Sustainability: Preventing marine pollution by recycling plastic bottles destined for the ocean into their eco bags. They are working towards a circular, zero-waste supply chain by 2023.

Price: $$$

Rothy’s take plastic bottles destined for the ocean and turns them into their signature, stylish handbags.

Bottles are transformed into yarn, which is then knitted, using state-of-the-art 3-D technology, into their signature, durable, washable bags, resulting in marine pollution and less waste.

They have styles to suit every occasion, from classic handbags with removable straps to contemporary shopping totes.

Sustainability: Certified sustainable materials, Lean Closet Program that gives a second life to products, repair services

Price range: $$$

Next up, a fantastic female-led sustainable handbag brand with an even more amazing mantra— “Fewer, better.” Cuyana’s most-beloved totes, off-duty crossbody, travel, and occasion bags are all responsibly-made with certified ethical leather, recycled plastics, and uncoated GOTS-certified Turkish canvas.

The result? Premium-quality wardrobe staples can easily take you from your next city stroll to brunch and special events.

What we love the most about this brand is that all ethical leather handbags are crafted responsibly in family-run factories throughout Vietnam, Italy, Turkey, and Argentina.

Most importantly, Cuyana thrives on being as transparent as possible, and thus, the website allows us to track the entire supply suppliers list. Lastly, Cuyana facilitates repairs for your ethical luxury handbags and Cuyana pieces and gives a second life to products through its Lean Closet Program.

Sustainability: Certified sustainable materials, B Corporation, traceable, recycling programs, Responsible production

Price range: $$$

From bucket bags and sustainable tote bags to totes, sling bags, baskets, handbags, and wallets, Sezane has all our sartorial needs covered. They opt for eco-friendly materials such as natural heritage 100% vegetable-tanned smooth cowhide leather, natural raffia, and cotton linings to create their raved-about and ultra-chic lineup.

The sustainable French brand aims to add a touch of timeless sophistication to our rotation. That’s why they solely partner up with the best fair trade ateliers to design their product’s ethical handbags fairly and responsibly. Lastly, the B-certified corporation bears the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, which confirms the absence of harmful chemical substances.

Sustainability: Sustainable materials, vegan leather

Price range: $$ – $$$

Matt & Nat have been featured on our blog before, as we have high praise for their vegan shoes.

They don’t only stop at footwear, though. Matt & Nat’s handbag and backpack range are all made from vegan leather and contain a range of sustainable materials that include recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber, cork, and even plastic bottles.

Sustainability: Organic cotton and ethical manufacturing

Price Range: $

A firm handbag favorite of ours here at the Ecothes HQ is TerraThread. You can see my bag in the two pictures alongside and below.

Terra Thread bags are a testament to the power of conscious design and responsible manufacturing. Committed to making a positive difference, TerraThread stands out as a sustainable and ethical brand in the world of fashion. Their bags are thoughtfully crafted using organic cotton and eco-friendly materials, minimizing their environmental footprint without compromising on style or functionality.

What makes Terra Thread truly exceptional is its dedication to fair wages and safe working conditions for the skilled artisans who create these masterpieces. By choosing Terra Thread bags, you not only embrace a stylish accessory but also contribute to a greener and more equitable future, one bag at a time.

We’ve tested both their work tote and cross-body bag, and we love both durability and practically! Read our full review here.

Sustainability: A range of eco-friendly purses from sustainable handbag brands

Price Range: $-$$$

Made Trade is an online ethical marketplace offering a range of eco-friendly purses from sustainable handbag brands at an affordable price.

Made Trade’s bag offering stands out as an exceptional choice for the conscious consumer due to its vast collection of ethical bags.

Each handbag they feature is crafted with impeccable artistry and an unwavering commitment to quality; these bags exude timeless elegance and durability, making them a reliable companion for any occasion.

Made Trade feature bags from brands we’ve included, such as Nisolo and Allegorie, including other amazing eco-friendly purse brands like Purse & Clutch, Tiradia Cork (Pictured) and more.

Sustainability: Luxury microfiber vegan leather material, sweatshop-free and cruelty-free manufacturing, MWBE certified, gives back.

Price range: $$$

Luxury designer vegan handbags? Yes, please! The NY-based sustainable handbag brand Gunas, aims to accessories each of our daily looks with ethical handbags, tote bags, canvas bags, and purses. And they’re certainly not afraid of color!

Their sustainable tote bags are ideal for the office but also double as a perfect feather-light everyday bag. We love the intricate detailing and beautiful silhouettes. Some sustainable handbags are even adorned with ribbons and striking prints.

Last but not least, the conscious company teamed up with artisan and small-scale, MWBE Certified ethical manufacturers from countries such as India, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil, and Hong Kong.

Sustainability: FSC Certified cork, fully vegan, resource re-utlization, small batch production

Price: $$

Corkor is (as you may have already guessed) a brand making a range of bags and accessories from cork, which is sustainable and vegan.

All of their cork used is FSC® certified, so you know it’s being sourced in a sustainable way.

As well as using cork, they have a range of sustainable initiatives going on at Corkor which include using water re-utilization systems, making items in small batches, using non-toxic inks, and minimizing the use of polyester.

Sustainability: Ethically-sourced leather, on-demand production, eco-friendly manufacturing process, made in Europe, sustainable packaging

Price range: $$$

Handcrafted with premium quality leather certified by the Leather Working Group, Aloha’s ethical leather handbags, sandals, and heels deserve a place in your rotation.

The ethical luxury handbags line knows no limit, from trend-driven mini bags to big tote bags, straw bags, or cute pouches.

Sustainable street style connoisseurs will fall in love with the ribbed-effect leather cylinder shoulder bag, but if you prefer something a bit more subtle, have a look at the O Evergreen Bag.

What makes this sustainable handbag brand stand out? Their pre-order system allows them to anticipate demand levels before production accurately, so they only produce the number of shoes they’re going to sell, which helps to minimize waste.

Sustainability: Climate Neutral Certification, eco-friendly materials, ethical manufacturing, B-certified corporation, Leather Working Group Certified

Price Range: $$$

The raved-about B Corp, Nisolo, offers some of the best sustainable handbags out there! Their collection epitomizes timeless minimalism with beautifully-made clutches, crossbody bags, sustainable tote bags, backpacks, and wallets.

We love the muted color palettes, which can easily pair with every outfit. Their material of choice? Vegetable-tanned leather!

The conscious brand ensures that every Nisolo purchase gives a living wage to 100% of the people creating products in their factory and enables them to pursue living wages throughout the rest of their supply chain.

Sustainability: Traditional manufacturing process, organically tanned leathers, sustainable materials

Price range: $$$

The backbone of Mar Y Sol is to help families gain economic independence, whilst preserving a traditional craft and environmental conservation.

They work with families in Madagascar who use organically tanned leathers and sustainable materials to create their collection of eco-friendly handbags.

Every single bag they stock are hand-dyed and hand-woven, and they’ll only get better with age.

Sustainability: Vegan leather, made in Greece by local artisans

Price range: $$$$

Mashu is a London-based sustainable handbag brand. They design everything in-house in London, and the bags are then made in Greece by local artisans.

So, how are the bags sustainable? They’re leather, right? Wrong. Mashu’s bags are all made from completely vegan leather.

This means that as well as avoiding animal products, they reduce their use of resources such as land, water, food, and fuel. The vegan materials they use for their handbags include recycled, and bio-based materials.

Mashu’s bags look great – each has a unique, bespoke handle, and the minimalist designs inspired by Art Deco is bound to make you stand out.

Sustainability: Bio leather, USDA, PETA, and OEKO-TEX certified, responsible manufacturing,

Price Range: $$$

Ethical leather handbags made of fruits?! That’s right! Allegorie uses the finest and most sustainable USDA-certified Apple Leather, Mango Leather, and Cactus Leather to responsibly create their impressive range of wallets, tote bags, and backpacks.

In addition to being PETA vegan, the lineup also bears the OEKO-TEX certification, meaning it’s free of harmful chemical substances. This means that your new favorite ethical handbags are one-of-a-kind and stylish and help minimize food waste and pollution. How cool is that?

Also available to shop at Made Trade.

Sustainability: Sustainable materials, made in LA

Price:$$$

HFS Collective produce all of their bags locally in Los Angeles in an ethical way.

The materials their handbags are made from are all PETA-approved. According to HFS Collective, all of their materials fall under four categories: recycled, upcycled, deadstock, or low-impact.

They have a range of eco vegan leather bags, that are modern and stylish.

Sustainability: Work with small workshops in Guatemala and ensure their producers receive anywhere from 50-400% above the Fair Wage minimum. Items made with traditional techniques.

Price: $$ – $$$

The Root Collective are a sustainable handbag, shoe, and clothing brand that are definitely worth checking out.

They work with artisans in Guetamala and pay up to 400% above the Fair Wage minimum standard, and their mission is to continue to create jobs for people who need them.

Their ethically made handbags are made from high-quality leather, and often finished with unique handwoven details,

If you’re looking for a timeless handbag, you can’t go wrong the The Root Collective.

What we love: Bright, vibrant colors, unique designs, ethically made vegan purses and bags

Materials: 100% vegan and cruelty-free materials, including plant-based vegan leather Mulbtex

Price: from $60

Gunas New York has been creating animal-friendly, sustainable, fully vegan bags for over 10 years.

They use materials such as polyurethane, coated canvas, and plant-based faux leathers, as well as recycled fabrics.

Gunas has a wide variety of bags, and we’re confident you’ll find one you love. If their customer reviews are anything to go by, your bag is going to last for years.

What we love: Stylish designer vegan handbags, backpacks, and purses all 100% cruelty-free

Materials: Vegan Pinatex leather and sustainable materials, including Cork

Price: from $55

Svala creates beautiful, stylish, versatile pieces that are all animal-friendly and produced sustainably.

You can choose from a variety of luxury, vegan handbags, totes, clutch bags, wallets, and accessories.

Every item is handcrafted in LA, made from premium fabrics like Italian PU (polyurethane), Portuguese cork, and Pinatex® (made from pineapple leaf fiber).

Each bag is handcrafted in Los Angeles, made by local experts in good working conditions, and paid fairly.

If you’re not convinced, they also donate 10% of their profits to various charities and organizations, including Wild Aid, whose mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade.

What we love: Unique vegan crossbody, clutches, handbags, and backpacks created using FSC certified cork.

Materials: 100% animal-free, FSC certified cork

Price: from $70

Corkor makes purses and accessories in natural, sustainable ways. If you’re worried about ‘fake leather’, then Corkor is for you. Their cork bags are a perfect alternative to vegan or real leather and you’ll love the quality.

They have a PETA-approved vegan certification and the cork they use is FSC® certified.

Corkor vegan purses and accessories are all made using non-toxic inks and dyes, and they have water reutilization systems to minimize water waste.

Corkor’s purses are all hand made by local artisans in Portugal, and you can be sure that they’re finished to the highest quality.

What we love: Sustainably produced, customizable designer purses and bags

Materials: Vegan leather, faux suede, and recycled plastics

Price: from $40

JW PEI is a Los Angeles-based accessories brand that designs and creates beautiful vegan leather purses online.

They’re affordable, great quality, and completely-cruelty free.

Their vegan purses have been featured in places like Vogue, Elle, Refinery29, and more, and they’re a great way to make a statement.

The bags come in a variety of styles, from leather, to wicker, so there’ll be something for everyone.

What we love: Sustainable designer handbags, ethically produced, 100% Vegan PETA approved

Materials: Recycled plastics, vegan leathers, including leather made from apples

Price: from $50

LaBante has already saved over 10 million bottles from entering landfills.

They’re on a mission to prove that you can make beautiful and cruelty-free vegan purses, handbags, and more. They’re a Peta Approved brand, meaning that they never use any animal-based ingredients in their products (including in glues).

Instead, LaBante uses materials such as recycled plastic bottles, vegan leather like Luxe Polyeuthrane, microfibre, and recycled vegetable fibers.

What we love: Affordable vegan handbags that are PETA-approved and made from recycled materials

Materials: 100% vegan materials, including recycled materials and recycled fruit skins

Price: from $69

SINBONO is an independent designer creating stylish vegan handbags and accessories.

The brand crafts animal-free handbags from recycled plastic bottles and recycled fruit materials, meaning SINBONO is kind to the earth and animals.

What we love: PETA-approved luxury vegan handbags handmade ethically in Spain

Materials: Upcycled ocean plastic lining, vegan leather created from STANDARD Oeko-Tex 100 microfiber

Price: from $50

Canussa is a luxury Spanish brand creating bespoke vegan handbags from high-quality vegan leather. The brand prides itself on its timeless designs and creates its bags ethically in Spain.

The ethical accessories brand takes a responsible approach to its production practices and the materials it uses. For example, Canussa uses 100% animal-free materials, free from harmful chemicals or dyes.

What we love: Mashu will plant five trees for every purchase, carbon-neutral shipping, completely vegan vehandbags and purses

Materials: Vegan leathers Pinatex, recycled and deadstock fabrics

Price: from $200

Mashu is a vegan leather handbag and accessories brand creating stylish vegan bags from vegan leathers, recycled, and deadstock materials. Every order is shipped carbon neutral, and they offer worldwide shipping.

Their designs are unique and quirky, designed in London and hand-crafted in Greece.

Mashu is an ideal brand if you’re looking for an on-trend, contemporary, completely vegan handbag or purse.

What we love: PETA approved, vegan leather handbags and purses

Materials: PU-based vegan leather and organic cotton

Price: from $360

Melina Bucher is obsessed with two things: handbags, and animals. That’s why this luxury purse brand uses completely vegan materials, from glues, to waxes, to dyes, earning them a PETA-approved vegan certification.

The bags are exquisitely designed, and combine form and function so you can use your bag everyday without compromising on practicality.

The bags are made from PU-based vegan leather that’s water and stain resistant, and use GOTS Certified Organic cotton for the interios. You can choose from different sizes, ranging from a small clutch, to a larger shopper-style bag for days when you know you’ll need the extra space.

Melina Bucher is based in Germany, and ship all around the world. If you’re looking for a luxury vegan handbag, look no further!

What we love: Designer brand creating luxury vegan handbags and purses, donating to animal charities worldwide.

Materials: Luxury vegan faux leathers including recycled plastics

Price: from $500+

Stella McCartney is one of the OG vegan purse brands.

The high-end sustainable fashion brand is completely vegan. Their designer vegan bags are a great option for anyone looking for cruelty-free fashion.

As you might imagine, their range of vegan bags is highly fashionable and always look great, and made to last.

Whether you’re looking for a crossbody bag, shoulder bag, or a tote bag, Stella McCartney has you covered.

The only downside is the price tag. Regardless, we love the commitment to vegan fashion that Stella McCartney has shown for years.

What we love: Handwoven ethically produced basket bags from local artisans

Materials: Natural renewable materials including local Palma nana straw

Price: from $300

Muzungu Sisters make unique, vibrant, and beautiful bags.

The bags are all handmade in a sustainable and natural way, and they aim to reduce the impact the production has on the environment as much as possible.

The bags are handwoven in fully-certified ethical facilities, and they work, with local artisans who work from home to sustain their families and life. All of the bags are hand-embroidered too, as they aim to uphold the traditional means of production.

For example, the basket in the picture above (Sicilian Basket I Black) is handmade in Sicily, and then embroidered on the east coast of Italy by one of the last remaining producers that know the traditional methods. It takes three days to make a single basket, but as you can see, the attention to detail and authenticity is second to none.

What we love: High-quality vegan bags and purses, a wide variety of styles to choose

Materials: Cruelty-free, Biodegradable and recycled materials

Price: from $30

Matt & Nat are a vegan brand from Montreal that we love.

We’ve talked about them multiple times, including in our post on vegan shoe brands.

Their bags live up to the standard they set for themselves.

If you’re wondering what their vegan bags are made of, well, it could be a range of things.

Matt & Nat use a variety of fabrics such as recycled nylons, rubber and cork, and recycled plastic bottles to create durable faux leather.

If you’re looking for a vegan bag that’s the perfect blend of stylish and affordable, we highly recommend them.

What we love: Sustainably and ethically produced using recycled materials

Materials: Wood and shell

Price: from $200

If you’re looking for the ideal summer bag, Kayu could be for you. Their bags are made from natural straw that comes from sustainable sources, including seagrass.

Unlike mass-produced ‘straw’ bags (which are often made of plastic), Kayu’s bags will eventually biodegrade and go back into the natural ecosystem.

They also use wood and shell in their bags.

For the wood, they only use wood that’s left as a by-product of the furniture industry, helping eliminate waste and give those materials a new life.

Many of their bags are finished with shell, and the pearls and shells they use are often by-products of the food industry, again, eliminating unnecessary waste.

The bags are slow-made, often taking days for each bag to be handcrafted. Artisans in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia create Kayu bags using traditional methods and are all paid a living wage.

What we love: Affordable vegan purses made sustainably in the UK

Materials: Recycled textiles, cork, and organic cotton

Price: from $50

Wilby Clutch is a UK-based sustainable brand that has been vegan since Day 1, back in 2013 when Wilby was founded.

All of their bags are approved by PETA, and they use materials such as organic cotton, recycled textiles, and cork instead of animal leather.

They make a range of relatively affordable vegan purses, clutches, and handbags, and they ship worldwide. Definitely worth checking out!

Materials: Renewable natural materials, including Palma nana straw

Best for: Ethically made straw bags and summer totes

If you’re looking for a bespoke, ethically handmade beach bag, check out Muzungu Sisters.

Muzungu sisters is an ethical fashion brand creating beautifully handmade beach bags from natural materials.

Each unique bag is ethically handwoven by independent ateliers in fully certified ethical production facilities exceeding ILO (International Labour Organisation) standards.

Materials: Natural materials including straw and vegetable-tanned leather handcrafted by artisans paid a living wage

Best for: Sustainable straw baskets and bags

Kayu is an ethical brand creating sustainable luxury baskets and beach bags made from high-quality natural materials.

Kayu’s bags are handmade by women cooperatives in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, using traditional indigenous techniques passed down through the generations.

Also available to shop at Vestiaire.com.

Materials: Sustainable tote bags from recycled plastic bottles

Best for: Sustainable summer totes, Machine washable bag

Rothy’s lightweight summer tote is the perfect sustainable beach bag, thanks to its lightweight construction and roomy interior, which has plenty of space for your beach essentials.

Rothy’s sustainable summer tote is machine washable, meaning you can easily wash any sand that might get into your bag.

Rothy’s lightweight tote is created from ocean-bound marine plastics and comes in eleven sizzling summer colors.

Materials: 100% handwoven sisal and seagrass totes and straw baskets featuring raffia pom poms

Best for: Colorful straw bags

Mar Y Sol creates sustainable beach bags from natural raw materials. Each piece is woven and hand-sewn in Madagascar using natural and sustainable materials, including locally sourced raffia, sisal, and seagrass.

The brand uses azo-free dyes to achieve vibrant colors and natural materials to create its playful bag accessories.

Materials: Handcrafted natural straw baskets and beach bags

Best for: Sustainable beach bags, ethical baskets

Urbankissed is an online curated marketplace offering a fantastic selection of ethical and sustainable beach bags.

Each sustainable brand featured on Urbankissed is assessed through the brands “Slow & Ethical” Index, which includes 15 values along the supply chain, so you know only genuinely ethical and sustainable brands make the cut.

Urbankissed offers carbon-neutral shipping on all orders at no additional cost; that’s what we like to see.

Materials: Locally harvested plant-based materials, including jute, vegan, recycled, organic, and other eco-friendly materials

Best for: Chic sustainable beach bags

Californian brand BrunnaCo is a woman-owned brand representing and respecting local artisans in Bali.

Founded by Helga Ida Ayu, originally from Indonesia, BrunnaCo celebrates her heritage and supports female artisans to work from home.

BrunnaCos sustainable bags are created in small batches using locally sourced plant-based materials, making each beach bag unique and collectible.

Available to shop at Wolfandbadger.com

Also available at Urbankissed.com

Materials: Natural materials, including sun-baked palm leaves

Best for: Vibrant bright ethical beach bags

London-based brand Washein has roots deep in Colombian heritage. Founded in 2017 by Colombian-born Claudia, Washein is on a mission to create beautiful artisan-made products which positively impact the maker and the buyer.

Each bespoke and sustainable beach bag is handwoven by the community in La Guajira in Colombia, using natural materials such as sun-baked palm leaves.

Available to also shop on Urbankissed

Sustainability: Recycled packaging, Bluesign Certified supply chain, and transparency into every step of the production process, Climate Neutral Certified partner.

Size options: 20L to 40L

Best for: Backpackers and one-bag travel

Pricing: $49 to $249

Tropicfeel are a cult travel brand who have launched several wildly successful Kickstarter campaigns for their range of travel products. Their most recent product range is travel backpacks.

They offer smaller and larger packs, with a focus on versatility. Their Shell Backpack system comes with multiple packing cubes, and even an expandable wardrobe insert that you can use to pack all of your clothes. It’s ideal for backpackers or anyone looking to travel using a single bag.

The backpack can expand from a 22L day pack into a larger 40L pack when you take advantage of the extendable pockets.

We’ve tested the Shell Backpack and can thoroughly recommend it from a size and quality perspective.

They also offer a smaller, waterproof backpacks, which are ideal for a day trip or shorter adventure.

The brand only works with bluesign certified suppliers, incorporates recycled materials like recycled spandex, and regenerated nylon. As well as that, they’ve partnered with Climate Neutral to offset all of their carbon emissions.

Sustainability: Donate 1% of profits to nature conversation projects, Certified B Corp, support climate action groups, use a variety of innovative sustainable materials

Size options: 18L to 55L

Best for: Durable day packs and technical backpacks

Pricing: $79 to $179

Patagonia doesn’t need much introducing. If you’re looking for a sustainable bag that’s durable, robust, and looks good, it’s hard to go wrong with Patagonia backpacks.

The brand offers a range of eco-friendly packs ideal for a short day out or with enough room for a longer trip away.

The bags use materials like 100% recycled polyester, 100% recycled nylon, all of which come from bluesign certified factories.

Their rucksacks always have multiple pockets, often including a laptop slot, and outside pockets to easily access your essentials.

Sustainability: Seahive partner, fabric from recycled single-use plastics, Climate Neutral certified

Size options: 30L

Best for: Minimalist travel backpacks

Pricing: $295

Pakt make high-quality backpacks that are perfect if you’re looking for a large and versatile travel backpack but with a minimalist, modern look.

Pakt is working to eliminate single use plastic from their supply chain, and have partnered with Seahive, an organization helping companies replace plastic packaging with sustainable alternatives.

The backpacks and duffels come with a lifetime guarantee, so no need to worry if something goes wrong.

The classic Pakt Travel Backpack is 30L, giving you enough room to pack most of your essentials. There’s a range of compartments both internally and externally, and the outer material is waterproof, made from rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate). The backpacks are carry-on approved, so no need to worry about having to check them into the hold when you fly.

Sustainability: Recycled nylon, recycled plastic, and natural rubber. Trees planet in the Amazon through every purchase. B Corp Certified.

Size options: 25L

Best for: Storing your laptop

Pricing: $85

Meet the Javy Ju “JJ” backpack, the latest offering from sustainable sneakers brand Cariuma. The brand has its roots in Brazil, and Javy Ju represents the word for Good Day in Tupi-Guarani, the Indigenous Brazilian language.

The JJ rucksack is made entirely from recycled and natural materials, including a recycled nylon outer, which reduced GHG emissions by 92% compared to virgin nylon.

The JJ recycled backpack features a laptop sleeve to fit any laptop between 13-17”, a reusable water bottle sleeve, and a supportive chest strap.

Currently, the JJ comes in three cool colors. Plus, Cariuma will plant one tree for every backpack sold as part of its reforestation initiative.

Read our full guide to Cariuma’s sustainability here.

Sustainability: Sustainable leather sourcing, use recycled plastics, recycled packaging, lifetime repairs to keep products out of landfill

Size options: 10L – 34L

Best for: Everyday city backpack

Pricing: $195 – $745

Troubadour makes stylish backpacks and rucksacks for men and women. These packs are minimalist, and stylish.

Despite the focus on aesthetics, there’s no compromise when it comes to performance. Troubadour’s backpacks use vegetable-tanned waterproof leathers, have robust and concealed zips, and incorporate multiple compartments for laptops, water bottles, books, and electronics.

The leather used is a byproduct of the farming industry, and other fabrics, including vegan leather, are made from recycled plastics.

There’s a variety of size options, and if you’re looking for a luxury but sustainable backpack that will last years, it’s hard to go wrong with Troubadour.

Sustainability: B Corp, meal donating program, GOTS Certified organic cotton, Fair Trade certified production, carbon offset initiative

Size options: 8.5L to 15L

Best for: School and everyday usage

Pricing: $55 – $65

Terra Thread keeps things simple: two sizes of backpack in a range of vibrant colors designed for school, work, and everyday use.

The brand was started by a father-daughter duo, and today, Terra Thread is a Certified B Corp (under the parent company name, Gallant International), partners with Feeding America to help provide meals for people in need, and uses a range of sustainable materials.

We’ve tested the brand here, and love the quality of their bags.

The cotton these backpacks are made from is organic and GOTS certified, and completely carbon neutral as Terra Thread offset all emissions created.

The bags are Fairtrade Certified and vegan.

Overall, these bags are a perfect option if you’re looking for a durable, classic backpack that has a positive impact on the planet.

Sustainability: 100% vegan, sustainable and recycled materials, lifetime guarantee, ethical supply chain, Certified B Corp

Size options: 9L to 25L

Best for: Running errands or as a small cabin bag

Pricing: $78 to $98

United By Blue is a Certified B Corporation creating a wide range of apparel and bags, including a range of rucksacks, in GOTS-Certified factories.

The brand also removes one pound of ocean and waterway trash for every product purchased, which is an excellent initiative.

Their backpacks are made with almost all recycled materials, incorporating recycled plastic bottles and recycled nylon. There’s a range of extra straps for optimal support, and more than enough room inside the backpacks for all of your essentials, like a laptop or water bottle.

We also love that the bags come with a lifetime guarantee to avoid you needing to throw an old bag out when it could be fixed and re-used by you, or someone else in need.

Finally, it’s great to see that United By Blue recognize the importance of avoiding greenwashing, and they do this by publishing a detailed Impact Report every year.

Sustainability: Over 50% usage of eco-friendly materials, including recycled polyester fabric, organic cotton canvas. All leather is from a gold-rated status tannery.

Size options: 10.8L to 35.5L

Best for: Sustainable luxury backpacks

Pricing: $238 to $658

Lo & Sons is an Asian-American owned family business that was founded after Helen Lo couldn’t find any sustainable travel bags. She convinced her two sons to help her on the journey, and the rest is history.

They create a range of men’s and women’s sustainable backpacks in a variety of sizes, from 10.8 Liters to larger, but still compact 35.5 Liters. In terms of colors, you can choose from a range of bold but simple options that all look great.

Each one has a sleek, minimalist look, but doesn’t compromise on functionality. Most of the bags include a padded laptop sleeve, a range of small and large pockets, and most are waterproof.

They offer backpacks made from a variety of materials, including leather.

They’re on the more expensive side when it comes to pricing, but, the quality is second to none.

Sustainability: B Corp Certified, award grants to nonprofits through the Cotopaxi Foundation, use leftover materials, strict supplier code of conducts

Size options: 12L to 42L

Best for: Bright vibrant colors and unique designs

Pricing: $75 to $200

Cotopaxi is a sustainable brand making vibrant, unique, and durable packbacks from eco friendly materials.

What makes them eco friendly? Well, Cotopaxi take leftover fabric from other companies’ production runs. Then, they turn them into one-of-a-kind, high-performance backpacks.

You can choose from small day packs to larger, 42L backpacks that will hold enough for a longer campaign trip or weekend away.

Cotopaxi is a Certified B Corp, and is fully transparent about which factories they use, even sharing the code of conduct they use to vet their factory partners so you can see if it aligns with your values for an ethical brand.

Sustainability: Ban on harmful chemicals, recycled and sustainable materials

Size options: 1.5L – 100L

Best for: Everyday backpacks for college or errands

Pricing: $30 – $425

Fjällräven are well-known for their Kanken backpack, but did you know their backpacks are eco-friendly?

The brand has a strict ban on harmful chemicals, and stick to using materials like recycled wool, TENCEL, organic hemp, and recycled polyester.

Fjällräven is also a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition as well as being part of the Fair Labor Association. They also have a goal to be completely carbon neutral by 2025.

You’ll probably already recognize their iconic Kånken, which they’ve been improving since 1978, but they also offer a range of other smaller and larger backpacks for trekking, mountaineering, and general day-to-day use, ranging from 1.5 Liter hip bags to 100 Liter mountaineering backpacks.

Sustainability: Recycled backpacks from upcycled cement and feed bags

Size options: One size

Best for: Running errands, day trips, and standing out in a crowd

Pricing: $48 – $60

TORRAIN’s bags are made from upcycled feed, rice, malt, and cement bags that would otherwise be thrown to landfill. But, unlike other brands, TORRAIN’s designs don’t shy away from the origin of the materials. They lean into them, sticking with the original designs, cutting them into highly unique, standout bags.

The bags are assembled by Cambodian artisans, with a small selection being made in Portland.

For every purchase, $1 is donated to supporting sustainable initiatives and communities worldwide.

They stock a range of backpacks and sling bags (as well as wallets), which all have interior and exterior pockets to keep your valuables safe on the go.

We’re a big fan of both the concept behind the brand, and the designs.

Sustainability: Materials from eco-friendly sources including GOTS organic cotton and hemp. 20 Trees Planted for every product purchased+ 420 CO2e offset.

Size options: mini, medium 13-15L and large 18-23L

Best for: Crisp autumn hikes in the countryside, and/or communting

Pricing: $105-$272

Bearmade hand-makes its robust eco-friendly, waterproof canvas backpacks in the UK from environmentally conscious materials such as GOTS organic cotton and hemp.

Their Gouthwaite backpack is perfect for taking on countryside strolls or commuting to the office.

To keep your gear safe and secure, this pack features a cool Cobra buckle – which is one of the strongest in the world.

Bearmade’s bags are built to last, and a lifetime guarantee covers each product.

Svala’s is a vegan brand with a stylish selection of cork handbags.

Each bag is handcrafted in Los Angeles from natural biodegradable cork (speckled with gold for a high-end finish).

The inner lining is made from a blend of recycled plastic bottls and organic cotton.

Svala is a great brand to support — they’ve won awards for their use of innovative, premium, and vegan fabrics, and we’re confident you’ll love their bags.

tentree’s Cross Body Bag is a great option. It’s versatile and can be worn as a clutch, or as a cross-bod.

It’s compact enough to be an everyday bag, but spacious enough to fit all of your essentials.

tentree plant 10 trees for every purchase, and to-date, they’ve planted almost 60 million trees. They work with nonprofits and organizations to provide employment and opportunities for local communities where they plant trees.

The brand is also a Certified B Corp, so you know they’re accountable and transparent.

Corker’s cork bag is PETA-approved, and the classic rustic design will go with almost any style of clothing.

Thanks to three roomy interior pockets you will have plenty of space for everything you need on a day-to-day basis.

The bag closes with a zip at the top and has an adjustable strap for comfort.

If you like the design of this cork handbag but aren’t into the color, that’s okay. It come in 4 different color schemes including a lighter and darker version than the one shown in the picture above.

Rutz is a Portugese brand making a range of products all from Peta-approved vegan cork.

The cork is sourced directly from sustainable Portuguese suppliers.

They have a selection of bag styles, but we like this cross-body option that has enough room for your phone, keys, and everyday accessories.

Tiradia Cork’s bags are made in Aveiro, Portugal, from natural Portuguese cork.

The brand uses natural vegetable dyes to create bags in various colors, including natural cork, black, green, and orange.

These bags are high-end totes that you can use when you’re out for lunch, or running to the grocery store.

Tiradia Cork is PETA-approved vegan, and the bags are hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, biodegradable, and waterproof.