Planning a long trip? You may need a heavy-duty suitcase or duffel bag to carry and protect all your precious belongings! However, rather than going for an animal leather or plastic case that can harm the planet you're anxious to explore, why not go for an eco-friendly and ethical alternative? There are plenty of affordable and eco-friendly luggage brands using bio-based, recycled, or sustainably sourced materials to last you a lifetime! Keep reading and discover our top 7 picks for sustainable vegan luggage!

What Makes Vegan Luggage Brands Sustainable?

Vegan luggage is made of synthetic or plant-based materials, and no animal skins. This can, in some instances, cover luggage that's made of PVC (plastic). However, this is not so sustainable, since PVC is non-biodegradable and harmful to our planet. That's why we've opted for vegan luggage brands that use recycled, biodegradable, or bio-based materials for the creation of their bags. Having a lifetime warranty or repair services is also a major plus, since less waste can translate into improved overall sustainability.

Sustainable Materials to Look For In Vegan Luggage Brands

So, what vegan materials can we go for that are more eco-friendly than PVC or animal leather? In recent years, textile companies have developed plenty of alternatives made out of non-toxic, biodegradable, or recycled materials that can are equally long-lasting, or even more so! Keep reading to discover a few of the most common ones.

PCR Materials

Post-consumer recycled materials like polyester obtained from ocean-bound bottles or PVB from windshield glass resin are a much more sustainable choice. Often, these materials are retrieved before reaching landfills or natural ecosystems, which keeps them from polluting and harming our planet. Then, they're converted into products that enter a closed-loop system and can be recycled over and over again!

Ariaprene

Created with toxin-free foam, solvent-free lamination, and other clean technologies, Ariaprene is used in footwear, apparel, accessories, and of course, in luggage! It's ultra-lightweight, uses water-based adhesive lamination technology, and is made out of non-toxic regenerated waste for maximum sustainability.

CORDURA Nylon

With the philosophy that 'sustainability begins with products that last', CORDURA's focus is on strong, lightweight, and ultra-durable materials. In addition, they aim to reduce their environmental footprint as much as possible by recycling or reclaiming any waste they produce, and repurposing third-party waste. They are also constantly innovating so they can provide higher-quality materials while putting less strain on our planet.

These standards have led them to create their signature nylon RN6 yarn, which stands for 'Recycled Nylon 6'. Fabric made from RN6 meets their durability and performance specifications, and is now used in sustainable footwear, technical packs, and luggage!

Biodegradable PU

Although polyurethane is a type of plastic, when not treated with harsh chemicals it can be much less harmful to our environment. For starters, it lasts far longer than thermoplastics, which make up over 95% of the waste found in our oceans. It can also be easily recycled into a wide variety of alternate applications; even back into its prepolymer state. And finally, PU can be degraded by microorganisms, without becoming toxic to the environment! (Find more info on this material here.) That's why so many eco-friendly luggage brands opt for this material over PVC!

Top Features to Look For In Your Sustainable Vegan Luggage

Functionality

When searching for the right travel bag, it's important to consider what kinds of items you'll be storing for your trip! Think about whether they're small and will require extra zipped pockets and compartments, or if you're taking any fragile valuables that could benefit from extra padding. Then, choose a case that can do the best job at protecting the items you value most.

Space

Perhaps equally as important as the types of things you're taking on your trip, you need to evaluate how much space your travel essentials will require. Try folding all of the items for your trip into a box or laundry basket, and measure the dimensions of your content. Then, select the right piece of luggage that can fit everything you need.

Durability

A major factor for sustainability is the amount of time your product will last. When it comes to suitcases, try aiming for a product with a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure it won't end up in a landfill in a few years!

Top Vegan Luggage Brands To Look Out For

Ogio Apha Convoy Vegan Luggage

Price Range | $50 - $380

Materials | Recycled Polyester (ALPHA Convoy Series).

Ethos | Lifetime Warranty, Focused on Durability, Recycled Materials.

Ogio's vegan duffel and travel bags are made with your comfort and the planet in mind. If you're looking for tons of storage space for your essential items, ease of movement, durability, and loads of exterior pockets and compartments, Ogio is the way to go. Plus, all vegan travel bags in their ALPHA Convoy series are made of recycled plastic!

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Timbuk2

Price Range | $109 - $249

Materials | Cordura Nylon, Ripstop Nylon, PU-Coated Polyester Fabric, Cotton Canvas, Twill, Polyester, TPU.

Ethos | Lifetime Warranty, Easy Repairs, Sustainably Produced Materials from Bluesign Certified Mills, Zero Timubk2 Bags Sent To Landfills Since 2014, 'The Renewal Workshop' Partnership, Over 6,000 Bags Repaired Each Year.

Available in various sizes and colors, Timbuk2's travel bags and vegan suitcases adapt to your specific needs and preferences! They're ultra-resistant and if any harm comes to your bag, you can easily get the parts you need to repair it (or have it repaired by them) through their lifetime warranty. Go for a Timbuk2 suitcase or vegan weekender if you're after a bag that truly stands the test of time!

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Patagonia

Price Range | $129 - $399

Materials | Recycled Polyester Ripstop, Weather-Resistant TPU - Film Laminate.

Ethos | Bluesign System, 1% For The Planet Members, Suppliers Adhere to International Labor Organization Core Labor Standards.

A brand for explorers and adventurers everywhere, Patagonia's merchandise is consciously made with ultra-durable material. Their luggage is no exception! That's why 87% of their line uses recycled materials, and all of their products are developed with your comfort in mind. Plus, they're constantly engaging in sustainable initiatives to further reduce their carbon footprint!

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Matt & Nat

Price Range | $150 - $225

Materials | Biodegradable PU, PVB Made of 100% Recycled Windshield Glass Resin, Nylon, Rubber, Fruit Skin Fibres, 100% Recycled Plastic Bottle Lining.

Ethos | 100% Vegan, Use of Recycled and Eco-Friendly Materials, Fair and Clean Workspaces.

An eco-conscious company with an all-vegan collection, Matt (material) & Nat (nature) is super careful and aware of their products' impact!

Their luxury vegan weekender style bags or signature wheeled carry on bag are perfect for your weekend getaway, offering sleek design, ethical production, and lower environmental footprints. Protect all your essential items with one of their fabulous travel bags made with zero animal skins!

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Samsonite Eco-Friendly Vegan Luggage

Price Range | $159 - $525

Materials | PCR Materials, Recyclex (Recycled PET Bottles) Lining.

Ethos | Long Warranties, Repair Centers, Repurposed Waste, Fair Treatment of Workers, Gender Balanced Workforce, Reforestation and Conservation Projects.

Go for Samsonite's Eco-Nu wheeled luggage series for long-lasting suitcases made of recycled materials! This range of eco-friendly suitcases is incredibly varied, functional, and ultra-secure, covering all your needs as a frequent traveler.

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Incase

Price Range | $230 - $600

Materials | Ecoya Fabric, Ariaprene, Diamond Ripstop, EcoNeue, Bionic Yarn, Recycled Polyester.

Ethos | 1% For The Planet Members, Sustainably Sourced and Innovative Materials.

Looking to keep your travel essentials and valuables safe during your trip? Incase carry on luggage and luxury vegan travel backpacks are made with this purpose in mind! Each bag offers special features like integrated charging, a laptop zip pocket, TSA Approved locks, and more. Store all of your Apple devices, and any additional technology securely with any of their roller luggage, duffel bags, or travel backpacks!

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Solgaard Vegan Suitcase

Price Range | $275 - $355

Materials | Recycled Ocean-Bound Plastic from Bottles (Shore-Tex and Shore-Plast), Recycled Polycarbonate.

Ethos | Recycled Materials, 229 Plastic Bottles Saved For Every Item Sold, 30,000,896+ Bottles Saved So Far.

Known for their 'carry-on closets', Solgaard's suitcases are made with a built-in shelving system to keep your belongings organized throughout your trip! Each includes a USB charging port, an indestructible recycled PCB shell, a TSA Approved 3-digit lock, and six neat shelves to keep your things in order. Plus, any purchase with this vegan luggage brand will save 229 plastic bottles from our oceans!

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Thanks for checking out our suggestions, and for always exploring the best possible products for our planet and the animals. For more vegan travel tips and recommendations, make sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter!

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