30 September 2024
Discover Amsterdam’s top webshops for more sustainable shopping.
- COSH! Member Publicity
- Lifestyle
- Accessories
Summer is definitely over and it’s time to get back into the swing of things. Whatever that looks like for you, you most probably need a good backpack! Do you cycle every morning, come rain or shine? Do you enjoy long hikes? Do you carry your computer everywhere with you? Read on for our selection of stylish, more sustainable backpacks available in COSH!-member stores.
Made in Europe
Buying products that are made in Europe has a lot of adventages. It ensures shorter supply chains and less carbon emissions and it also means manufacturers should be complying with EU law with regards to chemical usage etc.
Lies Mertens
The leather backpacks by Lies Mertens are more than just stunning accessories; they provide all the storage features you desire. Take the William backpack, which boasts two padded compartments for your laptop, along with additional pockets perfectly sized for essentials like glasses, chargers, or keys. And its versatility doesn’t end there. Tuck away the shoulder straps, and voilà, it transforms into a sleek briefcase. Or utilise the back strap to securely attach it to your travel suitcase. With its minimalist design, this backpack radiates both professionalism and elegance, effortlessly completing every look.
If this versatile backpack sounds like your dream come true, grab your Lies Mertens piece at their brand flagship store in Antwerp or shop online.
Sofie Darche
Craftsmanship, sustainability and transparency are at the heart of the Belgian bag brand Sofie Darche. The leather handbags are all handmade in Belgium and Romania. Their timeless designs, available in 2 minimalistic colours, promising wear for years to come. Within the Irène backpack, there’s a dedicated laptop compartment, an extra pocket, a key ring and slots for three pens.
Buy a sophisticated, handmade backpack from Sofie Darche in her store/atelier in Antwerp, online, or rent one from Dressr.
Urban Bozz | Betty Bozz
At Urban Bozz | Betty Bozz in Breda you’ll find various brands with vintage-inspired, leather backpacks that are made in Europe. Including the bag brand KrukGarage, where the leather bags are made in a fairer way in Ukraine. In addition to leather, they also use a lot of recycled materials, including old woollen and water-repellent army jackets that they process into the backpacks. Looking for more backpacks with a vintage, leather look? Take a look at the extensive collection in the store of Urban Bozz | Betty Bozz!
-
Reduce waste, buy recycled!
The fashion industry is responsible for a huge amount of waste every year. Fight the waste by buying a backpack made from recycled materials.
Freitag
Ever wondered what happens to old truck tarpaulins? Well, mystery solved! Freitag takes them and transforms them into amazing bags of all shapes and sizes. The tarpaulins are combined with recycled plastic bottles to create a yarn that is water-resistant, durable and relatively soft. These bags are truly unique and more sustainable down to the way they’re dyed. Freitag uses the spinneret technique that consumes less water, chemicals and energy than traditional dyeing techniques. Buy your unique Freitag bag at the Freitag store in Rotterdam.
Meyburg
Berlin-based brand Meyburg masterfully repurposes worn leather armchairs and sofas into timeless bags and backpacks. In Rut Meyburg’s atelier, forgotten stories find rebirth. Each piece bears a unique history, etched into its patina and traces. Handcrafted in Berlin-Schöneberg, these treasures take shape as couch bags, backpacks, clutches, and more. From pattern-making to sewing and riveting, every step contributes to their individuality. Find these extraordinary companions, customisable and cherished, beckon those who seek something truly remarkable. A range of models and colours of backpacks are available, from minimalist to more elaborate. Marvel at this brand’s quality upcycled backpacks at the Meyburg store in Berlin or shop online.
Pinqponq
Still one of our top picks for backpack brands is pinqponq! This German company produces vegan, more sustainable, more honest and uber-functional backpacks from recycled PET bottles. Their water-resistant designs ensure you have a dedicated spot for all your belongings in one of its many compartments. The backpacks have a simple and functional aesthetic, available in a range of colours. Find your pinqponq backpack at Wesen Berlin. And once you’ve made your choice, the website tells you the number of recycled bottles went into making your new bag.
-
No animals were harmed in the making of this bag
Looking for a vegan, animal friendly backpack? Whether it’s for ethical or environmental reasons, check out the brands below for some cool vegan bags that don’t compromise on style.
Matt & Nat
Searching high and low for that perfect vegan backpack? Matt & Nat is the answer! These cruelty-free bags are made from vegan leather and since 2007, their nylon linings are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. They have different designs in various designs, from stylish and classic to cool, minimalist and/or practical.
Discover the Matt & Nat 100% recycled backpacks at various locations across Belgium and the Netherlands. Whether you’re in Leuven at Harvest Club, Hasselt at My Melonade or Paplou, or in Amsterdam at Het Faire Oosten, VEGA-LIFE or BrandMission.
Nordlicht
Bij het Duitse merk Nordlicht vind je rugtassen gemaakt van, jawel, papier! Deze vegan rugzakken zijn diervriendelijker verklaard met hun PETA-vegan certificaat en het kraftpapier materiaal is FSC-gecertificeerd, dat wil zeggen dat het afkomstig is uit duurzamere bosbouw. Het praktische ontwerp maakt de rugzak licht, comfortabel en ruim zodat je al je spullen gerust bij je kunt dragen. Bang dat je rugzak scheurt? Geen zorgen, doordat het papieren materiaal gebonden is met latex, kan hij wel tegen een stootje. Toch liever een stoffen exemplaar? Dan vind je bij Nordlicht ook mooie katoenen rugzakken, let op: deze hebben soms wel leren details.
-
More ethically-made
The clothing and textile industry has a history of poor human rights throughout supply chains, but these brands are changing the status quo and supporting fairer and safer working conditions for all their workers.
Sandqvist
Need to carry your laptop everywhere but not ready to compromise on style? Swedish brand Sandqvist’s range of more sustainable backpacks are high on our list this season. Not only do they look cool but they’re also perfect to safely carry all of your belongings with a laptop compartment and big pockets. Their canvas bags are made from 100% organic cotton. Their other range of waterproof bags are made from 40% recycled polyester. We appreciate how transparent they are (you can find a list of every single factory involved in their supply chain on their website) and applaud their commitment to fairer working conditions showcased by their membership of the Fair Wear Foundation and external audits they regularly commission.
Do a good thing for the planet and shop your new Sandqvist bag at Moose in the City in Antwerp or Harvest Club in Leuven.
-
Rain on me…. but not on my things!
In a rainy climate like ours, it’s pretty important to have a bag you can trust to keep the water out.
Rains
You may already have a waterproof jacket from Rains, but did you know they also have an amazing collection of waterproof backpacks? Rains is everywhere right now and for good reason…it looks good and it’s functional! Made from polyester, the Rains team are more than aware this isn’t the most sustainable material and have pledged by 2021 to only use recycled polyester. They have also chosen to use a waterproof PU-coating instead of other alternatives that use more chemicals shown to be damaging to the environment. Their pledge to the environment also underlies their choice to make timeless, minimalistic products that will never go out of style. Get your Rains backpack at Brooklyn in Gent, Kortrijk, Roeselaere, Knokke, Waregem or Bruges.
Ucon Acrobatics
The waterproof backpacks by Ucon Acrobatics are all made of recycled PET fabric. All materials used by the brand are vegan (the brand is an official partner of PETA) and are free of harmful dyes or heavy metals. The products are designed in Berlin and are minimalist, innovative and functional. Discover the timeless backpacks at HOST in Berchem, visit Fonetik or Freedom in both Aalst and Dendermonde, or drop by Eerlijk Waar! in Amsterdam.
Vaude
German brand VAUDE is one of the best-known companies in the outdoor sports equipment industry. Vaude not only makes beautiful outdoor clothing, but also high-quality and functional backpacks. For bike commuters and everyone who loves to cycle and does it a lot, these backpacks got your back. Some of them can even be attached to your bike! Whichever mode of commute, Vaude has the perfect backpack for you. They’ve considered every detail, from integrated safety lights and padded laptop sections to additional pockets for your essentials. With waterproofing and optimal carrying comfort, Vaude’s bags are built to last. For a backpack that blends functionality and durability, visit Vaude in Ghent or Vaude in Leuven.
Colorful standard
Colorful Standard promises a colour for any and everyone… teamed up with Eastpak, they’ve launched essential backpacks in a range of vibrant colours with a recycled twist. Each bag comes with a 30-year warranty, includes a laptop compartment, and is fully waterproof. Perfect for conquering your daily life. These Colorful Standard backpacks are available at their flagship store in Antwerp and at Harvest Club in Leuven.
-
More sustainable laptop bags
be the fibre
be the fibre, an initiative of World Missionary Aid, makes cool accessories from used, collected clothes. The fibres of the clothing and the production of the bags are done in Morocco as much as possible and the profits support development projects. Are you looking for a laptop bag or a handy backpack to carry all your stuff? Then take a look at the collection of be the fibre, available at the Wereld Missie Hulp shop in Boechout or online and at Moose in the CITY.
Made Out Of
Find a sophisticated laptop bag crafted from vegan apple leather, at ‘Made Out Of’. This bag comfortably houses your laptop or tablet, charger, notebook, and writing tools — an ideal companion for work or school. ‘Made Out Of’ also offers complementary stationery, including pencil cases and refillable notebooks. Committed to sustainability, not only is their material sourced from Italian apple waste, but all products are also crafted in more socially responsible workshops in the Netherlands. Shop these more sustainable, PETA-approved items either online at ‘Made Out Of’ or in-store at ‘Moose in the City’ in Antwerp.
Would you like to learn more about more sustainable fashion, accessories and cosmetics? Check out our shopping guide and discover more sustainable stores near you!
