Recycled materials, fair wages, and durability are a few reasons that these are the best eco luggage sets and travel bags.
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It’s all about durability, recycled materials, and durability when it comes to choosing the best sustainable luggage sets for your upcoming adventure. The top sustainable brands will also go a step further to ensure that wages are fair across their supply chain, and they might even donate a portion of proceeds to a nonprofit. All in all, these are easily traceable ways for a brand to reduce the use of virgin plastics, upload labor rights, and reduce waste (from having to replace shoddy items quickly).
Sustainable Travel Tips To Follow
A simple way to start your sustainable journey as a tourist is to pick up an existing suitcase from a family member, friend, or secondhand shop. Using what you already have is the best sustainable step you can take to reduce waste. If buying a new luggage set is a must it’s essential to look at durability and brands that strive to reduce their ecological footprint. Even if a brand isn’t entirely sustainable (as many of the brands on this list aren’t), they might make efforts to use recycled materials, build luggage that is made to be repaired and last for years, and forgo single-use plastic packaging for recyclable paper options.
Paravel: Carbon- Neutral
Paravel Aviator Set Plus is Made of recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum handles, recycled zippers, and vegan leather details. $900
Paravel is the world’s first carbon-neutral luggage company. It’s been committed to sustainable travel and reducing our impact on the environment since the day it launched its first carry-on.
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Environmental Impact: Their carry-on is one of the most eco-friendly options, featuring a sturdy exterior made from recycled polycarbonate, zippers, and lining made from 15 upcycled plastic water bottles, vegan leather accents, and strong steel handles wrapped in recycled aluminum. They’re also certified by Okeo-Tex, Climate Neutral, and the Global Recycled Standard.
Price Range: Starting at $75 for a fold-up bag to $1300 for full luggage sets
Nisolo: Artisan Crafted
Nisolo Canvas Weekender is made from a cotton canvas and produced in a factory that provides living wages. $220
While the brand has yet to produce luggage, they do have a nice range of travel bags for short trips. Take your pick from Nisolo’s selection of shoppers, backpacks, and weekenders, all meticulously handcrafted from responsibly sourced leather and canvas in an exquisite range of deep whiskey-brown hues and earth-toned neutrals.
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Environmental Impact: This certified B Corp puts in an extensive effort to produce ethical and sustainable leather goods in collaboration with Peruvian artisans. Every environmentally-neutral purchase is accompanied by a transparent “Sustainability Facts” tag, sharing materials, fair working conditions, and their ecological impact.
Price Range: $220 to $295
Eagle Creek: Repair Facilities
Eagle Creek Caldera™ Convertible International Carry-on Luggage
is made from recycled 600D CORDURA® ECO Ripstop $469
With over 40 years of experience, Eagle Creek has gained a wealth of travel knowledge, advice, and techniques, enabling them to craft the ideal bag. This brand of luggage can also be found at REI, a store committed to quality gear for outdoor enthusiasts made ethically.
Environmental Impact: Eagle Creek incorporates recycled materials in many of their designs and even has a repair facility to prevent your bags from ending up in a landfill.
Price Range: Starting at $259 for a 22” carry-on
Patagonia: Bluesign Approved
Patagonia Black Hole® Wheeled Duffel Bag 70L is made from 100% recycled polyester and the Body fabric is certified as bluesign® approved. $399
For adventurous individuals, this brand is an ideal choice. Their range of wheeled duffle bags would be an excellent travel partner for those with a passion for exploring rugged terrains.
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Environmental Impact: You can shop used items on Patagonia’s website to avoid buying new items. All of their bags are constructed with from recycled polyester ripstop, a weather-resistant TPU-film laminate, and a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish. More than 80% of their products are produced in Fair Trade factories.
Price Range: Starting from $359
July: Lifetime Warranty
July Carry On & Checked Set is made from Aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shells and comes with a lifetime warranty $620
July is a brand that prides itself on offering the best engineering and design so much so, that each suitcase comes with a lifetime warranty. Travelers can expect state-of-the-art design details like SilentMove 360° spinner wheels, 100% aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, and anodized aluminum bumpers for extra protection on hard drops.
Environmental Impact: While the brand designs quality luggage sets meant to last a lifetime, their environmental impact isn’t advertised by either the brand or 3rd part organizations.
Price Range: Starting at $295 for a classic carry-on to $620 for a set
Samsonite: A Heritage Brand On A Responsible Journey
Samsonite has been a world leader in travel accessories since 1910. As a powerful brand in the space, it’s refreshing to come across a prominent luggage brand taking steps towards eco-friendly materials.
Environmental Impact: The brand has taken solid steps to minimize its environmental impact. Samsonite offers a wide range of carry-on bags made from a sustainable material called Recyclex® (created from 100% recycled PET bottles). They also offer repair centers. And they’ve pledged to use 100% renewable energy by 2025.
Price Range: Starting from $150 for a garment bag to $500 for a set
Solgaard: Award-Winning Luggage
Solgaard’s Carry-On & Check-In Closet suitcases feature an innovative shelving system to help you stay organized during your travels.
Environmental Impact: Solgaard has taken a step towards sustainability by committing to remove 5 lbs of plastic waste from the oceans for every item sold. Additionally, they have created their inaugural backpack made entirely from recycled materials.
Price Range: Starting from $275
Tumi: Made From Recycled Materials
Tumi TEGRA-LITE® International Front Pocket Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On has recycled materials incorporated into the shell case. $975
Another brand renowned for its top-notch luggage Tumi is also another brand that has begun to incorporate recycled materials into its products. Frequent travelers will appreciate the product recovery program helps reunite customers with their lost luggage and bags.
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Environmental Impact: The Tumi collection is crafted using Recycled Polycarbonate, a durable and malleable material commonly chosen for hardside suitcases.
Price Range: From $695 to $1795
Solo NY: Made From Recycled Household Appliances
Solo NYC Reserve Check-In Spinner is made from recycled household appliances and PET bottles. $199
Solo is a budget-friendly luggage brand that crafts their items using sustainable materials ranging from old appliances to PET bottles.
Environmental Impact: The brand has made a conscious effort to recycle 40,000,000 plastic bottles from landfills by 2024, convert them to energy-efficient solutions such as LED lights and solar panels, and partner with organizations like the Natural Forest Foundation to preserve the environment.
Price Range: $100 to $300
Roam Luggage: Made Locally
Roam Carry-On Expandable features a lining made from fabric lining, which is both antimicrobial and made out of 100% recycled materials. $525
Roam is another quality brand that features exceptional design details like 360° spinning ball-bearing wheels, a compression system, an expandable option, and water-repellent zippers. And with a lifetime warranty, this is definitely a set that you’ll have for a lifetime.
Environmental Impact: This luggage brand produces all of its suitcases in Georgia. The brand also uses recycled materials.
Price Range: Starting at $550
Lo & Sons: Made From Recycled Polyester
Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe is made from recycled plastic bottles. $215
Lo & Sons is a woman-owned luxury handbag company with a focus on durability that has made these bags a cult-favorite.
Environmental Impact: Each of their bags is made from recycled materials including 600D recycled polyester or organic cotton.
Price Range: $218 to $298
Away: Fewer Virgin Materials
Away The Large Flex expands to give an additional 1.75″ (4.45 cm) of packing space. $425
The distinctive designs of Away have made it another cult brand. Its sleek designs and bright colors are combined with state-of-the-art features that make these suitcases a must-have for travelers.
Environmental Impact: Away began in 2016 with a mission to disrupt the industry with quality products. Since then, the brand has expanded to another goal- adopting sustainable initiatives that include:
- Reducing the amount of virgin material used for their new Classic suitcases
- Increasing the portion of recycled materials in many of their components.
- Ensuring that exterior packaging materials are 100% recyclable.
Price Range: $195 to $495