10 Best Bags Brands for the Environment That No One Talks About

Written by The Greatest Good

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What is the most sustainable bag brand?

If you’ve been asking yourself this question, then you’ve come to the right place. At The Greatest Good, we’re dedicated to sharing with you the best in sustainable and ethically made products. This roundup of handbag brands is no exception!

We know that sustainable bags are more than just accessories. They are powerful statements of our identity. It’s about your sense of style and your sense of responsibility towards the planet and future generations.

And if you’re still under the impression that you have to sacrifice style for sustainability, then you’re in for a surprise! Today’s eco-conscious brands are pushing the boundaries of responsible business with innovative materials (like cork, pinatex and mushroom leather) that are as gorgeous as they are good for the planet. With a wide range of timeless classics and trendy statement pieces, you’re sure to find the perfect bag.

So what are you waiting for? Check out these eco-conscious bag brands!

SHOP ALL BAGS

 

Nisolo

Ethically made in Peru, Mexico & Kenya

Made with Responsibly Sourced Materials

Radically Transparent Supply Chain

Nisolo makes responsible footwear, bags and accessories for women and men. 95% of their leather uppers originate from Leather Working Group Certified tanneries. At their solar powered factory in Peru, all employees are paid independently-verified living wages and have access to in-house financial literacy training. Nisolo also works with an ethical factory in Leon, Mexico, and independent artisans in Kenya. They maintain 0% net carbon emissions by measuring, reducing and offsetting 100% of their carbon emissions from the start of their supply chain all the way to product shipment. Their Shoe Reclamation Program incentivizes customers to participate in upcycling and recycling. It's no wonder Nisolo is a Certified B Corporation.

Brand Certifications:

B Corporation
Climate Neutral Certified
Leather Working Group
See AllB Corporation
Climate Neutral Certified
Leather Working Group

Positive Impact:

Supports Small Artisans
Promotes Fair Trade
Promotes a Circular Economy
See AllSupports Small Artisans
Promotes Fair Trade
Promotes a Circular Economy
Fights Climate Change
Pays Fair Wages
Fights Poverty
Promotes Slow Fashion
Promotes Sustainability

 

Elvis & Kresse

EcoLuxury Made Ethically

Made with 100% Upcycled Materials

Handcrafted & One of a Kind

Elvis & Kresse rescues raw materials, transforms them into luxury lifestyle accessories and donates 50% of profits back to charities. Their first goal was to save London's decommissioned fire-hose from landfill. This was just the beginning. Now they rescue parachute silk, printing blankets, coffee sacks, shoeboxes, tea sacks and auction banners. They also partner with the Burberry Foundation to tackle the even greater global problem of leather waste. All Elvis & Kresse products are handmade and unique.

Brand Certifications:

B Corporation

Positive Impact:

Supports Small Artisans
Promotes Fair Trade
Promotes a Circular Economy
See AllSupports Small Artisans
Promotes Fair Trade
Promotes a Circular Economy
Pays Fair Wages
Promotes Slow Fashion
Promotes Sustainability
Prioritizes Zero Waste

 

Hyer Goods

100% Upcycled Materials

Ethically Made in India

Employs Women Artisans

Hyer Goods is a woman-owned brand that tackles the fashion waste problem by transforming fashion industry leftovers into beautiful, affordable bags and accessories. Their commitment to sustainability is all about keeping material in circulation, using less energy, creating less pollution and reducing greenhouse gases. And in other good news, all of their pieces are handmade in a SEDEX-compliant, female-owned factory in India.

Positive Impact:

Supports Small Artisans
Promotes Fair Trade
Promotes a Circular Economy
See AllSupports Small Artisans
Promotes Fair Trade
Promotes a Circular Economy
Pays Fair Wages
Promotes Slow Fashion
Promotes Sustainability
Promotes Women & Equality
Prioritizes Zero Waste

 

GUNAS New York

EcoLuxury Made Ethically

Vegan & Cruelty Free

Promotes Fair Wages & Ethical Employment

GUNAS New York is a high fashion label with a cause! Designer and animal lover Sugandh G. Agrawal quit her corporate career to start her own brand of cruelty-free fashion. Her mission is strong and clear. Animals are not meant to be a part of fashion. We can look and feel good without harming other living beings. GUNAS works with artists and small scale, ethical manufacturers in India, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil and Hong Kong.

Brand Certifications:

PETA Approved Vegan

Positive Impact:

Promotes Fair Trade
Pays Fair Wages
Promotes Slow Fashion
See AllPromotes Fair Trade
Pays Fair Wages
Promotes Slow Fashion
Supports a Vegan Lifestyle
Promotes Women & Equality
Promotes a Plant Based Lifestyle

 

Deux Mains

Made with Sustainable & Responsibly Sourced Materials

Ethically Made in Haiti

Made in a Solar Powered Factory

Deux Mains honors the ancestral wisdom, talent and perseverance of Haiti's people. When a catastrophic earthquake decimated the country in 2010, Deux Mains founder Julie Colombino-Billingham saw the need for dignified employment. That was the catalyst. Bags, shoes and accessories are made using traditional craft methods in a solar-powered, women-owned factory. Materials are upcycled, sustainable and responsibly-sourced. Deux Mains ensures safe working conditions. A liveable wage. Health insurance. Access to education.

Positive Impact:

Supports Small Artisans
Promotes Fair Trade
Promotes a Circular Economy
See AllSupports Small Artisans
Promotes Fair Trade
Promotes a Circular Economy
Fights Climate Change
Pays Fair Wages
Fights Poverty
Promotes Slow Fashion
Promotes Sustainability
Promotes Women & Equality
Prioritizes Zero Waste

 

LaBante London

EcoLuxury Made Ethically

100% Vegan & Cruelty Free

Promotes Fair Wages & Ethical Employment

LaBante London is a luxury vegan handbag brand founded by Vanita Badlani Bagri. In her personal life and in business, Vanita is fully committed to living cruelty-free and with respect and love for animals and the planet. LaBante's pieces are made from recycled plastic bottles, vegetable-based polyurethane and apple leather. They never use PVC, which is non-degradable and more toxic. They donate 10% of profits to organizations like PETA and animal rescues and shelters.

Brand Certifications:

PETA Approved Vegan

Positive Impact:

Promotes Fair Trade
Pays Fair Wages
Promotes Slow Fashion
See AllPromotes Fair Trade
Pays Fair Wages
Promotes Slow Fashion
Supports a Vegan Lifestyle

 

FEED Projects

Fights Childhood Hunger

Made with Sustainable Materials

Made with Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly Dyes

FEED exists to end childhood hunger. The social impact brand was founded by former UN Student Ambassador Lauren Bush Lauren. Every FEED purchase supports the UN's World Food Programme. Their on-the-ground partners alleviate hunger and chronic malnutrition through school feeding programs. These meals are more than just calories; they're a chance at a better future. FEED makes deliberate material choices to reduce their impact on the planet, including certified organic cotton, semi-vegetable-tanned leather, recycled PET and natural dyes.

Brand Certifications:

B Corporation

Positive Impact:

Promotes Fair Trade
Pays Fair Wages
Fights Poverty
See AllPromotes Fair Trade
Pays Fair Wages
Fights Poverty
Promotes Slow Fashion
Promotes Sustainability
Promotes Women & Equality

 

Kokolu

Made with Sustainable Materials

Global Recycled Standard Certified Supply Chain

Sustainably & Ethically Made in China

Kokolu makes bags, shoes and accessories from recycled, plant based and natural materials including corn stalk, corn starch, sugar cane, coffee grounds, beech tree, natural rubber, recycled rubber and plastic bottles. At their manufacturing facility in China, they unite 3D knitting technology, carbon reducing processes and responsible dying techniques to make all of their sustainable products.

Brand Certifications:

B Corporation
Global Recycled Standard

Positive Impact:

Promotes Fair Trade
Fights Climate Change
Pays Fair Wages
See AllPromotes Fair Trade
Fights Climate Change
Pays Fair Wages
Promotes Slow Fashion
Promotes Sustainability

 

Svala

Vegan & Ethically Made Luxury

Made with Sustainable Materials

Handcrafted by Artisans in Los Angeles

Svala makes luxury, vegan handbags and accessories. They only use innovative, PVC-free fabrics such as Italian vegan leather. Pinatex made from pineapple leaf fiber. Cork from Portugal. Lining is made with organic cotton or recycled polyester from plastic bottles. Every Svala bag has been handcrafted by artisans. Made in a downtown Los Angeles factory. Workers are paid fair wages. Svala donates 10% of profits to organizations like Wild Aid who works to end illegal wildlife trade. They also offest carbon emissions and partner with Ecologi to plant one tree for every order.

Positive Impact:

Supports Small Artisans
Promotes Fair Trade
Fights Climate Change
See AllSupports Small Artisans
Promotes Fair Trade
Fights Climate Change
Pays Fair Wages
Promotes Slow Fashion
Promotes Sustainability
Supports a Vegan Lifestyle
Promotes a Plant Based Lifestyle

 

Sapahn

Ethically Made in Thailand

Woman-Owned

Provides Jobs & Economic Opportunity for Women

Sapahn is a women-owned brand that puts human rights first. They work with over 300 artisans in rural villages in Thailand. Artisan producers set their own wages for their creations. They're always paid in full once their goods have been created whether any are sold or not. And they are paid 50% of the total order when they begin production. Sapahn knows that traditional gender roles create challenges for women who want to earn a wage. That's why they work with lead artisans to make accommodations such as flexible work hours, at-home looms and excusable absences.

Brand Certifications:

B Corporation

Positive Impact:

Supports Small Artisans
Promotes Fair Trade
Pays Fair Wages
See AllSupports Small Artisans
Promotes Fair Trade
Pays Fair Wages
Fights Poverty
Promotes Slow Fashion
Promotes Women & Equality

The bag brands on this list are living proof that looking good and feeling good about your shopping choices can go hand-in-hand. No more guilty pangs and no more sacrifices. It’s time to reach for your favorite sustainable bag and leave the fast fashion brands behind. Get ready to elevate your everyday look with a truly sustainable bag!

SHOP TRULY SUSTAINABLE BACKPACKS, TOTES, CROSSBODIES AND CLUTCHES RIGHT THIS SECOND!

SHOP ALL BAGS

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