Sustainability

Do you prefer sustainable shopping and appreciate simple and clear labelling? With our new label “The Greener One” you can find sustainable products in our range with just one click. Bags, backpacks and luggage with our "The Greener One” label meet at least three of our six labelling criteria and are therefore a sustainable alternative to other products from our range.

Our six criteria for "The Greener One"

• Sustainable fabrics
  
The resource and energy input in the production of sustainable materials and the effects on the environment are decisive. Eco-friendly products consist partly or entirely of materials produced in an environmentally friendly way. Instead of conventional cotton or leather, sustainable bags and accessories consist of ecological alternatives such as organic cotton or innovative materials such as hemp.
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In contrast to traditional cotton, organic cotton is grown without agricultural chemicals; gene-modified seeds are also forbidden. This technique preserves the soil and minimizes water consumption. The relevant seals are Naturtextil IVN certified BEST, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and EU Ecolabel. With leather products, a distinction is made between vegetable and chemically tanned hides. Vegetable treated leather products are free from toxic substances: the most are also biodegradable and recyclable. When it comes to genuine leather, we pay attention to the Naturleder IVN and Leather Standard by OEKO-TEX certifications. Sustainable leather also comes from tanneries which are a member of the Leather Working Group. Relatively new and very progressive material is hemp. It is obtained from the hemp plant, which requires a little amount of water and no fertilizers during cultivation.


• Recycled materials
The motto “Reduce, reuse, repeat” gets right to the point. Whether partially or completely, recycled items consist of already used materials. These are added to the material cycle (re-cycle) and converted into new products. Sustainable bags, backpacks and luggage made from recycled materials have fewer negative impacts on the environment than similar products made from new materials.
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Do you wonder if it is possible to produce high-quality products from waste? It is! Recycled products are at least as high quality as their counterparts made from new materials. For example, old truck tarpaulins, PET bottles and fishing nets can be recycled to produce new bags, backpacks or luggage. Recycled products which can be recycled are among the particularly sustainable options. Relevant seals in this category are the Global Recycle Standard (GRS) and the C2C Certificate (Cradle to Cradle).


• Chemicals and their management
  
Chemicals are applied in many traditional production methods. Chemical substances are used to give products certain properties (e.g. water-repellent or air-permeable). Whether in the form of a finish or as a product component, some chemicals are considered to be problematic or even dangerous for people and the environment. The manufacture of sustainable products is characterized by the avoidance or reduction of toxic chemicals.
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There are sustainable alternatives to traditional impregnation methods for outdoor backpacks such as per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFC) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Coatings based on silicones, polymers and wax are not only more environmentally friendly but also safer. The most important seals to chemical safety are bluesign, GOTS and Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX.


• Repairability
  
Repair is much more environmentally friendly than buying a new product! That is why many manufacturers offer a repair service. Whether a broken zip or a torn strap, suitable replacement parts and components can extend the life of your favourite accessory.
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Premium products meet the highest quality standards. However, wear and tear can appear after several years of use, especially with luggage and outdoor backpacks, which are challenged to the maximum with every use. Sustainable products are designed in such a way that their parts can be easily replaced and/or repaired – a great benefit for your wallet and the environment!


• Social responsibility
  
Fair production requires compliance with strict social standards. These include minimum wages, regulated working hours, a safe working environment and the exclusion of forced and child labour.
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Socially equitable working conditions recognize freedom of association and the right to form unions as well as excluding any form of discrimination. Many companies engage outside established international labour standards and offer additional benefits such as training seminars. Several official seals, including GOTS, Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), Fairtrade and Der Grüne Knopf (“green button”) confirm the compliance with strict social standards.


• Production in Europe
  
Manufacturing in Europe means shorter transport distances and lower CO2 emissions. It is therefore more environmentally friendly than production in distant countries. By buying products manufactured in Europe, you also help to secure local jobs.
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For sustainable bags, backpacks and luggage made in the EU, you can expect higher standards for occupational safety and social protection. Whether “Made in Germany”, “Made in Italy” or “Made in Europe”, the production in Europe is characterized by high standards in workmanship and materials and as a result, higher durability.

Two examples of our "The Greener One" products

Sustainable shopping: Buy eco-friendly products at wardow.com!

Sustainability is important to us. Our selection of sustainable products requires many steps that we aim to take gradually. We evaluate our current product range as well as new items to label sustainable bags, backpacks and luggage accordingly. We have implemented several filter options in addition to our “The Greener One” label, so you can find eco-friendly products with just a few clicks!