property of…

PROPERTY OF… takes great pride in its B‑Corp membership.

The B‑Corp certification signifies adherence to rigorous standards, ensuring that business practices benefit all stakeholders, including workers, communities, and the environment. Highlighting their commitment to profit with purpose, emphasizing social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Production takes place in China (Shenzhen) and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh). The brand has been working with the same factory for over 10 years. Understanding that both sides need to make a living. They pay a fair price (and upfront deposit) so the factory does not have to use cheaper subcontractors / sweat-shops, so they can pay the staff a fixed salary including paid time-off, and they don’t have to work the staff to the bone. 

They visit the factory twice per year and have weekly contact via Email and Zoom. Agreeing on (not dictating) deadlines and production schedules. Discussing work flows, and sourcing methods, so everybody’s life becomes easier.

Their collection includes a line of canvas bags of which all profits go directly to the ​“Because We Carry” project in Lesvos, Greece to help the refugees who crossed the sea and came to this Greek island, seeking refuge in the European Union.

PROPERTY OF… bag are manufactured using mainly recycled fibres.

The backpack shell fabrics are made from 100% recycled plastic (PET) waste and are Blue Sign and Global Recycle Standard certified, indicating a strong commitment to sustainability by using both post-consumer and pre-consumer waste. 

The Blue Sign certification means that in addition to using recycled materials, the production process meets high standards for environmental health and safety. It ensures that the production minimizes chemical and resource use, reducing its impact on both people and the planet.

The GRS certification further emphasizes the recycled content of the fabrics, ensuring traceability and integrity of the recycled materials throughout the production process. It also includes social and environmental processing requirements and chemical restrictions. For the GRS, a minimum of 20% of the material must be recycled, and that percentage must be 50% for it to bear a GRS logo.

They develop their recycled fabrics with Ho Yu Fabrics in Taiwan. Ho Yu is one of the leading producers of recycled fabrics in the world. The rest of the material is all sourced in China, in near proximity of their manufacturing facilities. 

Leather used for the straps on the backpacks is chrome free. Chrome-free leather, as opposed to chrome-tanned leather, uses alternative tanning methods that do not involve chromium salts, which is considered a more environmentally friendly and sustainable choice because it results in reduced pollution, presents fewer health risks to workers and consumers, and offers better biodegradability, thus minimizing its impact on water sources and contributing to less toxic waste production.

However, They do not mention packaging materials. Packaging plays a critical role in the lifecycle analysis of a product, as materials used can range from highly sustainable to non-recyclable plastics, significantly affecting the product’s environmental footprint. The type of packaging, whether derived from recycled materials or designed for reusability, can influence waste and resource consumption.

The bags are made from many different materials (Fabric, foam, buttons, zippers etc.) and treated with a water-resistant coating. Unfortunately, this means there is very little chance that the bags will be recycled again in the end-of-life phase. Because of the different materials, coatings and linings used, making it nearly impossible to recycle them. Moreover, the bags are all made of synthetic materials, making them non-biodegradable. 

However, their main shell is crafted from recycled materials from plastic waste. And they are backed by a lifelong guarantee along with a repair service. So, although the bags might not be easily recyclable due to their diverse material composition, they are far from contributing to landfill waste.

PROPERTY OF…was founded in the Netherlands, the brand’s main market is in Europe. The head office of PROPERTY OF… is located in Amsterdam, where the brand also opened its flagship store in 2010. A second store was opened in Hamburg in 2014.

Production takes place in China (Shenzhen) and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh), where all their material is sourced. By situating production close to where materials are sourced, the brand effectively reduces transportation lengths and, consequently, its carbon footprint. 

However, the brand does not disclose any information about their shipping methods, leaving room for speculation about the environmental impact of transporting goods from Asia to European markets.

Transportation methods are a pivotal aspect of a product’s environmental impact. The carbon footprint of shipping goods can vary widely based on the mode of transportation—air, sea, or land — and the efficiency of the logistics chain. The use of renewable energy sources, carbon offsetting practices, and optimization of shipping routes are among the strategies that can mitigate environmental impacts.

Some of the PROPERTY OF… backpacks have leather straps and are therefore not vegan. 

Unfortunately, COSH! could not determine where or how the leather is sourced. Their website does not include an animal welfare policy, highlighting a need for clarity.

They have a completely vegan backpack series available! 

PROPERTY OF… does not work in seasons and doesn’t do seasonal sales. The brand has one collection in which from time to time, they introduce a new collection or drop a new version, but every single item finds a loving home. Ensuring no overproduction.

Their products are timeless and last a lifetime! Guaranteed!

All products come with a life-long warranty. And if your loved travel companion gets bruised along the way, they offer a repair service. At their ​“repair spa” it will be showered with love, stitched up, cleaned and returned to you recovered and ready for more adventures.

Every PROPERTY OF… bag comes with a signature ID tag, personalised for you with your name or initials. The ID tag is also your key to the free, worldwide Lost&Found Service to help you recover your bag if it every goes missing. 

In terms of transparency, there is still room for improvement. 

PROPERTY OF… does demonstrate motivation to be/​become a sustainable company, but provides little concrete information. The brand does share information about its production sites, materials and processes, but this information is not very detailed. 

They can also provide more information regarding the tier 3 and 4 facilities, so we can track where the leather comes from and whether it is from an ethical source. They also do not mention packaging materials or transportation methods.

The absence of specific information leaves a notable gap in understanding its overall environmental impact.