It finally happened: My large suitcase irreparably broke after a recent trip home and now it’s time to upgrade to sustainable luggage built for a lifetime of travel. It was a cheap purchase made as a broke young adult that I bought for my first international trip more than a decade ago.
Since then, it’s been my companion on multiple moves and frequent travel. I lugged it off the conveyor belt in the Reykjavik airport right next to Lindsay Lohan. It carried a month’s worth of outfits for a work trip in Beijing. And it held my irreplaceable belongings in the many moves from apartment to apartment since I’ve been in Toronto.
The luggage industry has quadrupled in options since my last checked bag purchase so I’m glad to see there are now suitcases that suit my needs AND support my values.
What to look for when searching for a sustainable suitcase
Trying to make an informed choice when it comes to luggage can be difficult and tiring. Recently, there’s been a flood of competitors to the market and most offer a variation of the same sleek design. Here’s what you should keep an eye on when shopping so you can make a conscious choice:
- Quality: Look for thoughtfully designed and well-constructed suitcases to ensure it suits your needs and style, and has longevity. Well-made items will have a substantial or lifetime warranty to back up claims.
- Materials: Opt for luggage made from post-consumer recycled plastic or similarly sustainable materials like aluminium. Steer clear of virgin plastics. Even better if those materials have been certified by a third-party like Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or the Global Recycled Standard.
- Ethics: Seek out luggage brands that focus on ethical manufacturing and production practices, actively engage in or contribute to conservation programs, and play a role in reducing emissions.
To help you on your search, here’s a list of the 3 best sustainable luggage brands for checked baggage.
Sustainable luggage brands to consider
The most sustainable option: Paravel
Aviator Grand Checked Luggage – $475 USD
Paravel is a newer travel brand on the market, focusing on sustainability. Its Aviator Grand is the world’s first carbon-neutral luggage. All of the emissions are offset, including from sourcing, assembling, shipping, and delivering the luggage to you. They even include the estimated emissions of your first plane trip with the Aviator.
It’s made from recycled polycarbonate (aka water cooler tanks and CD jewel cases) with recycled aluminum handles, zippers crafted from recycled materials and vegan leather detailing. The lining is its proprietary material called Negative Nylon, which is water-resident and made from 21 recycled water bottles and certified by the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and the Global Recycled Standard.
Its design includes smooth 360° double spinner wheels with carbon steel bearings, an interior compression board, a scuff-hiding textured finish, smart interior pockets, and a detachable laundry bag. The one con: a 10-year warranty rather than a lifetime warranty.
The specs:
- Measurements: 28H x 18.25W X 11D
- Weight: 11.8 lbs
- Volume: 77 Litres
- 10 year limited warranty
The best option for customization: Roam Luggage
Large Check-In Expandable – $695 USD
Roam Luggage, crafted by the same expert team behind TUMI, offers personalized, hand-assembled luggage from its U.S. workshop in Vidalia, Georgia. Roam bills itself as the first customizable premium brand, allowing you to select your own colours for every detail of the case. The one con: Few colour options are currently available for the body of the Check-In case.
Each case is meticulously crafted, incorporating thoughtful details like waterproof zippers, an expandable central cavity, 360° wheels, sturdy handles and a TSA-approved lock. Longevity is in its design, featuring an antimicrobial fabric lining made from 100% recycled materials and an outer shell designed from lightweight yet resilient polycarbonate. Roam offers a 100-day trial period and a lifetime warranty.
Get $50 off your first purchase with my referral code.
The specs:
- Measurements: 30H x 19.5W x 13D expanded (11″d not expanded)
- Weight: 10.9 lbs
- Capacity: 121 Liters
- Lifetime warranty
The best option from a big name: Samsonite
Outline Pro Large Spinner – $280 USD
The Outline Pro Large Spinner features timeless design made from polypropylene with an ergonomic handle, TSA-approved lock and 360° double spinner wheels. The lining is constructed from its signature Recyclex® fabric, crafted entirely from 100% recycled plastic bottles. I’d choose the emerald green color that’s both aesthetic and cleverly conceals the inevitable wear and tear from baggage claim.
The 10-year limited warranty is one con. However, Samsonite has an extensive network of over 200 repair centers throughout 65 countries, equipped to address any accidental damage.
Samsonite is actively improving its sustainability measures, putting a governance model in place, tracking their emission, piloting take-back schemes, and reinforcing responsible product lifecycle management for a circular approach. In 2022, Samsonite diverted approximately 100 million plastic bottles from landfills through its Recyclex Material Technology™.
The specs:
- Measurements: 30H x 20.5W x 12.8D
- Weight: 10.1 lbs
- 10 year limited warranty
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