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Are you looking for the best eco-friendly luggage to jet-set across the globe while keeping Mother Earth smiling?
We’re swapping out the traditional clunky suitcases for some seriously cool and chemical-free alternatives from the best sustainable luggage brands in 2023!
Best Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Luggage Brands in 2023
No matter how enriching it can be, travel isn’t always an eco-friendly activity. Aside from being conscious of how often we travel and the modes of transport we use to get us to our destination, there are other choices we can make to help reduce the impact our actions have on the planet.
One of those choices is considering the luggage we use. Rather than supporting fast-fashion and high-volume luggage brands, we can choose to support smaller brands on a mission to help us travel more sustainably.
The eco-friendly luggage options in this guide are many! From sustainable weekender bags and shell backpacks to suitcases, there’s a variety of styles and sizes to help you pack for your next weekend getaway or two-week-long vacation.
Granted, some of our favorite sustainable luggage brands might seem expensive at first, but that’s because they’re designed to last for years, and they’re from brands that don’t cut corners regarding their sustainability practices.
Looking for our tips to travel more sustainably? Check out our top tips below!
What are the benefits of choosing eco-friendly luggage?
Choosing eco-friendly luggage comes with a host of benefits that go beyond just being kind to the environment.
Environmentally conscious materials
First and foremost, sustainable luggage options are typically made from recycled or renewable materials, such as recycled plastics, organic fabrics, or plant-based options. These eco-conscious alternatives not only help conserve natural resources and reduce waste but can also lower the emissions associated with traditional luggage production.
Lighter weight than traditional options
Many eco-friendly and chemical-free luggage options are constructed with lightweight materials that provide the added benefit of reducing the overall weight of your luggage. They are easier to navigate through airports or train stations but also help you stay within the weight restrictions imposed by airlines, potentially avoiding additional fees.
Durabile construction
Eco-friendly luggage brands thrive on durability and longevity. These bags are designed to withstand the rigors of travel, ensuring they last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
Sure, they are a bit more expensive than traditional options. However, by investing in high-quality, sustainable luggage, you save money in the long run while also reducing the huge amounts of waste that’s generated by disposable or low-quality bags.
Ethical production
Last but not least, sustainable luggage brands prioritize ethical and fair manufacturing practices. They not only adhere to certifications and standards that guarantee fair wages, and safe working conditions but also choose responsible sourcing of materials.
Let’s take a look at each of the brands.
Our Sustainable Luggage Picks
1. Solgaard
Sustainability: Recycled plastic bottles, recycled aluminum and polycarbonate. Partner with local organizations to remove ocean-bound plastic.
Price: $$$
Luggage styles: Carry-on suitcases and backpacks
Ships to: USA and Canada, plus worldwide
Solgaard make TSA-approved sustainable luggage and carry-on cases for travelers who want a modern and functional case. The carry-ons have a built-in removable closet, the ability to add a powerbank and charge your phone directly from the outside of the case, a three-digit lock, padded handle, and smooth-rolling wheels.
Solgaard’s cases are made from a blend of materials, including 229 ocean-bound plastic bottles per case, as well as recycled aluminum and polycarbonate.
So far, the brand has pulled over 12 million bottles from rivers and oceans around the world.
These eco-friendly suitcases get glowing reviews and we’re sure they’ll be the perfect carry-on bag for your next trip.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Durable and Longlasting | ❌ Some plastic components |
| ✔️ Recycled materials | ❌ Limited style options |
2. Paravel
Sustainability: Recycled materials, carbon offsetting program, tree planting program with Eden Reforestation Projects
Price: $$ – $$$
Luggage styles: Classic suitcases, totes, weekend and small travel bags, duffels, and small organizers
Ships to: Worldwide
Paravel is a luggage brand creating a range of classically styled but 100% carbon neutral suitcases, weekend bags, and duffels.
We love their approach to carbon offsetting. As you would expect, Paravel offsets emissions created from the sourcing, production, and delivery process. But, they go a step further, even offsetting the emissions that an average flight generates.
Paravel’s eco-friendly luggage is made from sustainable materials, including a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers and handle, as well as a lining made from upcycled plastic water bottles. The leather finishes are made from a vegan leather alternative.
There’s also a 5-year warranty on the bags, which is a testament to their quality, and the brand has won travel awards for their bags — there’s no compromise on quality in exchange for sustainability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 5 Year Warranty | ❌ Limited Capacity |
| ✔️ Sustainable materials | ❌ Not enough internal pockets |
3. Lo & Sons
Sustainability: Eco-friendly materials, eco-friendly packaging, partner with The Renewal Workshop to reduce textile waste
Price: $$$
Luggage styles: Weekender, duffel, and tote bags
Ships to: USA
Lo & Sons makes minimalist weekender, duffel, and tote bags, and are on a mission to reduce the harm that any luggage production does via innovation in production and materials.
Their bags are made with over 50% eco-friendly materials, and by 2023, the brand’s team expects that to be at 75%. Some of these materials include recycled poly (made from plastic bottles), organic cotton, recycled nylon, and gold-rated status leather (certified by the Leather Working Group).
Lo & Sons also publish an annual sustainability progress report so you can keep tabs on their sustainability journey.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Great sustainable duffel bag selection | ❌ Bags can lose their shape over time |
| ✔️ Certified materials | ❌ No anti-theft locking |
4. Pakt
Sustainability: Plastic-free packaging, materials from recycled plastics, and eco-friendly shipping solutions
Price: $$$
Luggage styles: Duffel bags, backpacks, and totes
Ships to: 35+ countries around the world
Best known for their minimalist duffel bags, Pakt is a luggage brand on a mission to create durable and long-lasting luggage you can use for travel, work, and your own personal adventures.
Pakt’s sustainable travel bags are packed with compartments so you don’t need to struggle fitting everything in, water-resistant, and come with a lifetime guarantee.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Practical travel bags | ❌ Lack of padding on shoulder straps |
| ✔️ Durable and long lasting products from quality materials | ❌ Imbalanced luggage pass-through, according to some reviews |
5. Patagonia
Sustainability: Certified B Corp, member of 1% For The Planet, support climate change action groups, transparent supply chain, and eco-friendly materials
Price: $$
Luggage styles: Duffels, rolling suitcases, backpacks
Ships to: Worldwide
Patagonia doesn’t need any introduction. But, as well as making great sustainable clothing, the brand also creates a range of durable, high-quality, and best of all, sustainable luggage.
Whether you need a 100L bag for a week away, or a small, lightweight backpack you can take on a flight or as an everyday bag, Patagonia has you covered.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Well tested and trusted brand | ❌ Minimal organization options |
| ✔️ Ethical production | ❌ No internal compression straps |
6. Cuyana
Sustainability: GOTS Certified, BlueSign Certified, OEKO-Tex Certified
Price: $$$
Luggage styles: Clutches, purses, totes, weekend and travel bags
Ships to: US & Internationally (50+ destinations)
Cuyana’s stylish bags are perfect for a weekend away.
The Triple Zipper Weekender (pictured) in particular is a great option. It’s made with GOTS Certified Cotton, and sustainably sourced, Leather Working Group Gold certified leather.
The bags are also BlueSign and OEKO-Tex Certified, so you can be confident that there are no dangerous or harmful chemicals used in any of the production processes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Stylish weekender bags | ❌ Deep, hard-to-reach organization pockets |
| ✔️ LWG sourced leather | ❌ No suitcase options |
7. Roam Luggage
Sustainability: Handmade in the USA
Price: $$$$
Luggage styles: Wheeled suitcases
Ships to: Within the U.S
If you’re on the hunt for a unique American-made suitcase, Roam Luggage is for you. The bags are expensive, there’s no two ways around that fact. But, every bag is designed and assembled in the USA at the brand’s workshop.
You can customize your suitcase to your heart’s content, thanks to four sizing options, and a choice of seven colors for every part of the suitcase. If you’d prefer to choose from a selection of pre-designed cases, the brand offers those as well.
Roam offers a lifetime limited warranty, so if something goes wrong, you’re covered.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Eco friendly suitcases | ❌ Luggage can scuff easily |
| ✔️ Ethically made in the USA | ❌ Lack of interior pockets |
8. Tropicfeel
Sustainability: Sustainable materials, WRAP certified production facilities, Bluesign Certified and free from hazardous chemicals
Price: $$$
Luggage styles: Backpacks, “one bag” packs
Ships to: Worldwide
Tropicfeel is already a favorite of ours for their versatile sneakers designed for travelling, so it’s only natural that they released a new range of backpacks and luggage.
We’ve personally reviewed and tested their Shell Backpack and it’s proven to be robust and versatile for trips where you don’t need a large suitcase but still need space for a laptop, clothes, camera, or a spare pair of shoes. It also has optional extra packing accessories like an internal warbrobe, camera pack, tech pouch, and more.
Over 70% of the materials in their backpacks are sustainable, and they have WRAP and Bluesign certifications to prove that there are no toxic chemicals in their products, and the working conditions in their supply chain are free from any exploitation.
Tropicfeel also let you track the luggage’s entire production journey, showing you the factories, locations, and suppliers involved in the whole process.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Tested and trusted by the Ecothes Team! | ❌ Only backpack options |
| ✔️ High quality and long lasting | ❌ Limited color choice |
9. OGIO
Sustainability: OGIO Alpha range, made with durable fabric from recycled polyester yarn. Lifetime Warranty.
Price: $$$
Luggage styles: Duffel bags, Carry-on suitcases and backpacks, Golf bags, Ski bags
Ships to: USA and Canada, plus worldwide
If you’re looking for the ultimate recycled plastic travel luggage, check out OGIO, a luggage brand specializing in backpacks, carry-ons, gold bags, and ski bags.
We’re interested in the brands ALPHA Convoy collection, which uses the robust, durable, and sustainable material CORDURA® Eco, a fabric engineered from recycled polyester yarn and able to meet high performance and durability standards.
In the ALPHA Convoy range, you can find travel-friendly backpacks, carry-ons, duffel bags, and golf cart bags.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Great selection of recycled plastic luggage | ❌ Suitcases can be bulky to store |
| ✔️ Matching sets available | ❌ Small zippers |
10. Samsonite
Sustainability: Eco-friendly luggage collection featuring recycled materials from recycled plastic bottles
Price: $$$
Luggage styles: Carry-on suitcases, sustainable hold luggage, backpacks, and totes
Ships to: Worldwide
Samsonite is a world-renowned brand for high-quality luggage, but did you know the brand also creates an eco-friendly luggage collection made from post-consumer plastic bottles?
The eco-friendly luggage collection is engineered from a combination of Recyclex®, a durable fabric made from 100% recycled polyester from recycled plastic bottles, and polycarbonate. This high-quality, robust plastic is lightweight and durable, meaning your eco luggage can withstand travel demands.
Using recycled material allows Samsonite to keep plastic out of landfills and create high-quality suitcases that will last for years.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Well known and trusted brand | ❌ Heavyweight |
| ✔️ Great selection for all travel needs | ❌ Some reviews mention wobbly handles |
11. Parker Clay
Sustainability: Certified B Corporation that creates ethical and sustainable travel bags made in Ethiopia
Price: $$$$
Luggage styles: Premium leather travel bag, leather totes, and weekender bags
Ships to: Worldwide
If you’re on the hunt for a luxury leather travel bag made ethically and sustainably, look no further than Parker Clay.
The brand creates luxury lifestyle goods ethically from premium leather and hand-woven textiles.
We’re obsessed with the Parker Clay Montecito Weekender travel bag, perfect for traveling on long weekends or overnight stays. Plus, Parker Clay adds the option to make each luxury bag personal by having the opportunity to monogram each bag.
Parker Clay is a sustainable brand that has achieved B Corporation certification for its work empowering women in Ethiopia while creating responsible and sustainable bags.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Luxury and sustainable | ❌ Leather requires upkeep |
12. 8000Kicks
Sustainability: Eco-friendly and recycled materials, ethical manufacturing, SA8000 Certified factories
Price: $$$
Luggage styles: Backpack
Ships to: Worldwide
Meet the world’s 1st weatherproof hemp backpack! 8000Kicks’ best eco-friendly luggage features a durable outer shell treated with a waterproof coating layer that protects the fabric and its properties from stains, liquids, and dust particles.
The backpack’s construction is solid, with reinforced stitching and quality craftsmanship. The backpack’s sturdy zippers and robust hardware further contribute to its overall durability – and style.
Inside, you can find a spacious main compartment with ample room to carry essentials for daily commutes, work, or short trips. The well-thought-out interior layout boasts pockets and compartments to organize belongings, including a padded sleeve for laptops or tablets.
The cherry on top? 8000 Kicks solely uses responsible manufacturing practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Weatherproof | ❌ No internal zippered pocket |
Where are the best materials for sustainable luggage?
Recycled plastic luggage
Many sustainable luggage brands use recycled plastics to create bag shells. To be exact, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a plastic commonly used in the production of drink bottles.
Did you know that humans use around 1.2 million plastic bottles every minute globally? In fact, roughly half of our global annual plastic production is destined for single-use products, often discarded in landfills or the oceans.
However, PET can be transformed into durable fabrics and materials when recycled. This way, they help reduce plastic waste, conserve energy, and minimize the need for virgin materials.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is one of our favorite sustainable materials, as it’s grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. It is a natural, biodegradable, and renewable material that makes for a sustainable choice in luggage production.
Upcycled Materials
Upcycling involves repurposing existing materials to create new products. Think of repurposed fabrics, sails, or other materials that would otherwise go to waste and put an extra toll on landfills. So, upcycled luggage reduces the demand for new materials and gives a second life to existing resources.
What is sustainable traveling?
Sustainable traveling, aka eco-friendly or responsible traveling, is a mindful approach to travel that minimizes negative impacts on the environment, culture, and local communities while maximizing positive contributions. It involves making conscious choices to preserve natural resources, support local economies, and respect cultural heritage. Sustainable travel encompasses many practices promoting environmental conservation, socio-cultural sensitivity, and economic sustainability.
How to travel more sustainably?
You already have your favorite, eco-friendly luggage in hand. What else can you do to minimize your carbon footprint while traveling?
1. Pack light
Traveling with lighter eco-friendly luggage reduces transportation’s weight, leading to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
2. Choose eco-friendly transportation
Opt for trains, buses, or fuel-efficient vehicles when possible, as they have a lower carbon footprint compared to flying. Or better yet, consider walking or cycling when it comes to short distances.
3. Offset your carbon footprint
Calculate your carbon emissions from travel and consider offsetting them by investing in verified carbon offset projects that support renewable energy, reforestation, or energy-efficient initiatives.
4. Stay in eco-friendly accommodation
Look for accommodations that prioritize sustainability, such as eco-lodges, green hotels, or accommodations certified for their environmental practices. This way, you will actively support their efforts by conserving water and electricity and reducing waste during your stay.
5. Support the local economy
Dine at local restaurants, purchase souvenirs from local artisans, and support local businesses to contribute directly to the local economy and promote sustainable development.
6. Reduce single-use plastic (duh)
Carry a reusable water bottle, utensils, and shopping bag to avoid single-use plastic. Refill your bottle from water stations or filtered water sources to minimize plastic waste.
7. Leave no trace
You’ll be surprised how many folks do! Make sure to leave natural and cultural sites as you find them. Make sure to dispose of waste properly, respect protected areas, and avoid leaving any negative environmental impact while you embark on your adventure.
Wrapping Up: Best Sustainable Luggage Brands
We hope you’ve found the perfect sustainable luggage brand for your travels. Each of the brands featured are creating high-quality bags and luggage.
If you’re looking for something a little smaller, for weekend trips, you might want to check out our sustainable backpack guide.
Oh, and don’t forget to pack your sunglasses, swimwear, and sunscreen.
Bon Voyage!
