Sustainability

Durability

Repairing is more environmentally friendly than throwing away! That's why many manufacturers offer a repair service that can often be used beyond the warranty period. Whether it's a broken zip or a torn strap, suitable repair parts can prolong the life of your beloved companion. Our products meet high-quality standards. However, should damage occur over time due to material or manufacturing defects, you can arrange for your bag or backpack to be repaired. Sustainable products are designed in such a way that the individual parts can be easily replaced and/or repaired - an advantage for your wallet and for the environment! Particularly sustainable brands provide up to a lifetime manufacturer's warranty for their products beyond the legal warranty obligation.

Production in the local area

Due to shorter transport routes, production in Europe is more environmentally friendly than production in far-away countries. By buying products manufactured in Europe, you also support the preservation of local jobs. The basis in EU countries is a clear commitment to the protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Some countries maintain comparatively higher labour protection and social standards in production. Whether "Made in Germany", "Made in Italy" or "Made in Europe", production close to home is characterised by high-quality standards in processing and materials and resulting longevity.

Fair and social production

Fair production requires compliance with strict social standards. These include minimum wages, regulated working hours, a safe working environment and the prohibition of forced and child labour. Socially responsible working conditions allow for freedom of association and the right to form trade unions and exclude discrimination of any kind. Many manufacturers seek additional measures outside established international labour standards, such as training seminars. Several official seals, including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), Der Grüne Knopf (The Green Button) and Fairtrade confirm compliance with strict social standards.

Pollutant-reduced production

Chemicals are used in many conventional production methods. Chemical substances are used to give products certain properties (e.g. water-repellent or breathable). Whether in the form of a finish or as a product ingredient, some chemicals are considered dangerous or even harmful to humans and the environment. There are sustainable alternatives to conventional waterproofing methods for outdoor backpacks such as perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFC) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Coatings based on silicones and beeswax are not only more environmentally friendly but also safer. The most important seals for using chemicals are bluesign, GOTS and MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX.

Environmentally friendly materials

Sustainable products consist partly or completely of materials produced in an environmentally friendly way. Instead of conventional cotton or leather, sustainable bags and accessories contain environmentally friendly alternatives, such as organic cotton or innovative materials like hemp. In contrast to conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without agricultural chemicals; genetically modified seeds are also taboo. This process protects the soil and minimises water consumption. The hemp plant also requires little water for cultivation and does not need fertilisers. The most common seals are Naturtextil IVN certified BEST and GOTS. For leather products, a distinction is made between vegetable and chemically tanned hides. Vegetable-tanned leather products are free of harmful toxins: most are also biodegradable and recyclable. Leather that comes from a tannery that is a member of the Leather Working Group is also sustainable.

Recycled materials

"Reduce, reuse, repeat" is the key message here. Whether partially or completely, recycled products consist of already used materials. These are added to the material cycle again (re-cycle) and processed into new products. Bags, backpacks and luggage made from recycled materials have fewer negative impacts on the environment than comparable products made from materials that first have to be manufactured. Products made from recycled materials are at least as high quality as their counterparts made from newly produced fabrics. For example, used truck tarpaulins, PET bottles and fishing nets can be recycled to make new bags, backpacks or luggage. Recycled products that can be recycled anew are among the particularly sustainable alternatives. Among the relevant seals in this category is the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).

Please note: You can filter all products in our shop according to the sustainability criteria. In addition, you will also find the "vegan" filter here. Vegan bags and accessories are currently not labelled with our sustainability mark unless they meet at least two criteria, one from each group. The "vegan" label stands for bags, backpacks and accessories that have no components of animal origin and is intended to help you find animal-free alternatives more quickly. Whether sustainable or vegan, the external seals and certifications are listed in the product description if available.