Finding sustainable, eco-friendly products is becoming easier and easier these days.
There are so many brands out there that offer durable, stylish bags made from organic or recycled materials.
But with so many brands claiming to be ‘sustainable’, it is often difficult to know which brands are legitimate and which are not.
In this post, we provide a list of our favourite 14 sustainable handbag, purse, and backpack brands.
We’ll cover why we rate them highly, what makes their products sustainable and why you should consider adding their items to your wardrobe.
What makes a bag sustainable?
Before we get going, let’s just recap on what ‘sustainable’ actually means in this context.
Sustainable fashion is an approach to clothing design that takes into account the environmental, social, and ethical impacts of its production.
This means that when looking for a sustainable bag, you should consider factors such as the use of recycled materials, the factory’s ethical track record, and how the bag will be disposed of at the end of its life.
It’s important to purchase sustainable products instead of cheaper counterparts, now more than ever.
After all, sustainable fashion keeps our supply chain clean. Clothes and bags made under fair labour conditions without harming the environment keep our clothes supply chain healthy. This keeps all of us healthier.
Understanding this is not always easy, particularly when shopping online. However, there are some great resources available to help you make an informed decision.
For example, both The Good Shopping Guide and Ethical Consumer publish sustainable fashion shopping guides that provide consumers with rankings of brands based on extensive research into their ethical practices.
The Good Shopping Guide website provides a quick guide to major retailers’ ethical credentials, whilst Ethical Consumer’s website offers an extensive A-Z of sustainable brands.
Here at Earthly Goods, we also do our own research to ensure that the brands we discuss meet the sustainability criteria.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best sustainable handbag and purse brands out there.
List of sustainable handbag, purse & backpack brands
FREITAG
FREITAG is a Swiss company that makes bags and accessories from up to 90% recycled materials.
The company is well known for its classic Swiss Army Style backpack with metal clips, which has been updated over the years with a range of fun prints and colours.
All FREITAG products are made in Switzerland under fair working conditions and the company is certified by both Fairtrade and Bluesign.
Freitag is also a member of the Fairwear Foundation, which is an organisation that aims to improve the labour conditions of garment workers.
Freitag was founded in 1993 by brothers Markus and Daniel Freitag.
All bags are made using bast fibers produced with a minimum of resources within 2500 kilometers of the company’s headquarters.
Furthermore, they are completely biodegradable.
BAGGU
BAGGU is a U.S company that makes simple and stylish ethical bags and accessories from sustainable materials.
The company was founded in 2008 by two friends who were looking for an environmentally friendly way to carry their stuff around New York City.
BAGGU products are made from durable, water-resistant nylon and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
BAGGU promotes its eco-friendly products by donating 1% of sales to non-profit environmental organizations.
Our favourite item is the BAGGU drawstring backpack, which is perfect for everyday use.
It is the perfect size to carry your books or laptop around campus. It even comes with two side pockets so you can keep your water bottle handy while on the go!
NISOLO
Nisolo is a world-renowned shoe and accessory company (that also sells bags) that was founded in 2010.
One of the founders of Nisolo, Ray Chile, believes that “fashion and sustainable production go hand in hand,” and strives to make sure that all of the raw materials for their products are sourced ethically.
The Ethical Shopper says: “Nisolo makes an affordable, sustainable purse that’s super cute and on-trend—what more could you ask for?”
The brand is committed to making sustainable fashion more accessible by offering shoes and accessories at an affordable price point.
As Nisolo’s popularity continues to grow, we hope they can inspire other designers across the world to follow suit and adopt sustainable practices into their businesses.
By doing that, we believe that we will be able to successfully move towards a more sustainable future where sustainability isn’t just trendy, but also the norm.
Our favourite Nisolo products include the Rhea sandals and the Margo shoulder bag.
Nisolo’s shoes range from $60 to $250.
Their bags range from $88 to $350.
PIXIE MOOD
Pixie Mood is another company that creates stylish and sustainable handbags, purses, and backpacks.
Its styles are funky, urban, and chic.
Their products are made of high-quality materials, and the company is dedicated to providing fair working conditions for its employees.
For example, they work directly with artisans who receive fair wages for their jobs.
We love Pixie Mood for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
Furthermore, their bags are beautifully designed, and you can find a bag in every style to match your personal preferences.
Our favourite items at Pixie Mood include the Kaleidoscope Backpack, the Boho Hobo Bag, and the Structured Tote.
The price range of pixie mood products is $25-$200.
BELLROY
Bellroy is a brand that produces sustainable and ethical handbags, purses, and backpacks.
The company is based in Australia and was founded in 2010. What we love most about Bellroy is its focus on sustainability.
All of their products are made from high-quality materials that can be recycled or reused.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, Bellroy also offers stylish and functional designs.
Bellroy offers worldwide shipping for international customers.
The company also stands by its two-year warranty.
Their products are perfect for everyday use and are sure to last for many years.
GUNAS
GUNAS is another ethical fashion brand that creates sustainable handbags, purses, and backpacks.
Gunas was founded in 2005 by two sisters-in-law, Hetal and Komal Gandhi.
Based in New York City, GUNAS is devoted to creating stylish and sustainable fashion accessories.
The company offers a wide range of products made from ethical and sustainable materials such as recycled plastic bottles, cork, and bamboo.
GUNAS is important because it’s one of the first fashion brands to focus exclusively on sustainable handbags and purses.
The company is also known for its stylish designs, which makes it a popular choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Admittedly, GUNAS is more expensive than many of the other brands we discuss in this post but we love the brand for its ongoing commitment to sustainability.
CUYANA
Cuyana is an ethical brand that specializes in producing high-quality bags that are made using organic materials. All of its products have a high life expectancy.
This is the reason why Cuyana is as reputable as it is today.
The founder of Cuyana was inspired to start the company after he became aware of how non-environmentally friendly his favorite brands were being.
He vowed to change the way people shopped by offering sustainable leather handbags, purses, and backpacks.
Cuyana’s main priority is to operate in an ethical way by offering quality products at affordable prices.
The company ensures all its employees have good working conditions, which is a great thing to see since some companies take advantage of their employees for financial gains.
Cuyana has been able to attract hundreds of loyal customers because of this social responsibility and dedication towards producing high-quality bags.
HOLZHAUSEN – Shoulder bags made from natural material
Another brand that offers ethical handbags, ethical purses, and backpacks is Holzhausen.
This brand creates beautiful bags made from natural materials such as cork, wool, cotton, and bamboo.
All of the bags are ethically produced in Portugal, using traditional craftsmanship techniques.
The company also plants a tree for every bag sold, in an effort to offset the environmental impact it causes.
If you’re looking for a stylish and sustainable handbag, Holzhausen is definitely a brand to consider.
Holzhausen bags are not the most expensive on the market, but they’re not the cheapest either.
You can expect to pay around $100-$200 for a bag from this brand.
However, it’s worth noting that you’re paying for quality, sustainable materials and ethical production.
So you can be sure that you’re getting good value for your money.
QUINCE – Ethical bags made from cotton and jute
If you’re looking for a sustainable handbag brand that offers an ethical shopping experience, look no further than Quince.
This small business produces beautiful bags made from natural materials like cotton and jute.
They also use vegetable dyes, so you can be sure your bag is eco-friendly.
Plus, for every purchase you make, Quince gives a meal to a child in need. How’s that for ethical shopping?
Quince is a small business based in the USA. All their products are made there, but you can purchase from the U.K.
They offer bags for both women and men. They also sell backpacks, which come in a variety of different colors and styles.
Their purses and handbags can be purchased online at Quince’s website or through other retailers like Jensen-Lewis and Anthropologie.
Quince is definitely an ethical bag brand you need to check out!
ANGELA ROI – Known for high-quality, sustainable materials
Angela Roi is another brand that is known for creating ethical purses, backpacks, and wallets.
Their sustainable bags are made of high-quality materials that are vegan-friendly.
For example, they use no leather or any animal products in the making of their items.
Furthermore, they use recycled fabrics in order to make their items.
They also strive to help communities in need by donating 10% of their proceeds every year to benefit those in need.
Angela Roi bags are not the cheapest on the market, but they are worth the investment.
Their high-quality materials and ethical production standards result in a product that will last for years.
Furthermore, their sustainable practices mean that you can feel good about your purchase.
AAKS
Aaks was founded in Berlin, Germany in 2015.
The company creates ethical, sustainable bags for men and women. They produce a small range of handmade leather purses to help reduce carbon emissions caused by the consumer industry.
Their organic leather handbags are ethical, plant-based, and of high quality.
Our favourite items include their stylish backpack range and their large tote bag.
ABLE
Able is a brand that creates beautiful, sustainable items by using natural materials like cork and jute.
Jute is a natural fiber that is produced from the jute plant. It’s a soft, natural material that gives Able bags a unique quality.
Cork is a natural material that comes from cork oaks and it works to waterproof Able products.
Sustainability isn’t just important to Able, but also to the craftsmen who make their items. All of Able’s products are made ethically in Portugal.
It’s hard to tell how well-known Able is in the fashion industry, but the company is well-known in the field of eco-friendly fashion for the sustainable handbags that it produces.
LIDIA MAY
Lidia May is a fashion brand that creates sustainable handbags, purses and backpacks made of eco-friendly materials like recycled leather and plant based materials.
The company was founded in 2016 by Lidia May and her mother, who wanted to find a way to make fashion more sustainable.
Lidia May bags are created from recycled post-consumer materials like ocean plastic and other waste materials.
The company is also working on a project to create a sustainable fashion label that will be made entirely of recycled ocean plastic.
If you’re looking for a fashion-forward, sustainable handbag, purse, or backpack, Lidia May is definitely a brand to check out.
ASHYA
Ashya is a fashion brand that uses sustainable materials in all of its products.
They use materials like bamboo, cork, and recycled polyester.
What’s more, they use these materials to create beautiful, fashion-forward items.
You can purchase Ashya bags online through their website or through other retailers.
If you’re looking for a fashion-forward sustainable bag, Ashya is definitely a brand to check out.
Ashya was founded in 2014 by two fashion-lovers who wanted to create beautiful, sustainable fashion.
The company is based in the United Kingdom and all of its products are made there.
If you’re reading this from the U.K, Ashya is a great place to start filling your sustainable wardrobe.
Christina Fischer
Christina Fischer is a fashion designer who specializes in sustainable and ethical fashion. She is the founder of the fashion brand Christina Fischer, which offers sustainable handbags, purses, and backpacks made from eco-friendly materials.
The brand has a strong focus on sustainability, using only certified organic cotton and recycled materials in all of its products.
Christina Fischer also supports fair trade practices, ensuring that all workers involved in the production process are treated fairly and compensated properly.
Her favorite bag is a black and gold clutch with a fringe zipper, and she can’t imagine life without it.
“I’m really proud that I don’t have to buy another one,” the fashion designer said. “It’s high quality, made from recycled materials.”
This fashion-forward accessory is part of Fischer’s line of sustainable fashion accessories, handmade using sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton and linen.
She recycles her own scraps into other accessories so nothing gets wasted — not even zippers or buttons.
Her fashion line has been featured in fashion magazines including Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar.
The environmentally conscious fashionista also designs eco-friendly home decor and donates 10% of her profits to charity.
The Importance of Recycled Materials
Today, it is more important than ever before that consumers are aware not only of the manufacturing process involved in the production of an item, but also the materials they are purchasing.
This is because the fashion industry has a large carbon footprint. In fact, fashion production accounts for 10% of global oil consumption.
For this reason, amongst others, recycled materials are becoming increasingly popular.
Recycled materials in fashion are materials that have been reused from a previous product.
This can include materials like fabric, leather, and even metal.
One of the benefits of using recycled materials is that it reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
It also helps to reduce the environmental impact fashion has on our planet.
Recycled materials help to reduce the amount of waste produced by the fashion industry. They also help to conserve natural resources.
Vegan Leather – What’s It Made From?
One of the materials being used more and more in fashion, particularly in handbags and purses, is vegan leather.
Vegan leather is a term used to describe materials that are made to look and feel like leather but are not derived from animal products.
Some common materials used to make vegan leather include cotton, polyurethane, and nylon.
The benefits of vegan leather over traditional leather include the fact that it is environmentally friendly, cruelty-free, and often cheaper.
There are many different types of vegan leather available on the market today.
When shopping for a sustainable fashion handbag or purse, be sure to look for one made with vegan leather.
What is Ethically Sourced Leather?
As we’ve covered pretty extensively throughout this article, leather is a popular material for fashion handbags, purses, and backpacks.
However, not all leather is created equal.
There are two main types of leather: sustainable and non-sustainable.
Non-sustainable leather is leather that comes from animals that have been raised in factory farms.
The animals are often treated poorly and subjected to cruel conditions.
Sustainable leather, on the other hand, comes from animals that have been raised in a humane way. The animals are allowed to roam free and are treated with respect.
When purchasing fashion accessories made from leather, be sure to look for ones that are ethically sourced.
This means that the leather has been sourced from animals that have been treated well.
What is genuine leather?
Genuine leather is a type of leather that has been made from the skin of an animal.
This means that it is a natural, biodegradable material.
Leather is often chosen for fashion accessories because it is durable and stylish.
Are vegan bags eco-friendly?
One of the great things about all-vegan fashion accessories, particularly fashion handbags and purses, is that they are eco-friendly.
Due to the fact that fabric made from organic materials has a smaller environmental impact, fashion accessories made with vegan fabrics are often less harmful to the environment.
Another reason vegan bags are often more sustainable than traditional fashion bags is that it reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
This is because most fabrics can be recycled multiple times before being unusable.
So, yes – vegan bags are eco-friendly.
FAQs Relating to Ethical Bags and Fair Trade Practices
Understandably, consumers have plenty of questions relating to authenticity when brands claim to be sustainable, ethical, or eco-friendly.
These are buzz words we hear a lot in the industry nowadays.
Below, you’ll find the answers to some frequently asked questions relating to brands using these terms.
Is Kate Spade an ethical brand?
Kate Spade is a brand that uses the term “sustainably sourced.”
However, they are not a certified fair trade brand.
While they do adhere to some ethical practices, their standards may not meet those of other brands who use the term “ethical”.
Is Marc Jacobs an ethical brand?
Marc Jacobs is not a certified fair trade brand. However, they are known for using sustainable materials in their fashion accessories.
Their bags and purses often feature recycled materials like vinyl and post-consumer recycled nylon.
They also work with suppliers who adhere to strict environmental and social responsibility policies.
Are all Stella McCartney bags vegan?
No – not all Stella McCartney bags are vegan. However, Stella McCartney is a certified fair trade fashion brand.
For those who don’t know, fair trade fashion ensures that workers are paid a living wage for their work and that safe working conditions are maintained.
Stella McCartney fashion accessories use sustainable materials such as fake leather and recycled cotton whenever possible.
Is Coach an ethical fashion brand?
Coach is not a certified fair-trade fashion label.
However, they do engage in some eco-friendly practices including reducing scrap by-products and donating unsold items to charity.
Coach also hires employees from the local community where their bags and purses are made.
How ethical is JW PEI?
JW PEI is a fashion brand that uses sustainable materials in its fashion accessories.
While they are not a certified fair trade fashion brand, all of their products are made in the USA.
They also use recycled and repurposed materials in many of their fashion items.
How ethical is Matt & Nat?
Matt & Nat is another fashion brand that uses sustainable materials in its fashion accessories.
All of their products are vegan and they are a certified fair trade fashion brand.
Their bags and purses often feature recycled materials like vinyl and post-consumer recycled nylon.
Can leather handbags be recycled?
The short answer is no – leather handbags cannot be recycled.
This is because the process of recycling leather often requires toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
What is apple leather?
Apple leather is a type of faux leather made from apple peels.
This sustainable material can be used to create fashion accessories like handbags, purses, and backpacks.
As an added bonus, it’s also vegan!
Can fashion accessories be recycled?
Yes! Fashion accessories can most definitely be recycled.
In fact, many fashion brands engage in recycling programs for their products.
Some (such as those we have listed in this article) even use recycled materials in their fashion accessories.
What does “eco-friendly” mean?
There is no definitive meaning for “eco-friendly.”
However, the term generally refers to products or practices that have a smaller environmental impact.
This means that they use fewer natural resources, have a reduced carbon footprint, and/or do not damage the environment.
What are upcycled materials?
Upcycled materials are materials that have been repurposed from another product.
This could be a material like vinyl that has been taken from an old record album or a piece of fabric that has been repurposed from an old shirt.
What is a fair trade fashion brand?
A fair trade fashion brand is a brand that adheres to certain ethical practices.
This usually means that they pay their workers a living wage, that working conditions are safe and sanitary, and that fashion accessories are made using sustainable materials.
What does “sustainable fashion” mean?
“Sustainable fashion” refers to fashion brands that use eco-friendly materials in their fashion items.
This means that they do not damage the environment when creating fashion accessories.
Instead, they choose earth-friendly materials like recycled plastics or organic cotton whenever possible.
Is Patagonia an ethical fashion brand?
Patagonia is one of the most well-known eco-friendly fashion brands.
They often donate unsold items to charity after a season has ended.
They also use sustainable materials in their fashion accessories including recycled polyester.
What is organic cotton and why is it used?
Organic cotton is a type of cotton that has been grown without the use of harmful chemicals.
This means that they are less likely to pollute the environment when growing organic cotton crops.
Additionally, fashion brands often choose organic cotton over traditional cotton because it is generally considered to be a better quality fabric.
What are deadstock materials?
Deadstock materials are materials that have been overproduced or are no longer in fashion.
This could be a material like vinyl (which is no longer used in the music industry) or a piece of fabric that is no longer in style.
Fashion brands often choose deadstock materials because they are more environmentally friendly and affordable.
What is a scrap by-product?
A scrap by-product is a waste product that is created during the manufacturing process.
This means that it is not the intended product and, as such, is often created in large quantities.
Fashion brands often choose scrap by-products because they are more environmentally friendly and affordable.
Sustainable Bag Types: What’s the difference?
We’ll take you through the types of bags you’ll come across when shopping with the brands mentioned in this post.
Messenger Bags
Messenger bags are a type of bag that is designed to be worn over one shoulder.
They often have a large, rectangular shape and are usually made from canvas or vegetable-tanned leather.
Crossbody Bags
Crossbody bags are a type of bag that is designed to be worn over the body.
They usually have a smaller, rectangular shape and come with a long strap that can be worn over the body to ensure the fashion accessory does not fall off.
Tote Bags
Tote bags are another type of fashion accessory that has a large, rectangular shape and is often made from canvas or natural fibers like jute or hemp.
What We Know About These Sustainable Handbag, Purse & Backpack Brands
The brands mentioned in this post are just a few of the many sustainable handbag designers out there.
We hope you were able to find one that suits your style and needs well!
If not, be sure to visit our website for more information on how to create an eco-friendly wardrobe with recycled materials.
Remember – anything is possible when it comes to fashion sustainability; start small by purchasing one new item each month made from sustainable material, like organic cotton or bamboo fabric.
Once you’ve got some basics under your belt, take the next step towards creating a full green wardrobe made up of sustainable fashion brands.
We hope you have found this article informative.
If so, please share with your friends and family to help spread the word about sustainable fashion!
The brands mentioned in this post are all worth checking out for those looking to create a more eco-friendly wardrobe.
Be sure to visit them on their website or social media pages (links provided throughout the article) if any of these brands interest you!
