From carbon emissions to the enormous amount of plastic waste generated on flights, travel is tough on the planet.
But if you prioritize sustainable travel you can mitigate the impact of that overdue vacation—and it starts with choosing sustainable luggage. It puts a whole new meaning on packing lightly!
And that’s exactly what we’ve curated for you in this list. Low-impact luggage made by brands that not only prioritize on responsible materials but also ethical labor and transparency.
In the coming months, we’ll be using our new Brand Rating System, which will examine brands against 22 comprehensive sustainable, ethical, and performance-oriented criteria, like climate impact and chemical use. You can read more about it here.
Without further ado, let’s (jet) set through that baggage claim, shall we?
We independently research all featured brands and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. Learn more here.
Eco-Friendly Luggage We Love To Carry-On
We love Solgaard’s recycled plastic luggage that takes the old and turns it into new, modern luggage that’s climate and plastic-neutral for adventure-seeking.
If you’re looking for durable luggage to check, a 70% recycled polycarbonate carbon offset suitcase from Db protects your stuff and the planet.
Horizn Studios offers a line of luxurious eco-friendly suitcases that are 100% plant-based and biodegradable.
Index: Sustainable Suitcases
- Db Jump to brand
- Solgaard Jump to brand
- Horizn Studios Jump to brand
- Patagonia Jump to brand
- Paravel Jump to brand
- Samsonite Jump to brand
- Lo & Sons Jump to brand
- Parker Clay Jump to brand
- Anchal Jump to brand
Db
About Db
Price Range: $29–$899
Based in Oslo, Norway, Db is a multiple ISPO design award winner of sophisticated and functional sustainable travel bags that cater to the diverse needs of globetrotters, professionals, and weekend explorers alike. From cameras to surfboards, there’s luggage for everyone.
Their design philosophy? “Capable, yet elegant. Built to last. Less, but better.”
This is encapsulated in everything from their sleek appearance to their innovative features, like integrated TSA-approved locks and a Patented Length Adjustment System™.
We were able to try out both the Ramverk Check-in and Ramverk Carry-on pieces. BothTSA-approved lock luggage, these really are a sustainable traveler’s dream come true.
We found both designs lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially with the four wheel system that prevents tipping when making a mad dash to catch your connecting flight. The quality is top-notch, and feels like a premium piece of luggage should, so we feel confident these will last us for many trips to come, making it an excellent investment for those who want to travel in style and with sustainability in mind.
Db’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
While a handful of styles still feature virgin polyester fabric, you’ll find mostly recycled luggage. Their hard-shelled luggage features a whopping 70% recycled polycarbonate shell and 100% GRS-certified recycled polyester lining.
Their many soft-sided options feature other recycled materials like recycled nylon, dope-dyed polypropylene, and polyethylene foams and hardboards. Weatherproof coatings are PU-based and PFC-free, and most fabrics (and soon all) have bluesign® and/or OEKO-TEX certification.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Each recycled suitcase or accessory is made in one of six factories in either Vietnam, China, Sweden, Bangladesh, and Tunisia where workers are protected by their ILO and UN-based Code of Conduct.
Tier 1 factories must have a third-party CSR audit or verified assessment in the Higg Facility Social & Labour Module (FSLM) as well as the Facility Environmental Module (FEM). They hope to audit all tier 2 suppliers by 2025.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Because their luggage is designed to last for decades, you can resell or buy used Db products with their Db Renewed service.
They’ve been measuring and publishing their scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions for several years now with the goal of reducing them year by year to reach targets set in the Paris Agreement. And while they know it’s not the whole answer, they offset through gold-standard verified carbon offset projects with CHOOOSE.
Their Roadmap to Net Zero includes some impressive and precise goals, like launching circular products and a rental program by 2025 and using 90% recycled materials and 100% renewable energy at the tier-1 supplier level by 2030.
Solgaard
About Solgaard
Price Range: $245–$295
Solgaard provides “gear for global citizens” that are just as adventurous as their globally based team.
They specialize in eco-friendly recycled luggage equipped with cutting-edge features like zipper-less designs, 360⁰ rotating wheels, built-in locks, TSA-approved locks, and an integrated solar USB charger.
Named one of the best inventions by Time magazine, the Carry-On Closet is a rolling suitcase built to last you a lifetime AND won’t make you hate every time you need to find an outfit.
If you prefer to travel light, the Shore-Tex™ Lifepack backpack is our absolute favorite piece of carry-on luggage. We’ve been using ours (for daily commuting and travel alike) for years, and it has durably held and reliably held all our goodies amidst its many pockets.
Solgaard’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The Shore-Tex™ and Shore-Plast™ lines are made entirely of recycled materials (namely ocean bound plastic). Any of their hard shell suitcases, like the Carry On Closet, pair a recyclable aluminum frame with “unbreakable” 60% recycled polycarbonate.
Supply chain & labor practices:
85% of Solgaard’s partners are ICAS and/or WRAP-certified and the sustainable luggage brand is itself a newly minted Certified B Corp.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
As a NextWave Plastic member, Solgaard is currently plastic negative and carbon-neutral, with hopes to become climate positive.
Each suitcase made from recycled plastic is backed with a 10-year warranty, and they further lengthen their lifecycle by repairing and donating returned inventory.
Horizn Studios
About Horizn Studios
Price Range: $380–$950
You don’t need to look beyond the horizon for the best sustainable suitcases.
From backpacks and weekenders to rolling bags and packing cubes, Horizn Studios has everything you need to make packing eco-easy—down to the quality recycled zippers.
Circle Ones are the world’s first fully biodegradable hardshell suitcases that are lighter and stronger than polycarbonate. All items in the H-series luggage set provide plenty of storage in a protective, hard shell with integrated mesh luggage dividers. Smart Models also feature a removable power bank.
Horizn Studios’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The Circle One is made from BioX. Using flax suspended in resin paired with seed and nutshell-infused handles, all parts are fully biodegradable except for the removable magnesium telescope handle.
You’ll find a variety of other recycled materials across their line, including recycled nylon, recycled PET, recycled tarpaulin, aerospace-grade partially recycled polycarbonate, and waxed cotton canvas.
All feature recycled polyester linings, mesh pockets, and dividers, and their vegan luggage is PETA-approved.
Supply chain & labor practices:
The Circle One suitcases are made in Europe and the polycarbonate is German-made, but Paravel hasn’t confirmed with us where the rest of their line is manufactured.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
All water and additives used in manufacturing are continuously recycled in a closed loop system. In addition to offsetting emissions, Horizn’s office and store are powered by green energy and they subsidize staff bike rentals and public transportation.
Luggage comes mailed in reusable cotton dust bags and plant-based, compostable PLA bags, and recycled boxes.
Community & charitable giving:
The Horizn Art Programme funds emerging artists, while Horizn Together partners with Kiron, an online learning platform providing refugees and disadvantaged youth with free education.
They also partner with like-minded organizations—like Soho House and POC artist Emeka Ogboh—to design signature products.
Patagonia
About Patagonia
Price Range: $65–$419
What’s the toughest sustainable duffle bag?
That award has to go to the sustainable outdoor clothing brand Patagonia’s Black Hole® duffel bags, the “workhorse” of all their already work-ready outdoor packs.
With tons of colors, 40L, 55L, 70L, and 100L size options, you can find exactly what you need. The high capacities feature wheels for easier transport. Each recycled plastic suitcase features a padded base, exterior daisy chains for lashing extra gear to the outside, reinforced haul handles, the ability to stow away into its own internal pocket, and hidden convertible backpack straps.
Round out your eco-friendly luggage set with a Black Hole® backpack, fanny pack, tote, and packing cubes.
Patagonia’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
All Black Hole® bags feature recycled polyester ripstop coated with TPU-film laminate making these bags super weather and damage resistant. The interior lining is also 100% recycled polyester with a polyurethane coating and the straps and webbings are made of (you guessed it) recycled poly.
Their phthalate and PVC-free luggage is bluesign® approved.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Through The Footprint Chronicles on each product page, Patagonia tells consumers exactly what factory makes each product. The Black Hole® line, for instance, is made in Vietnam.
Patagonia is a Fair Trade-certified brand, so all manufacturing partners abide by fair labor laws and are subject to regular third parties audits.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
The Black Hole® bags are made using a Zero-Wastewater Discharging System that treats all water used in the process until it’s completely non-toxic.
When it comes to shipping, they use partially recycled poly bags that are recyclable in any of their stores to be turned into decking.
A sign of true quality luggage, their IronClad guarantee provides a lifetime guarantee of repair or replacement for all products. They’ll also buy back certain products to be recycled or resold on Worn Wear.
Community & charitable giving:
Aside from co-founding 1% for the Planet, Patagonia gives back on many levels, from encouraging others to get involved with Patagonia Action Works to fighting for the planet politically.
Recently, founder Yvon Chouinard released his stake in the company, reinvesting all profits moving forward in environmental efforts. In his words: “Earth is now our only shareholder.”
Paravel
About Paravel
Price Range: $75–$1205
With luggage, handbags, duffel bags, totes, packing cubes, and pet carriers, Paravel promises to ease your packing pain.
Pieces are available in singles or in luggage sets, but the winner is their Aviator Carry-On TSA approved lock luggage. We’ve personally tested this out on a recent vacation and absolutely love it. Not only do we love the earthy green and brown color palette we selected, but the recycled hardshell luggage feels durable enough to handle the most careless of baggage loaders—though we’ve personally only tested it in a carry-on capacity yet.
Its four carbon steel bearing wheels are super smooth and balance the load well, even when dashing between gates at the airport, and the easy-to-use TSA-approved lock makes us feel better knowing our luggage is safe.
But what we love most is the interior and all the efficient, space-saving features on the inside, including fully zippered top half compartment (with yet more zipper pockets in the divider) and the slightly padded middle section divide that makes it easy to keep shoes and bulk items away from more delicate clothing. Just one side leaves plenty of space for both of the Cabana See-All toiletries set bags we also tested, along with plenty of other clothing and other necessities.
Paravel’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The Aviator features a fully recycled polycarbonate exterior shell, recycled PET lining made from 15 recycled plastic water bottles, a recycled aluminum telescoping handle, recycled vegan leather details/haul handle, and recycled zippers.
For soft-sided men’s and women’s weekend bags, check out their GRS and OEKO-TEX Negative Nylon collection made of 10-20 plastic water bottles.
They also make circular cotton canvas (a blend of upcycled and organic cotton) sustainable duffle bags and jute totes.
Supply chain & labor practices:
While we don’t know where Paravel manufactures, we do know their supply chain is held to their Code of Social Responsibility, which includes rules ensuring no child or forced labor, dignity at work, non-discrimination, fair wages, healthy and safe work environments, and more. All entities must keep records to prove all of the above.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Paravel backs each recycled material suitcase with a 5-year warranty and ships using carbon-neutral shipping, contributing to their full Carbon Neutral certification.
Samsonite
About Samsonite
Price Range: $169–$650
Samsonite has been in the luggage industry for over 100 years and while not all of its many offerings are fully sustainable, some are worthy of mention.
Book your ticket to their Theorym, Maxsum ECO, Ascentra, and Advance™ Eco Samsonite recycled luggage lines. If you’re looking for the best eco-friendly carry-on suitcase, we have a theory you’ll love the conveniently-sized Theorym Underseater Spinner.
Samsonite’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
The Maxsum ECO collection features a hard shell outer made of post-consumer recycled content like yogurt cups. The soft-sided Theorym, Ascentra, and Advance™ Eco lines utilize a Recyclex™ interior and exterior, made of 100% recycled plastic bottles.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Each Samsonite recycled suitcase is made under a Code of Conduct and Social Compliance Program. They perform unannounced, on-site audits (both personally and by independent third parties).
They strive to provide their 14,400 employees with equal employment and meaningful development opportunities through training and professional development.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Samsonite luggage is rigorously tested to withstand airplane underbellies and baggage belts—and comes with long warranties and a company repair promise.
They’ve reduced carbon emissions by installing rooftop solar voltaic panels on two manufacturing sites, replacing structural components to increase thermal efficiency of another, and switching to low energy LED lighting in stores and offices. Packaging is mostly recycled and recyclable.
Lo & Sons
About Lo & Sons
Price Range: $215—$275
Family-run and Asian-American-owned Lo & Sons’ most low-impact offerings are their Catalina Deluxe, Catalina Deluxe Tote, and the Catalina Day Tote.
They also happen to offer some of the best carry on sustainable luggage for weekend getaways and short business trips in our experience. We tested the Catalina Deluxe Tote and absolutely love all of its compartments, it’s flexible canvas body, and the specialized shoe compartment at the bottom, which not only gives structure to the bag, but keeps dirty shoes away from clean clothes.
These bags feature a functional top-loading design, a back slot to secure them on rolling bags, and a rigid base that opens into its own compartment for hardier items like shoes.
Lo & Sons’ Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Most bags include several choices between different materials: organic cotton , plant-based vegan leather, or recycled materials (canvas, nylon, polyester), and LWG Silver and Gold-rated Nappa leather.
Those with a lining use the same signature hummingbird lining made of partially recycled materials.
Supply chain & labor practices:
As members of the Future Fit Changemaker Community, Lo & Sons is working to ensure fair labor practices in the making of their ethical luggage.
They’re partnering with a small solar-powered domestic workshop for a capsule collection of made-in-the USA options.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Production occurs in a solar-powered facility with a Water-Reclamation-System, which converts wastewater to drinkable clean water.
Ever on a mission to lessen the impact of packaging, they’re eliminating plastic coverings for zipper pulls and some luggage comes mailed in specialty shipping boxes that eliminate the need for foam.
For circularity, they partner with The Renewal Workshop to repair damaged bags and helped pilot the Kept SKU program, which sees returned inventory resold as part of curated surprise boxes rather than sent to landfill.
Parker Clay
About Parker Clay
Price Range: $98–$398
Parker Clay creates sustainable handbags and luggage for men and women that are “built for adventure and styled for the city”.
You’ll find a complete selection of minimalist weekender duffel bags, messenger bags, backpacks, briefcases, and totes. We especially like the looks of their Montecito sustainable weekend bag, that holds everything you need, without being so spacious as to encourage overpacking.
Parker Clay’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Parker Clay’s sustainable travel bags are made from premium Ethiopian full-grain leather, bestowing them with multigenerational durability.
Their ethical leather is consciously sourced from local Ethiopian farmers “who treat their animals with care and respect” and are raised for food. Part of the Green Tanning Initiative, Parker Clay uses chrome and sulfide-free tanning practices, opting for organic vegetable dyes.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Ethically made in their own factory in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this Certified B Corp provides pensions, health care, paid time off, transportation, laundry services, and daily team coffee breaks.
Many team members are at-risk women found through their sister non-profit Ellilta-Women At Risk, or those who began at the Parker Clay Center of Excellence. This skill training initiative graduates employees as experts in artisan practices certified by the Ethiopian Leather Industries Development Institute (LIDI) to give employees job prospects beyond Parker Clay.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
They require tanneries to recycle all the water used in the tanning process.
Anchal
About Anchal
Price Range: $48–$140
Social enterprise Anchal offers gorgeous travel luggage in the form of unique, quilted weekender bags with statement-making colorblock designs.
Add in some of their toiletry cubes and zippered pouches to keep everything from your sustainable scarves to your outfits organized in your eco-friendly travel bags.
Anchal’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
Anchal’s weekender bags feature a GOTS-certified organic cotton quilted cover atop a durable canvas lining.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Their organic luggage is made in Ajmer, India by a fair trade holistic artisan employment program. Anchal itself is Fair Trade Federation certified and ensures all team members are awarded above-living wages, skills training, life-improving workshops, health camps, and more.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
As a Made Trade partner, you’ll receive your luggage via carbon-neutral shipping.
Community & charitable giving:
A registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, all Anchal’s profits go directly toward their social impact programs. This means both providing gainful employment to marginalized women in Ajmer, India who make their products through Stitch x Stitch, and training folks in the art of making fabric dyes from plants through the Kentucky-based organization, dyeScape.
Heather earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition from the The Ohio State University before completing a Masters in Environment at The University of Melbourne. She then went on to achieve a Permaculture Design Certificate at the Djanbung Gardens. Heather feels best when she is barefoot in a forest or has dirt under her fingernails. She’s constantly daydreaming about her homesteading future and has a rapidly-growing list of the best local (and not-so-local) hiking trails. When she’s not busy hoarding an embarrassing number of upcycled glass jars, experimenting with urban composting, or quelling her eco-anxiety on a long run, Heather spends her 9-5 working for a sustainable agriculture nonprofit, where she advocates for state and federal policies that support thriving farmers and a habitable future.
Just noting that Solgaard has terrible
customer service. You can see comments all over social about it. I ordered a backpack and battery pack to have it say delivered but never received. Reached out to customer service several times to no response. I left comments on their social posts to ask someone to DM me only to have them deleted. I only heard back after I got my credit company involved. It’s a shame because I love the idea of their bag, wish I could have gotten one.
That’s disappointing to hear Nelly! Sorry you had that experience. We will review when we next refresh this article, thanks for letting us know!