How Recycled Luggage is Transforming the Travel Industry: A Buyer’s Guide


We all are conditioned to always want the best of the best. Modern marketing techniques tell us what to want and when we need it. Luckily, public figures as well as private people raise more and more awareness for the sustainability movement. A movement that is crucial to save the planet. 

The travel industry is also on the brink of a sustainable revolution, and recycled luggage plays a key role in this. More and more manufacturers are turning to eco-friendly materials to reduce their environmental footprint. As we think this is a beautiful way of exploring the world in a more eco-friendly way, we will tell you in this article, why it’s a good choice to use travel bags made from recycled materials and which brands are leading the way in this area.

The Importance of Recycled Luggage in the Travel Industry

The global travel industry has a significant impact on the environment. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air travel was responsible for around 2% of global CO2 emissions in 2022. So choosing luggage made from recycled materials is one way for us travelers to make a positive contribution.

  • Plastic waste in the oceans: According to a study by the United Nations, around 8 million tonnes of plastic waste end up in the world’s oceans every year. 
  • Recycling rate: The European Environment Agency reports that only 30% of plastic in Europe is recycled. 
  • Waste in the travel industry: Another study shows that the travel industry in general is responsible for 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. 

Recycled luggage can help reduce these figures by minimizing the need for virgin materials and reusing plastic waste wisely. 

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How is recycled luggage made?

No worries, recycled luggage doesn’t mean you can only use old stinky bags full of holes. Recycled luggage usually looks just like the less environmentally friendly version of it. You usually can’t notice when luggage is made from recycled plastic or similar. Normally sustainable luggage is made from different types of recycled materials, including

  • Recycled polyester (rPET): Made from recycled PET bottles.
  • Recycled nylon: Often made from old fishing nets and other industrial waste.
  • Recycled polycarbonate: Used for hard-shell cases.
  • Organic materials: Some manufacturers are experimenting with biodegradable materials such as pineapple leather or hemp.

Benefits of Recycled Luggage

In case you were wondering if it is really necessary to use a recycled plastic suitcase, here are 4 benefits of these kinds of travel bags: 

  1. Reduction of waste: Recycled luggage helps to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
  2. Less use of resources: Production from recycled materials requires less water and energy.
  3. Robust materials: Recycled materials are often just as robust as new materials, sometimes even more so.
  4. Longer life: Sustainable luggage is designed to last, reducing the need for frequent replacement.

We know it can be hard to find suitcases made from recycled plastic as some brands don’t actually use recycled materials and just greenwash their products. So here is a list of our personal favorite brands. Purchasing from these brands you can be 100% sure that your recycled travel bag is actually made in a sustainable way. 

BrandMaterialHighlightsPrice 
Samsonite Recycled polyester (approx. 20 PET bottles per case)Lightweight, robust, water-repellent, modern designFrom approx. $249.99
Horizn StudiosBio-resin, recycled polycarbonateExtremely lightweight, fully recyclable, minimalist designFrom approx.
$720.00
Patagonia100% recycled polyesterWater-repellent, very durable, versatileFromapprox.$199.00
Got BagRecycled ocean plastic100% recycled ocean plastic, waterproof, modular designFrom approx.$299.00
NortviRecycled materials High-quality materials, lifetime guarantee, 100% circularFrom approx.$240.00
ImpacktRecycled post-consumer plasticAffordable, eye-catching design, customizable rollsFrom approx.$130.00
MCM x Harper CollectiveRecycled materials, vegan leatherLuxurious design, limited edition, environmentally consciousFrom approx.$1.200 
  • Samsonite “ECO-Nu”

Samsonite is a leading provider in the travel industry and has launched a range of suitcases made from recycled polyester with the “ECO-Nu” collection. According to Samsonite, around 20 recycled PET bottles are used in the manufacture of each suitcase. The collection of recycled luggage offers the usual Samsonite quality with an additional focus on sustainability.

Special features:

  • Lightweight and robust
  • Water-repellent
  • Modern design

  • Horizn Studios “Circle One”

Horizn Studios is known for innovative and sustainable products. The “Circle One” collection uses materials such as bio-resin and recycled polycarbonate. Horizn Studios has set itself the goal of being climate neutral by 2025.

Special features:

  • Extremely lightweight
  • Fully recyclable
  • High-quality, minimalist design

  • Patagonia “Black Hole”

Patagonia has long been a pioneer in sustainability. The “Black Hole” series is made from 100% recycled polyester and is known for its durability and versatility. These bags are perfect for adventurers looking for an eco-friendly option.

Special features:

  • Water repellent
  • Very durable
  • Versatile

  • Got Bag

Got Bag has set itself the task of removing plastic waste from the oceans and transforming it into practical, stylish pieces of luggage. Got Bag products are made from recycled ocean plastic. So no matter if you are looking for a travel backpack, a weekender bag or a big suitcase, everything Got Bag offers is made from recycled plastic. 

Special features:

  • Made from 100% recycled ocean plastic
  • Waterproof and robust
  • Modular design with a focus on functionality
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  • Nortvi

Nortvi is a Dutch brand that specializes in sustainable luggage. They use recycled materials and have introduced an innovative recycling process to fully recycle their products at the end of their life cycle. They also donate a portion of their profits to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to support environmental projects. 

Special features:

  • Lifetime guarantee
  • 100% circular
  • Sustainable production

  • Impackt

Impackt is a brand that offers affordable luggage made from recycled materials. The case shells are made from 46% recycled post-consumer plastic and the lining is made from 100% recycled PET bottles. The products are characterized by an eye-catching design and customizable wheels. 

Special features:

  • Robust and durable
  • Replaceable wheels for a longer service life
  • Water-repellent zipper

  • MCM x Harper Collective

This option is on the pricier side. The luxury brand MCM has developed a collection of luggage made from recycled plastic in collaboration with Harper Collective. The suitcases are made from 70% recycled plastic, collected from the oceans and on land. Each piece of luggage contains an NFC chip that enables the materials to be traced. 

Special features:

  • Recycled interior
  • Integrated NFC chip for traceability
  • Made in Italy
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These brands definitely show that sustainability and style can go hand in hand in the luggage sector. There are more affordable options as well as luxury brands creating recycled luggage. 

Tips for Buying Recycled Luggage

The brands above are for sure a good choice when it comes to purchasing a more environmentally friendly type of suitcase or travel bag. If you are looking for other brands that offer luggage made from recycled plastic bottles and similar materials, here are our tips: 

  • Material testing: Look for information from the manufacturer about the proportion and type of recycled materials.
  • Quality and durability: Make sure the luggage is robust and suitable for your travel needs.
  • Sustainable brands: Find out about the brand’s sustainability practices to ensure they use environmentally friendly production methods.

Is this information news to you or are you already using recycled luggage when traveling? Did you already hear about the brands we talk about in this article? If you have any further questions or meaningful input for us concerning this topic please let us know in the comments below. 


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