Back to school with more sustainable school supplies

Back to school: ready for a greener school year! The end of summer vacation is almost approaching, which means it’s time to dig out the school supplies. But why not choose a more sustainable start this year? From backpacks made from organic cotton or recycled materials to eco-friendlier notebooks, pencil cases and stationery: small choices make a big difference. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of more sustainable school supplies – so you (or your children) can start the new school year not only smart, but also more consciously!

10x more sustainable school bags, pencil cases and notebooks for children

1. Coq en Pâte

Animal-friendly school bags and pencil cases made from organic cotton

Is your little one crazy about animals? Then a school bag, pencil case or notebook from the French brand Coq en Pâte is a perfect match. With their colourful prints, the brand focuses on endangered animals and supports NGOs, scientists and associations active in the field of nature conservation worldwide. Moreover, the bags are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. A chimpanzee, penguin or dolphin – which one is the favourite of your little one? They also have a collection of fun notebooks with animal prints.

The school bags, pencil cases and notebooks from Coq and Pâte can be found at Kudzu in Bruges.

2. Trixie Baby

Playful school bags, pencil cases, drinking bottles and lunch boxes with colourful animal prints

Do you prefer it a bit more playful? Then we introduce you to the Belgian brand Trixie Baby. In the collection you’ll find children’s school bags and pencil cases, but also drinking bottles and lunch boxes with playful animal prints that appeal to the imagination. Choose Mr. Lion, Mr. Koala, Mr. Dino or the many other vibrant school supplies. The backpacks and pencil cases are made of sturdy, organic cotton and each model is available in +10 colours and animal species. Choose your favourite at Blabloom in Genk, Kudzu in Bruges, K‑Deetje in Oostkamp and MOMO Kids in Kortrijk.

3. Sativa

Timeless and basic school bags from hemp

Looking for a school bag that is more basic and made entirely of natural materials? Then have a look at the English brand Sativa. In the collection you’ll find sturdy, timeless backpacks in neutral colours such as navy, khaki and beige. A composition of hemp and organic cotton ensures that the backpacks are free of pesticides, making this bag not only good for your little one, but also for the planet. View the Sativa collection at Kudzu in Bruges.

4. Sticky Lemon

Fashionable and colourful school bags

Keep the summer vibes alive with a backpack from the Dutch brand Sticky Lemon. These quirky and fashionable bags with colour blocking have a retro vibe and may bring back fond memories of your own youth. Go for a classic college bag in a modern and colourful design or a practical, yet fashionable backpack with different colour blocks. The backpacks are a more sustainable choice because they are made from recycled PET bottles.

Discover the backpacks at K‑Deetje in Oostkamp, MOMO Kids and La Gamba Rossa in Kortrijk.

5. Studio Ditte

Cheerful school bags made from PET bottles

At the cool Dutch brand Studio Ditte, the backpacks are also made from recycled PET bottles. Cheerful and graphic prints of animals, racing cars and fruit and stylish colour combinations adorn the practically designed bags. Ideal for young children!

Discover the collection of more sustainable children’s school bags from Studio Ditte at Bla­bloom in Genk or K‑Deetje in Oostkamp.

6. Hello Hossy

Colorful school bags and pencil cases made from PET bottles

Another cool brand that makes colourful children’s school bags and pencil cases from recycled PET bottles. The backpacks by Hello Hossy not only have a cheerful, but also a practical design. They have adjustable straps, various pockets and a water-repellent fabric. Convenient for school, but also for excursions and play dates. The collection also includes handy lunch bags and (thermal) drinking bottles. You can shop Hello Hossy at La Gamba Rossa in Kortrijk, K‑Deetje in Oostkamp and Blabloom in Genk.

7. Engel

High-quality school bags and pencil cases made from PET bottles

Going to school with an eye-catcher on your back? Then take a look at the collection of the brand Engel, because these bags made from recycled PET bottles are stylish, practical and high-quality. Choose a striped version or a model with different colour blocks. Also nice: they make colourful pencil cases that match the bags! Discover Engel’s collection at Kudzu in Bruges.

8. Fresk

Playful school bags and pencil cases in soft colors

Do you and your little one love softer colours? The Dutch brand Fresk makes playful and cheerful backpacks and pencil cases for children in soft shades such as pastel pink, light grey, mint green or light blue. The prints are also more sweet: with these cute patterns your child will certainly steal the show! And with this brand you also make a more sustainable choice since they work with recycled PET bottles as their base material. You can find the collection by Fresk at Zonnehoed in Zwalm, Kudzu in Brugge en Blabloom in Genk.

9. Liewood

Minimalistic school bags and accessories with Scandinavian design

Do you love Scandinavian design? Then Liewood products are perfect for you and your little one. The collection consists of minimalist and trendy school supplies (as well as clothing and toys!) such as backpacks, pencil cases, lunch boxes, (thermal) water bottles, snack boxes, notebooks and sketchbooks. This brand is a more conscious choice because the products are made from environmentally friendlier, recycled and high-quality materials. The bags and pencil cases are made from recycled polyester, the lunch boxes from silicone or stainless steel, as are the water bottles. For the notebooks and sketchbooks, they use 100% FSC-certified paper.

You can shop the school supplies by Liewood at K‑Deetje in Oostkamp, Blabloom in Genk and MOMO Kids and La Gamba Rossa in Kortrijk.

10. Circular tip: choose a second-hand book bag

Choosing a new school bag made from a more sustainable material and made under better working conditions is a good, conscious choice. But could it be a little more sustainable for you? Then choose a second-hand book bag. For this you can go to the trendy second-hand children’s stores that you’ll find in many Dutch and Belgian cities. For example, spend a day shopping in Amsterdam and discover the many pre-loved children’s stores that can be found here, including Old West, Otis en de Wolf, Ziggy & Lucy, Quinnie’s and ROOKIE. And there are also nice second-hand children’s shops in Rotterdam where you can find pre-loved school bags, such as BUUF. Do you live in Belgium? Then you can go to Vos & Ooievaar in Antwerp, Closet Stories in Ghent, Mies en Muis in Oostende, Terra Cotta in Ghent and Schattemuisjes.

3x more sustainable notebooks, stationery and pencil cases for adults

1. MADE Out Of

Minimalistic and more sustainable bags, pencil cases, stationery and office supplies

MADE Out Of​’s stationery, school supplies,and office supplies are not only beautiful, they’re also made locally in the Netherlands using more sustainable materials. The brand has its own production factory where craftsmanship is paramount and they work in a socially and environmentally friendlier way. The designs are minimalist, stylish, and timeless, meaning you’ll enjoy them for years to come. Whether you’re going to school or the office, MADE Out Of has the perfect items for you! You can shop at the webshop van MADE Out Of or at MOOSE In The City in Antwerp.

2. Correctbook

Write and support children in developing countries

With a Correctbook in your bag, you’ll never have loose pages or wasted paper again. These smart, reusable notebooks can be filled endlessly and erased – just like a whiteboard in book form. Perfect for brainstorming, to-do lists or taking class notes.

Correctbook is not only convenient, but also better for the world: for every notebook sold, the brand ensures that children in developing countries have access to (erasable) writing materials. This way, your notes also contribute to better education worldwide.

Correctbook is available at MOOSE In The City in Antwerpen en Wereldwinkel Rotterdam Centrum.

3. Redopapers

Circular stationery

Looking for a stylish and more sustainable notebook, weekly planner or diary? At Redopapers, you’ll find unique stationery made from recycled paper that would otherwise be wasted. Good for the planet and for your desk! Behind the brand are Tille and Linde, two graphic designers with a passion for minimalistic design. Their creations combine simplicity, character and a strong sustainability mission. Reduce your waste and choose a Redopapers for your desk! You can find Redopapers at Supergoods in Antwerp and Mechelen, MOOSE In The City in Antwerp, Kudzu in Bruges and Fonetik in Aalst.

Looking for more inspiration?

• 15x more sustainable backpacks that fit into a more responsible wardrobe