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 responsible materials but also ethical labor, safety, and transparency. We’ve also personally tested luggage from many of the brands on this list to confirm their functional performance.
Learn more about why sustainability in luggage is important and how we found these luggage brands at the bottom of this article. Without further ado, let’s (jet) set through that baggage claim, shall we?
Note: Our Brand Rating System examines brands against 22 comprehensive sustainable, ethical, and performance-oriented criteria, like climate impact and chemical use. Unfortunately, no luggage brands are rated at the time of updating this article (they need to opt in). Find rated brands in our directory.
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. We explain this further in our Terms of Use.
Eco-Friendly Luggage We Love To Carry-On
Bellroy’s eco-friendly carry-on luggage combines sleek design with smart compartments that make travel smoother. We especially like their Transit Carry-On Plus, built from recycled materials with replaceable parts
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. After using both their Carry-On Closet suitcase and Lifepack backpack for several years, we’re super impressed with their durability and well-thought-out features.
Cotopaxi’s Allpa Rollers and Getaway Duffels are built tough from recycled materials and backed by their Guaranteed for Good™ lifetime warranty. We love that they’re expanding Fair Trade Certified™ production and have set bold Net Zero 2040 goals, making this luggage as planet-positive as they are practical.
Index: Sustainable Suitcases
- Bellroy Jump to brand
- Solgaard Jump to brand
- Cotopaxi Jump to brand
- Terra Thread Jump to brand
- Db Jump to brand
- Patagonia Jump to brand
- Horizn Studios Jump to brand
- Monos Jump to brand
- Elvis & Kresse Jump to brand
- Lo & Sons Jump to brand
- Anchal Jump to brand
Bellroy
Price Range: $199-$469
Bellroy has become the ultimate sustainable “carry company,” offering eco friendly suitcases, carry-on luggage, backpacks, and tech sleeves.
Their Transit Carry-On Plus and Transit Travel Pack Pro are durable, feature-rich carry-on options built with recycled fabrics and replaceable parts, while the Lite Travel Pack keeps things lightweight and compact with 100% recycled ripstop. Whichever size you choose, expect clever design touches like clamshell openings, padded laptop sleeves, quick-access compartments, and luggage pass-throughs.
For the shells of their hard luggage, they use matte polycarbonate made from 80% post-consumer recycled material. Major body fabrics and linings are now made mostly from recycled materials (PET bottles and nylon offcuts). They also use bluesign®-certified textiles, LWG-rated leather, and are actively rolling out alternatives like MIRUM® and INNOVERA™ biomaterials. 94% of materials are PFAS-free, with a goal of hitting 100%.
Available worldwide, Bellroy prototypes are made in Australia, while production happens in vetted factories in China, India, and the Philippines that must comply with their Supplier Code of Conduct. Third-party audits reinforce supply chain standards. Bellroy is a Certified B Corp.
Bellroy prioritizes designing for durability (so products are loved longer), cutting toxins, and reducing packaging. They publish annual Good Business Updates to track progress.
Every bag comes with a 3-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, and many designs use replaceable parts to extend lifespan even further.
Solgaard
Price Range: $245–$395
Solgaard specialized in recycled luggage that’s as smart as it is eco friendly. Their hero piece, the Carry-On Closet, was named by TIME Magazine in 2018 as one of the Best Inventions because of its built-in shelving that keeps you organized without unpacking.
The most sustainable luggage ranges from Solgaard are built from Shore-Tex® and Shore-Plast™ materials made entirely of recycled ocean-bound plastic. Hard-shell cases combine recyclable aluminum frames with tough polycarbonate (partially recycled), while soft bags use 100% recycled textiles.
On the production side, 85% of their partners are ICAS and/or WRAP-certified (working toward 100%), 100% of their travel-gear factories have been audited in the past year, and 100% of their freight shipments are carbon offset.
As a Certified B Corp and NextWave Plastics partner, Solgaard removes more plastic than they use (each purchase funds the removal of ~6 lbs of ocean-bound plastic). Each sustainable suitcase is backed with a warranty — lifetime coverage for luggage (wheels, handles, locks, shells) and two years for bags.
My Personal Review of Solgaard’s Recycled Luggage:
“I tested Solgaard’s Carry-On Closet and can confirm, especially as someone who is notoriously chaotic and disorganized about packing or, rather, overpacking, that this thing really simplifies the packing process. The pop-out closet keeps things organized and easy to find once at the destination. Or, it can easily be removed and used as a regular suitcase if you’re just looking to throw in some clothes and go.”
As for the Lifepack, I’ve been using it daily (for commuting and travel alike) for about three years, and it has durably and reliably held all my goodies amidst its many pockets. In fact, it still looks like new. It has a USB port for on-the-go charging, a built-in solar panel, an anti-theft lock, and padded laptop storage. You can also upgrade to a solar-powered Bluetooth speaker (which I use out of the bag at home as well as on the move) and power bank.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Cotopaxi
Price Range: $110–$425
For adventure-ready eco luggage, Cotopaxi leans into roller bags, duffels, packs, messenger bags, and eco travel gear that are equal parts tough and tidy. The Allpa Roller (38L carry-on and 65L/100L checked) uses water-resistant, hard-wearing textiles with split-case organization; the Allpa Getaway Duffel line adds stowable backpack straps for grab-and-go travel.
100% of products use repurposed, recycled or third-party verified “responsible” materials. Current Allpa roller specs list recycled 840D TPU-coated nylon and recycled 840D ballistic ripstop nylon with recycled linings, so the Roller family and Getaway Duffels are among the brand’s most sustainable travel gear.
Cotopaxi partners with factories under a Supplier Code of Conduct, and conducts annual audits. Some products are made in Fair Trade Certified™ factories. Everything is covered by the Guaranteed for Good™ promise with lifetime warranty + repairs and a Más Vida trade-in/resale program to keep gear in use.
The Certified B Corp publishes a Net Zero path with SBTi-aligned targets and maintains a carbon-intensity metric (<1% of net revenue). Cotopaxi maintains a restricted substances list and since Spring 2024 all new apparel and packs are free from intentionally added PFAS, and the company has introduced independent secondary testing of trims and materials to verify this—useful for travelers seeking low-tox travel gear.
Through the Cotopaxi Foundation, the company commits at least 1% of annual revenue to poverty-alleviation grants—so your gear does good beyond the baggage carousel.
Terra Thread
Price: $120 (for their organic cotton duffel bag)
Terra Thread keeps luggage simple and sustainable with one core travel essential: the Bumi Eco Duffel (~56L). Made for weekend trips or as a carry-on, it features a spacious interior with an internal zip pocket, an external drop-in pocket, a detachable shoulder strap, and lead-free YKK zippers. Their range also includes toiletry bags and fanny packs that work well as eco-friendly travel gear.
Every bag is made from 100% Fairtrade Organic cotton canvas, certified by GOTS to ensure non-toxic dyes and processing. Zipper tape and stitching use a small amount of polyester for durability, but the body fabrics are entirely organic and plastic-free. As a result, Terra Thread’s duffel is one of the few options on the market that qualifies as organic luggage.
Products are sewn in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory in India, where artisans are guaranteed safe working conditions and fair wages. Terra Thread partners directly with smallholder organic cotton farmers, supporting ethical supply chains from seed to stitch.
The brand is backed by a Certified B Corporation parent (Gallant International) and is actively investing in regenerative organic cotton projects, beginning with their sustainable t-shirts. Their luggage is all carbon neutral, and they offset emissions with reforestation projects and renewable energy credits. Every purchase supports Feeding America, providing meals to families in need.
Db
Price Range: $299–$999
Db is a multiple ISPO award-winning Scandinavian brand making sustainable travel bags that’s equal parts smart design and sleek style. Their patented Length Adjustment System™ and Hook-Up™ system make traveling with surfboards, cameras, or just your carry-on a whole lot easier.
The most sustainable luggage ranges are the Ramverk and Ramverk Pro collections: hard cases made with 70% recycled polycarbonate shells and 100% recycled polyester linings, plus TSA locks, laptop compartments, and repairable parts. Their Hugger Rollers and other soft-sided bags also use recycled nylon and polyester, with PFC-free coatings and some fabrics carrying bluesign® or OEKO-TEX® certifications.
Db is a Certified B Corp and publishes an annual roadmap toward net zero. Current targets include 90% recycled or renewable materials and 50% renewable energy in tier-1 factories by 2025, scaling to 100% by 2030. Their Lost & Found program supports resale and circularity, while warranties (2 years standard, up to 20 years for Db Black members) and spare parts keep bags rolling longer.
My Personal Review of Db’s Ramverk Check-in Luggage:
“I was able to try out the Ramverk Check-in TSA-approved lock luggage, and despite its massive size, I found it lightweight and easy to maneuver, even when I loaded it with far more luggage than I really needed on my trip (as ever). The four-wheel full rotation system prevents tipping when making a mad dash to catch a connecting flight. The quality is also top-notch, and it feels like a premium piece of luggage, so I feel confident these will last me for many trips to come. Plus, the bright colorations they come in make it much easier to spot your bag when it pops up in the baggage claim!”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Patagonia
Price Range: $139–$359
What’s the toughest recycled luggage? 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.
Available in 40L, 55L, 70L, and 100L (with wheels on the largest), these bags feature a padded base, reinforced haul handles, hidden convertible backpack straps, and exterior daisy chains for lashing extra gear. Most duffels also pack down neatly into their own internal pocket. To round out your eco friendly luggage set, Patagonia also offers Black Hole® backpacks, totes, fanny packs, and packing cubes.
All Black Hole® bags are made with 100% post-consumer recycled polyester ripstop, lining, and webbing, finished with a tough recycled TPU-film laminate for extra weather and damage resistance. They’re bluesign® approved and built in Fair Trade Certified™ factories (including Vietnam), with Patagonia sharing factory details via its Footprint Chronicles.
Patagonia backs all gear with its Ironclad Guarantee, offering lifetime repair or replacement, and extends product life further through its Worn Wear buy-back and resale program. They use protective polybags (plastic film #4 / LDPE) to wrap many products in transit; some regions (notably the UK/EU) now use 100% recycled, GRS-certified polybags.
Beyond bags, Patagonia co-founded 1% for the Planet, supports grassroots activism through Patagonia Action Works, and famously made the Earth its “only shareholder” after founder Yvon Chouinard transferred ownership to a trust to direct all profits to fight the climate crisis.
Horizn Studios
Price Range: $380–$700
You don’t need to look beyond the horizon for the best sustainable suitcases. Horizn Studios has everything you need to make packing eco-easy—down to the quality recycled zippers. Their range includes backpacks, weekenders, rolling bags, and packing cubes.
Their Circle One line is still in development but built with BioX, a flax-based composite in bio-resin; handles infused with seed and nutshell materials; apart from the removable magnesium handle, nearly the whole shell is fully biodegradable. Other lines use recycled nylon, PET, tarpaulin, aerospace-grade partially recycled polycarbonate, and waxed cotton canvas—all paired with recycled polyester linings. This vegan luggage brand is PETA-approved.
On the climate and operations front: their offices and stores run on green energy, staff are supported to commute sustainably via subsidies for bike rentals/public transport; all orders are shipped in recycled boxes with reusable cotton dust bags or compostable PLA bags; and they donate carbon credits to verified climate initiatives to offset CO₂ emissions.
They also offer a lifetime warranty on their eco suitcases, reinforcing that their gear is built with repair and longevity in mind.
Monos
Price Range: $275-$725
Canadian brand Monos makes hard-shell sustainable luggage in four families: Classic and Expandable (lightweight polycarbonate carry-ons and check-ins), the Hybrid line (zipper-less aluminum frame with latch locks and corner guards), and its all-aluminum range. Expect smooth 360° wheels, TSA-accepted locks, and an ergonomic telescopic handle on all cases.
Monos vac-forms its shells from German Makrolon® polycarbonate, and lines interiors with rPET recycled polyester that’s water-resistant and soft to the touch. Details that look like leather are vegan finishes (no animal leather). Monos claims its products are free from intentionally added PFAS, meaning they don’t use those chemicals in the formulation of their materials. Quality is verified via a battery of ~40 tests (tumbler, mileage, drop, handle). They offer a Lifetime Warranty for their durable luggage.
Monos assembles their eco-friendly suitcase range with partners that meet strict standards for clean, safe work. The company maintains SA8000 certification and notes ongoing collaboration and site visits with its factories. Though they do not disclose where their factories are or whether there are other safeguards in place.
Monos is a Certified B Corporation and frames sustainability around longevity (“less but better”), recyclable/reusable packaging and nesting shipments to cut waste. Through a partnership with veritree, Monos is supporting reforestation in Kenya.
Elvis & Kresse
Price Range: ~$400–$500+
UK based Elvis & Kresse offers handmade travel and weekender bags made from high-impact reclaimed materials. Their recycled travel bags are made from decommissioned British fire-hose, rescued leather off-cuts (e.g. from Burberry), printing blankets, and parachute silk. They include internal compartments, external pockets, reinforced handles, and are built for serious durability and longevity.
They refuse to use new virgin materials wherever possible, and packaging is also made from rescued, reclaimed or recycled materials.
All production is done in their own workshops in either Kent, UK or in Istanbul, Turkey. They do not subcontract out to third-party manufacturers. Workers are paid a real Living Wage (UK and Istanbul), and the company is a Living Wage Employer, Founding UK B Corporation and a certified Social Enterprise. They emphasize fair pay, safe working conditions, no workplace discrimination, and transparency with stakeholders.
Fifty percent of the profits from their Fire-hose collection are donated to The Fire Fighters Charity. Profits from other collections support causes such as Barefoot College International and coffee grower initiatives. Their products come with a 1-year warranty, and they commit to repairing items even long after purchase so things don’t end up in landfill.
Lo & Sons
Price Range: $205—$550
Family-run and Asian-American-owned, Lo & Sons makes sustainable weekend bags and travel bags designed for weekend getaways and short business trips. Their most low-impact picks are the Catalina Deluxe, Catalina Deluxe Tote, and Catalina Day Tote, all part of their eco friendly luggage collection.
Materials include recycled nylon, polyester, and canvas, organic cotton, plant-based vegan leather like cactus leather, and LWG-rated Nappa leather. Solid linings are now made from 100% recycled polyester, with jacquard linings partially recycled and moving toward full conversion.
Lo & Sons partners with factories that undergo third-party audits to help ensure fair labor practices, and a portion of production happens in facilities powered by solar energy and equipped with water reclamation systems that treat and recycle wastewater.
For circularity, they collaborate with The Renewal Workshop to repair or renew damaged bags and offer an Upcycled Collection made from returned or pre-loved items. Their standard warranty covers manufacturing defects for one year.
My Personal Review of Lo & Sons’ Catalina Deluxe Tote:
“I tried out Catalina Deluxe Tote and absolutely love all of its compartments, its 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. It features a functional top-loading design and a back slot to secure on the handle of rolling luggage, so no more sending my personal item flying when the luggage hits the bump on the moving escalator on a mad dash from gate to gate. Flights aside, it’s also the perfect weekender size.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Anchal
Price Range: $140–$156
Social enterprise Anchal offers gorgeous travel luggage in the form of unique, quilted eco-friendly weekenders and ethical duffel 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.
Their non-toxic luggage uses 100% organic cotton twill (solid or quilted), canvas lining, and upcycled or vintage cotton. Fabrics are dyed with non-toxic, low-impact AZO-free dyes; some collections use locally grown plant dyes via their Louisville dyeScape project.
Made in Ajmer, India, Anchal’s artisans are part of a Fair Trade program: they receive living wages, access to skills training, health services, workshops, and whole-person support; each product carries the hand-stitched signature of its maker.
Anchal is a registered nonprofit (501(c)(3)), with all profits reinvested in social impact: providing employment for marginalized women in India, and growing their dyeScape initiative in Louisville, KY, to build sustainable, small-scale natural dye gardens and homegrown sustainable dye & textile work.
Why You Should Consider Supporting More Sustainable Luggage Brands
Choosing sustainable luggage is about more than just looking good in the airport lounge. It’s about investing in bags that balance durability, function, and responsibility, so you can travel lighter on the planet.
The most sustainable suitcase or ethical duffel bag is the one you already own (or sourced secondhand via online thrift stores), but when you do need new gear, opting for an eco-friendly suitcase means supporting brands that prioritize recycled and organic materials, safer coatings, ethical supply chains, and long-term repair or warranty programs.
Better still, some brands on this list are carbon neutral or actively support reforestation, community programs, and charitable giving—so your purchase helps fund positive change far beyond the baggage carousel. In short, eco luggage doesn’t just carry your things; it carries forward a more sustainable travel industry.
How We Found The Most Eco-Friendly Luggage Brands
To find the most sustainable luggage brands, we looked for the following sustainability and ethics related attributes.
Materials
We looked for durable, recycled luggage made from recycled polyester (rPET) or recycled nylon, recycled polycarbonate, and organic cotton (for softer styles). We prioritized non-toxic suitcases that avoid harmful coatings, or use safer polyurethane and PFC-free water repellents instead. Certifications we considered include GOTS, GRS, OEKO-TEX, bluesign®, and Leather Working Group.
Non-Toxic Coatings
We also looked for luggage that avoids harmful chemical finishes, like PFAS/PFC-based water repellents (sometimes called “forever chemicals”). These coatings are widely used for stain and water resistance but have serious environmental and health concerns. Safer alternatives include polyurethane coatings or fabrics certified under standards like OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which tests materials for harmful substances. Brands that are transparent about being PFAS-free or using verified safer treatments scored higher in our selection.
Labor
Our picks are brands that are ethical luggage makers, working with factories that guarantee fair wages and safe conditions. Many hold third-party certifications such as Fair Trade Certified™, Fair Trade Federation, WRAP, or operate under B Corp standards. Transparency and independent audits were key to cutting through greenwashing.
Climate & circularity
We also considered how brands are lowering their footprint: from aiming for carbon neutrality to investing in renewable energy, minimizing production waste, and offering repairs, take-back, and recycling programs. Plastic-free packaging was a plus, but only when paired with meaningful action in other areas.
Giving back
Finally, we gave extra points to eco-friendly luggage brands that channel profits into community or environmental projects—whether it’s tree planting, grants to fight poverty, or hands-on community initiatives.
By choosing one of these luggage brands, you’re not just picking up a reliable suitcase—you’re joining a movement to make travel more sustainable, ethical, and long-lasting.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in September 2020 and has been updated multiple times since. In September 2025, we completed a major refresh to ensure accuracy and to reflect growing concerns around toxicity, climate action, and the latest sustainable luggage innovations.
Joy has been a passionate advocate for the environment since she was a small child. She grew up in South Africa and has been lucky enough to be exposed to the wonders of nature not just in Africa but all over the world. She founded Sustainable Jungle (together with her husband Lyall) back in 2017 after becoming enraged by the devastating impact of palm oil. She then founded the Sustainable Jungle Podcast and together with Lyall interviewed remarkable people from all over the world who were finding ways to create positive impact. Outside of Sustainable Jungle, Joy has always worked in the corporate world, starting out as an auditor and later moving into management consulting. More recently she specialized in Climate Investing for the Asia Pacific region. Given her experience, her current passion is Brand Ratings. She is very much enjoying going deeper on what it really means to drive sustainability performance and true impact through business operations.
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!