Recycled Materials in Luggage: What You Need to Know Before Buying

In recent times, if you have gone for luggage shopping, one thing that has been heavily advertised is eco-friendly luggage made from recycled material, RPET fabrics, or sustainably sourced components. Even if people don't understand these terms, they buy it just because they sound cool. 

Green claims vary widely in their truth value. Some brands implement innovation to minimise waste, while other companies add fake environmental claims using generic sustainability statements. Before buying an eco-conscious suitcase, you must understand key facts about recycled products in travel bags, together with methods to verify environmentally smart purchases.

Why Recycled Materials Matter in Travel Gear

The travel industry isn’t just responsible for carbon emissions—it's also a massive consumer of synthetic, resource-intensive materials. Traditional luggage is often made from:

• Virgin plastics (polycarbonate, ABS)
  

• PVC coatings and synthetic liners
  

• Heavy metal alloys
  

• Foams and glues containing harsh chemicals
  

These materials not only take decades or centuries to decompose but also release toxins during manufacturing and disposal.

Switching to recycled materials cuts down on:

• Energy consumption during production
  

• Greenhouse gas emissions
  

• Water waste and pollution
  

• Raw material extraction (oil, ores, etc.)
  

In short, recycled materials reduce the footprint of your luggage before it even reaches your doorstep.

Types of Recycled Materials Commonly Used in Luggage

Not all recycled materials are the same. Here are the most commonly used ones in eco-friendly luggage—and what you should know about each:

1. RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate)

• What it is: Made from post-consumer plastic bottles (like water and soda bottles)
  

• Common Uses: Soft-shell suitcases, linings, outer fabrics, zipper pulls
  

• Why it matters: RPET gives new life to plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans
  

Look for: Clear labeling that specifies how many bottles were used, and if the RPET is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified.

2. Recycled Nylon

• What it is: Sourced from used textiles or industrial waste (e.g., fishing nets)
  

• Common Uses: Duffels, outdoor travel backpacks, weatherproof materials
  

• Why it matters: Nylon production is highly polluting; recycled versions cut emissions and reduce ocean waste
  

Look for: ECONYL® or branded recycled nylon, which ensures traceability and quality.

3. Recycled Polycarbonate

• What it is: A tough plastic often used in hardshell suitcases, made from industrial scraps or post-consumer plastics
  

• Common Uses: Hard-shell spinner luggage
  

• Why it matters: Recycled PC reduces oil use and helps divert plastic from landfills
  

Look for: PC made from a verified percentage of recycled content, ideally over 40%.

4. Recycled Aluminum

• What it is: Sourced from beverage cans and industrial scraps
  

• Common Uses: Premium metal luggage frames, handles, structural elements
  

• Why it matters: Aluminum can be infinitely recycled with less energy than producing new metal
  

Look for: Brands that emphasize closed-loop recycling or use post-consumer aluminum.

5. Recycled Rubber, Foams & Components

Some brands go the extra mile by using recycled:

• Zipper tapes and pulls
  

• Wheels
  

• Padding and support foams
  

• Hardware (buckles, clasps, hooks)
  

While these aren't always the biggest components, every little bit helps reduce overall material waste.

Watch Out for Greenwashing

Most people misunderstand what "Made with recycled materials" truly signifies because the statement may not represent actual facts. Brands may promote their entire product as eco-friendly even when the product contains only 5% recycled components.

Here’s how to spot authentic sustainability versus empty marketing:

What to Trust:

• Percentage breakdowns (e.g., “Exterior fabric is made from 85% RPET”)
  

• Certifications like GRS (Global Recycled Standard), OEKO-TEX, and Bluesign
  

• Transparent sourcing info (e.g., “Made from 31 recycled bottles”)
  

• Repair programs and circular economy commitments
  

What to Question:

• Vague labels like “eco-friendly” or “green materials”
  

• No mention of third-party verification or specific material sources
  

• No warranty or durability promise (if it breaks quickly, it’s not sustainable)
  

In short, transparency is key. If a brand isn’t telling you how something is recycled or how much of the bag is recycled, it may not be meaningful.

Koora: A Leader in Smart, Recycled Luggage

In 2025, Koora stands among the leading sustainable luggage brands that develop smart minimalist travel items while preserving environmental values.

Koora uses 100% recycled materials, including RPET, across its product line without compromising the quality of the product. What sets them apart is their commitment to:

• Carbon-neutral production
  

• Compostable packaging
  

• Durable modular designs
  

• Replaceable parts and repairability

Koora doesn’t just make luggage from recycled materials, it builds for longevity, adaptability, and genuine circularity.

The Benefits of Choosing Recycled Luggage

Beyond helping the planet, luggage made from recycled materials offers real user benefits, including:

• Lightweight design: for air travel, you need a lightweight luggage, recycled bags are best in this regard.
  

• Durability: Even though it's made from recycled material, it does not compromise on water resistance or impact resistance, which is important for protecting your belongings.
  

• Unique aesthetics: brands try to give the bags a natural and minimalist finish that looks sleek.
  

• Peace of mind: When you care about nature, luggage made from recycled material reduces carbon footprint.

Tips for Buying Recycled Luggage That Lasts

1. Prioritise function first: Just because it’s eco-friendly doesn’t mean it has to lack features. Choose bags that meet your real travel needs.
   

2. Check reviews and warranty policies: See how bags hold up after months or years of use. A repairable, durable bag is always more sustainable.
   

3. Don’t sacrifice quality for a “green” label: Choose brands that do both well: smart design plus real sustainability.
   

4. Pair your recycled suitcase with eco-friendly packing tools: Recycled packing cubes, reusable laundry bags, and digital itineraries all reduce your travel footprint.

Final Thoughts

Travelling has always been an important part of our lives, so why not use it to make an impact on the environment? In 2025, conscious travellers will use recycled bags not just because it's a trend, but they truly want to take a step for environmental protection.

Whether it’s RPET softshells, recycled polycarbonate spinners, or modular backpacks made from ocean plastic, there’s a sustainable option for every kind of traveller. Just be sure to read the labels, ask questions, and support brands that are walking the talk, not just selling the green image.

Because your suitcase shouldn't just carry your belongings; it should have your values, too.