You’ve probably seen it at the airport: discarded suitcases, their wheels shredded, their zippers busted, carelessly cast aside at the luggage carousel.
This disposable culture — fueled by cheap materials and even cheaper labor — comes at a high cost to the planet. Broken baggage chokes landfills and decomposes at a glacial pace.
But amidst this sea of throwaway carry-ons, Sara Banks and her company, SteamLine Luggage, are trying a different approach: She wants to create sustainable luggage.
Who needs sustainable luggage?
Everyone is talking about sustainability these days, from hotel chains eager to tout their eco-friendly practices to airlines promoting carbon offsets.
I spent last year traveling the world in search of sustainability, and I discovered that the travel industry often overstates its green credentials. Sometimes, it even distorts them. I’ll never forget my visit to one Caribbean island that claimed to protect the environment, but where reckless tourists in ATVs were mowing down endangered burrowing owls and hotels were being built on bird sanctuaries. (Related: Northern Sweden is pushing the limits of sustainability. Here’s how.)
The SteamLine story is a narrative about a small woman-owned business finding its way in a maze of modern sustainability imperatives. But it is also a guide for any traveler who wants to buy sustainable luggage now.
What’s sustainability, anyway?
I met Banks in a boutique hotel in Ranelagh, a residential district in the southern part of Dublin. Surrounded by cobblestone streets and historic pubs, Banks’ company, which is known for its vintage-inspired luggage with modern amenities, seemed a fitting example of old meeting new.
But as we sipped our tea (peppermint for Banks, black for me) and began talking about the complexities of creating sustainable travel gear, one thing became clear: sustainability is a journey. (Related: Yes, your vacation is destroying the planet. Here’s how to stop.)
But what is sustainability?
“We have a lot of conversations in the industry about defining sustainability as conscious consumerism,” she says. “But it’s complicated.”
But that hasn’t stopped her from trying.
Sustainable luggage is built to last
This lack of a clear definition, she explained, makes it challenging for both companies and customers. For Banks, sustainability starts with designing luggage built to last. Inspired by her grandmother’s collection of vintage luggage, Banks wanted to create pieces that travelers could cherish for years. Eventually, just like her grandmother’s luggage, they could become treasured heirlooms rather than ending up in a landfill.
“I think that customer service is also key,” she told me, noting that a company’s commitment to repair and refurbishment programs is an essential part of sustainability. “When you are investing in luggage, it’s important that there is dedicated customer service. They are committed to traveling with you for a lifetime.” (Related: With eco-friendly travel more popular than ever, approach green claims with skepticism.)
She doesn’t want someone to simply throw away the luggage when a component breaks (besides, with many of her bags selling for close to $1,000, a repair will almost always be more cost-effective).
SteamLine offers a standard two-year warranty. But in keeping with its sustainability mindset, it goes to great lengths to help customers repair even their oldest suitcases, often sending replacement parts or offering guidance on how to find local repair shops. This commitment to extending the life cycle of their luggage, Banks believes, is a fundamental aspect of sustainability.
But it’s not the only way to be sustainable.
Recycled leather and green glue
SteamLine is also taking steps to incorporate more environmentally responsible materials into its products. For instance, the body of their suitcases is crafted from recycled bonded leather.
“When you’re using a very big piece of leather, there’s a lot of waste,” Banks explained.
She says customers often mistake natural variations in the leather for flaws. By using recycled leather, SteamLine utilizes smaller pieces, minimizing waste and creating a more consistent appearance.
The company also faces challenges in finding sustainable alternatives to other materials. For example, SteamLine had found a glue manufacturer that was environmentally responsible, but it went out of business during the pandemic. (Here’s our guide to planning your next vacation.)
She searched far and wide for an eco-friendly replacement, but the adhesive didn’t meet her quality standards. Eventually, Banks found a replacement glue — and stuck with it. But the setback highlights the delicate balancing act companies face in trying to find solutions that are both environmentally responsible and meet the durability requirements of luggage.
Banks doesn’t have a timeline for achieving 100 percent sustainability but says it’s an ongoing process. The goals keep shifting. One moment, it’s OK to use recycled water bottles as a material, the next it’s not. Vegan leather is a possibility, but it lacks the durability of leather. Just when you think you’ve passed another eco-milestone, another lies ahead.
“You have to be able to follow your material through to source”
SteamLine is constantly evaluating its practices, looking for areas where it can improve and use more environmentally responsible materials. This includes everything from the thread and fabrics to the sourcing of their components.
“Our intentions are there,” she told me. “Our efforts need to be constantly looked at or questioned.”
Of course, transparency is key. Companies need to be open about their processes and willing to admit when they fall short.
SteamLine’s luggage is manufactured in a small, family-owned factory near Shanghai. All of the luggage is made by hand, which gives it an authentic, almost gritty feel that reminds you of a bygone era when passengers boarded steamships with large trunks and fashionable leather bags.
Banks says she visits the factory often and has had many conversations with the owners about her sustainability goals. As a result, they are always looking at new, better — and greener — materials to use in their luggage.
All of which is great if you want sustainable luggage next year. But what if you’re in the market for a carry-on bag right now?
How to buy sustainable luggage now
If you want sustainable luggage, you’ll have to ask some difficult questions of your manufacturer.
“You have to be able to follow your material through to source,” Banks advised. “It’s not good enough to say, ‘I want to change the protective cover to make it out of recycled water bottles.'”
Look for companies that provide detailed information about their supply chains, certifications and efforts to minimize their environmental impact. Ask questions about their use of recycled materials, their manufacturing processes, and their commitment to ethical labor practices.
Banks hopes to check all of those boxes when people ask about her luggage, but she acknowledges there’s always room for improvement.
Ultimately, the journey toward a more sustainable luggage industry requires a collective effort from both companies and consumers. By demanding greater transparency, supporting brands making genuine strides toward sustainability and choosing well-crafted luggage designed to last, travelers can make a difference.
And maybe we can travel in a world where our luggage not only reflects our adventures but also our commitment to preserving the planet for future trips.
