buying durable travel luggage from companies that care.
As you check off destinations on your bucket list, how can you make an even bigger impact? Consider snapping a photo with your new luggage and posting it on social media during your travels, tagging your favorite eco-friendly brand! You never know who you might influence to make an eco-conscious purchase of their own.
