All products are designed by the QWSTION team in Zurich, Switzerland. Production of the bags takes place in Switzerland, the Czech Republic and China. The (raw) materials used come from the Philippines, Taiwan and China.
QWSTION values the fact that their collection is produced in good working conditions. Therefore, the brand regularly visits their manufacturers and carefully selects their production partners. QWSTION therefore has an established and long-term partnership with their manufacturers.
On top of that, every producer is audited by BSCI (Business and Social Compliance Initiative). This is a European Union initiative with the aim of integrating European production standards in non-European countries. QWSTION only works with manufacturers who meet these standards.
QWSTION uses different materials in their collection. An increasing part of the collection is made of Bananatex. This is an innovative material made from the trunk of a type of banana tree.
The trees grow in mixed forests to support local biodiversity. The side stalks are felled and then peeled and dried. This is used to make a paper-like material that is then cut up to be processed into yarns and textiles.
Bananatex is a sustainable material because it is all-natural and easy to recycle. The banana tree requires no irrigation water or pesticides, and no harmful chemicals are used in the production process either. The material was therefore awarded the cradle-to-cradle gold certificate as proof of its circularity.
In addition, QWSTION also makes backpacks from organic cotton. Unfortunately, the brand has no certificates proving that it is really organic cotton. QWSTION also uses recycled cotton as lining inside the bags.
To make the bags and backpacks resistant to rain, QWSTION chooses an ecological PU coating. This is a PFAS-free protective coating that makes your bag waterproof. The Bananatex is treated with a beeswax on top so that your belongings are protected in all kinds of weather.
As mentioned earlier, Bananatex is circular. Organic cotton is also a natural material, so both materials are biodegradable. This is a step in the right direction, but still QWSTION’s backpacks are not completely circular.
Synthetic elements are also incorporated to provide strength to the bag, for example in the straps and zipper. The stitching thread also needs to be strong for durability, which is why a synthetic material is chosen.
QWSTION unfortunately does not have a short supply chain. Materials are sourced from the Philippines, China and Taiwan. Manufacturing, on the other hand, takes place in Switzerland, the Czech Republic and China. So your purchase unfortunately travels a long distance to get to you.
Besides the vegan collection, there are also some backpacks and bags that have leather elements applied to them to improve the bag’s strength. QWSTION always uses vegetal-tanned leather that is a co-product of the meat industry. This way, the brand avoids having animals die for the leather alone. Vegetal-tanned leather is also a sustainable choice because there are no harmful chemicals involved. This ensures that it is also biodegradable after use. Moreover, it is a high-quality and durable material.
QWSTION is committed to making their products last longer. They do this both in materials and design. They always opt for durable materials of good quality. They combine this with a minimalist style and versatile designs.
Moreover, the Swiss design team tests the bags extensively before producing them. This way, the brand is sure that the bags can withstand intense, daily use. QWSTION’s backpacks and handbags are therefore versatile in their practical applications.
QWSTION scores well in terms of transparency. They not only name the production countries, but also where the materials come from. They also use clear labelling in the bags themselves, so you get all the information about your purchase.
Zusammenfassung
Looking for a backpack that is both practical and sustainable? You’ll find it at QWSTION! The Swiss brand uses banana trees, among other things, to make their sustainable bags. Find out where you can buy the bags on the map below:
