8 Sustainable Luggage Brands for Traveling
Taking a trip is something that’s always filled with a mixture of excitement and planning. Yet how much have you ever really thought about your luggage and what it’s made of? Have you ever thought beyond how much you can fit into one suitcase?
The reality is, the luggage industry has a lot of flaws, and your luggage might not be the most sustainable or eco-friendly.
I’m here to tell you all that you need to know about sustainable luggage, why it’s better for the environment, and what type of materials it’s made of. Plus, I’ll be introducing you to some of my favorite sustainable luggage brands.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decided to purchase. Our commission is at no additional expense to you!
What's The Problem With Regular Luggage?
Have you ever had a luggage disaster while traveling? A wheel falling off? A handle breaking?
This, unfortunately, has a real risk of happening. As people travel more and more frequently, particularly after the pandemic, the demand for luggage has increased to match this. What does this mean? A lot of cheap, mass produced, but poor quality luggage.
The emphasis on luggage becomes not about quality and multiple-use, but instead low cost and high volume. Just as with clothes, luggage has felt the impact of the fast-fashion boom.
The main issue with traditional luggage is its durability. Cheap luggage is often poorly constructed and doesn't hold up well over time.
Zippers break, wheels fall off, and the fabric rips easily. What does this mean? That we go out and buy new luggage way more frequently than we should need to.
Environmental Impacts of Mass Produced Luggage
One of the biggest problems with traditional luggage is the material it's made from. Most luggage is made from synthetic materials, such as nylon, polyester, or plastic. These man-made materials ultimately come from fossil fuels.
While cheap to produce, their production is damaging to the environment. It causes the release of greenhouse gasses and other chemical pollutants, which contributes to climate change and air pollution.
The travel industry already produces a lot of waste due to the manufacturing of new luggage. Yet when the end product ends up breaking after a short time?
That not only means more waste and pollution when we buy a new item, the old one also has to be disposed of. This results in a lot of non-biodegradable and non-recyclable material in our landfill.
What Materials Should You Look For When Shopping For Sustainable Luggage?
Sustainable luggage offers a solution to the problems of both durability, and the environmental impacts associated with mass produced luggage. Sustainable luggage is made from eco-friendly materials — plus, it’s designed to last.
There are several materials that consumers should look for when shopping for sustainable luggage. What one you decide on will depend on your needs, and your budget. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are an excellent choice for sustainable luggage. Luggage made from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles or reclaimed textiles, reduces waste by repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
By using these materials, luggage manufacturers are able to reduce the environmental impact of luggage production while creating a product that is both durable and eco-friendly.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, or bamboo are another great option for sustainable luggage. These materials are all biodegradable, meaning that they break down quickly and don’t contribute to landfill waste.
All of these materials can also be farmed in a sustainable way, particularly if they are organically grown. This not only means that they are a renewable resource, it also helps the wider environment, with reduced pesticide use and fair wages for growers.
Bioplastics
Bioplastics are a newer option for sustainable luggage, and one that still isn’t that common. Bioplastics are made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, even pineapple!
All natural and plant based, this means they are also biodegradable. Bioplastics have a much lower carbon footprint than traditional plastics, and don’t produce the same pollution when manufacturing them, making them a sustainable choice that we’re only going to see more and more of.
8 Sustainable Luggage Brands
Now that we’ve looked at why sustainable luggage might be right for you, and the types of materials to look out for, I want to introduce you to some sustainable luggage brands that I love.
Paravel's Carbon Neutral Suitcases Made from Recycled Materials
Paravel is a brand that is committed to sustainable and eco-friendly luggage. Their wonderful range of luggage is made from a host of recycled materials, such as plastic water bottles, EcoCraft Canvas, Negative Nylon, Recycled Vegan Leather details, recycled zippers, and recycled aluminum.
Paravel uses upcycled and recycled materials in 100% of their products that are made to last. Since 2020, they have even been certified by Climate Neutral, proving their doing what they can for the environment.
Sustainable travelers can find eco-friendly suitcases featuring a hard shell, weekend bags, and travel sets. Paravel also carries travel accessories including a pet carrier and packing cubes. Their suitcases come in various sizes which is great!
I was recently gifted the Aviator Packing Cube Set. This set included the Aviator Carry On, Aviator Grand Checked Luggage, and Packing Cube Quad. I can tell the suitcases are crafted to last. They are durable, sturdy, and beautiful. I received the Scout Tan color which I love.
Aviator Packing Cube Set featuring two suitcases and packing cube set
The size of the Aviator Carry On is great for weekend trips where you just need a few outfits and essentials. The packing cubes allow me to easily stay organized which is great. The Grand Checked Luggage is a larger size. The roomy suitcase will be great for taking longer trips. I also appreciate that the suitcases have locks on them.
This sustainable luggage brand offers unique colors and the opportunity for monograms on select products. With Paravel's eco luggage travelers can be sustainable and stylish. Their high quality luggage sets also make great gifts!
Patagonia's Backpacks & Duffel Bags for Explorers
We’ve all heard of Patagonia as an outdoor clothing and gear brand. But did you know they sell luggage as well? Their line includes backpacks, duffel bags, and suitcases. They are a brand committed to sustainability.
Using recycled polyester and organic cotton, this is one big brand that cares for the environment. Plus, Patagonia's luggage is designed for durability and versatility, with features such as weather-resistant coatings, reinforced handles, and multiple pockets for organization.
They even have a repair program so you never need to throw away a bag that’s ripped.
United by Blue's Luggage with a Positive Impact
United by Blue makes use of a wide range of natural fibers and recycled material to make their sustainable luggage — it’s quite the list! They have everything from recycled polyester and recycled nylon to organic cotton and hemp.
United by Blue are a brand that focuses their mission around the 3 R’s — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. With a minimalist and stylish aesthetic, United by Blue is also committed to environmental conservation, removing 1 pound of trash from the ocean for every product sold.
Sustainable travelers will find sustainable backpacks, duffel bags, and travel gear from this certified B corp.
Terra Thread's Affordable Organic Cotton Backpacks & Tote Bags
Specializing in sustainable and ethically made luggage and bags, Terra Thread has something for everyone. Their range includes backpacks, duffel bags, and totes, all with a sleek and minimalist design.
Terra Thread is a brand that is completely committed to Fair Trade and ethical manufacturing practices.
All of their workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. In addition, they donate a portion of their profits to organizations that support environmental and social causes.
I have a Terra Thread backpack and Lupa canvas tote bag which I use regularly. I use the backpack as a carry on when traveling with my laptop and I use the tote bag as a beach bag.
Carry Courage: Cork Bags & Pouches
Carry Courage is committed to creating eco-conscious bags with a purpose. All items are hand made to order in Portland, OR using sustainably harvest cork.
This woman owned company offers great solutions for organization such as pouches for toiletries, tote bags, and messenger bags.
I have a few Carry Courage pouches which I use to store my toothbrush, makeup, and other bathroom essentials when I travel. The pouches are very well made and have held up well over the years.
Lemur Bags Give Back
Produced by a small, family-run business Ayutthaya, Thailand, Lemur Bags is all about conservation, and trying to prevent animals from going extinct.
As the name might suggest, 15% of all profits from Lemur Bags goes straight to organizations supporting lemur conservation projects in Madagascar.
Lemur Bags specializes in duffle bags, bucket bags and tote bags, and they make the majority of their products from canvas and organic cotton.
Deux Mains’s Minimalist Luggage
Deux Mains makes all of its sustainable luggage from upcycled materials in Haiti. After witnessing first hand the devastation caused by the 2010 earthquake, Deux Mains founder Julie Colombino-Billingham wanted to bring jobs back to this community, ensuring fair wages and a safe working environment.
Their luggage is constructed to be durable and functional, made from sustainably sourced leather, upcycled tires, and with a sleek, minimalist design. Discover duffel bags, toiletry bags, and more.
Nisolo: High Quality Leather Luggage
Nisolo crafts high quality, ethically made leather goods using socially responsible practices.
Through their leather bags, this certified B Corporation provides steady employment opportunities in Peru & Mexico, allowing artisans to support themselves and their families.
Nisolo uses sustainable practices such as eco-friendly waste disposal systems, leather byproducts from the meat industry, & carbon offsetting to craft leather goods that are meant to last a life time.
Travelers can find conscious leather Dopp kits, duffle bags, and more.
Secondhand Luggage
Consider checking out your local thrift shop! Shopping secondhand luggage prevents unwanted luggage from ending up in landfills and borrowing from a friend has a lower environmental impact than purchasing something new.
Why Should You Choose Sustainable Luggage?
In addition to the materials used, the manufacturing of sustainable luggage is also important.
Sustainable luggage is designed to last, with sturdy construction and high-quality components. This means that travelers can use their luggage for years, and not need to replace them.
If you are trying to shop more consciously, and you want the purchases you make to last you long term, then sustainable luggage is going to be the right choice for you.
While it is more expensive than regular luggage you might find on the high street, it really is an investment, and you’ll end up saving money in the long-run.
Sustainable luggage is an excellent way to reduce your environmental impact while traveling. Plus, there won’t be any embarrassing airport hiccups!
There you have it, all you need to know about sustainable travel bags, suitcases, and luggage. This might just lessen the stress of your next trip.
I hope you’ve learned something about what sustainable luggage is, the various materials that it can be made from, and discovered a sustainable brand that fits with your travel plans.
