Freitag

At its headquarters, FREITAG has replaced its hierarchical structure of leadership with self-managing teams in a flatter and more inclusive structure, where employees can define their own roles and thus work more happily. In this way, the company is also setting an example for the future in the social field. 

The prototypes are designed and sewed in the factory in Switzerland, the sewing also takes place in Portugal, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Romania. Then the bags come back to the factory in Switzerland where all bags are checked and then ready for sale.

The stylish backpacks, shoppers and laptop bags are made from old truck tarps. Water-repellent and beautifully designed. Each year, the FREITAG truck spotters have to collect 350 tons of tarpaulins all over Europe. Suppliers can also supply their old truck tarpaulins. All truck tarpaulins are collected in the factory in Switzerland. When they arrive here, the tarpaulins are all given a number so that they can be traced. 

All components are also carefully tested, allowing FREITAG to guarantee the safety of all its products. The tarpaulins are then stripped of straps and cut into standard sizes of 2,5 m, after which they are washed with rainwater which is collected on the factory roof. A plus, FREITAG consumes less water this way. 

The Zurich-based brand does not just give truck tarpaulins a new life as one-off bags. For some models, the truck tarpaulins are combined with other materials, such as a textile made from 100% recycled PET bottles or giving B‑stock airbag material a second chance.

To develop the fabric from PET bottles, the Swiss brand collaborates with the supplier We aRe SpinDye. The fabric is dyed during the spinning process using the spinnerette technique, which requires much less water, chemicals and energy than the conventional dyeing process. In addition, the material created from recycled PET bottles is also free of chemicals.

For instance, FREITAG doesn’t use PFC (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals). These harmful substances are often found in backpacks and raincoats and are used because of their water-repellent effect.

However, it is perfectly possible to make outdoor products without the use of PFC, as FREITAG also proves with its water-repellent backpacks and laptop bags. 

The material used for the pop-out backpack F707 STRATOS was originally intended for airbags, which would deploy in an emergency and save lives.

FREITAG is also giving old ski boots a new life as circular iPhone® protective covers. This one comes with a cardholder made from recycled truck tarp that fits the next generation of iPhone® cases and those afterwards. For the CIRC-CASE, FREITAG is collaborating with various partners across Switzerland: worn-out ski boots are disassembled in Davos. The shell parts made of thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU‑R, go for further processing to Rapperswil, where they are transformed into a granulate. The material is then sent to Mönchaltorf, where it is moulded directly onto the casing of an iPhone® model. 

The card holder, or F380 JUSTIN, is made of recycled truck tarp and can be easily secured in the CIRC-CASE holder and removed again. So you don’t have to choose a new one once when you buy a new iPhone®. After use, the plastic case can be returned to the nearest FREITAG shop, which will then reuse it. This keeps the technical cycle closed. Read more about the take-back system here.

During the production process and when designing, FREITAG strives to produce as little residual waste as possible. FREITAG has also established a repair service in Switzerland to restore old bags and lengthen the lifespan of the bags. You can have your bag repaired free of charge up to 3 years after purchase and at repair cost after the three years.

FREITAG also has a take-back service for bags that are beyond repair. When you bring in your bag, FREITAG makes sure the material is processed or recycled appropriately.

Moreover, with their ​“Circular Tarp” project, FREITAG is working with several industrial partners to develop the first truly circular truck tarp. In this pilot project, the truck will first drive with the specially designed tarp for several years, after which the tarp can serve to make bags.

FREITAG has a fairly short supply chain as its production is fully done in Europe. This way, the brand has more control over the production processes and your bag doesn’t have to travel long distances to get to you! The brand also encourages local shopping.

FREITAG’s minimalist shoppers, water-resistant backpacks and modern shoulder bags contain no animal ingredients. 

If you are tired of your bag, you can exchange it via the S.W.A.P ​‘Shopping Without Any Payment’ system. Just like dating app Tinder, you swipe via the online system until you find a bag you want to exchange for your own. Old FREITAG bags and backpacks get a new life! 

FREITAG has a collection of different types of bags, wallets and practical gadgets such as key rings. The products are available in a rainbow of colours peculiar to the variety of truck tarps. Each bag is unique, making your purchase a bit more special!

FREITAG is very transparent about their production chain. Through its website, the brand shows how truck tarpaulins are processed into bags and backpacks. The brand also shares the names of producers from their supply chain!