Monarc makes eco-friendly travel bags and accessories from recycled plastic bottles.
Nate and Jesse, the founders of Monarc, started their journey back in 2013 when they met while working together. As part of their job, they would visit factories overseas regularly. They were horrified to see the pollution and waste produced by the manufacturing industry.
They felt it was their duty to “Do Better”, so they started a company where they had the power to put sustainability at the forefront—building a brand that makes sustainable products while supporting the health of our planet.
Their mission is simple: Do Better.
Nate & Jesse, Founders
The team spent two years developing their first eco-friendly bag using recycled rPET. RPET or recycled polyester, is made from recycled plastic water bottles. The problem is that 60 million plastic water bottles are thrown away every day, but only 10% are recycled. By using rPET in their products, Monarc is helping to build a market for recycled rPET and make recycling more valuable. To date, Monarc’s products have saved hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles from the oceans and landfills.
Creating a sustainable product is not just about the materials. It’s about creating a versatile, practical product that will last the distance. Their all-in-one travel backpack links all of these objectives together. Their Settra series was developed and tested for functionality and durability, and to demonstrate its quality, they offer a lifetime warranty.
Monarc is one of the first companies to be certified plastic-negative. They partner with rePurpose to fund the removal of twice as much plastic waste from the planet as they use in their products. Through this partnership, they also provide impoverished workers with a dignified livelihood and safe working conditions. That is twice the weight of what they have produced. Yes, you heard that right! They are plastic-negative.
Plus, once your bag reaches the end of its life, they will take it back and ensure it gets recycled.
Monarc Certifications
Monarc is a supporter of 1% for the planet.
The products are certified Plastic Negative by rePurpose, and they follow the Global Recycled Standard for recycled materials.
Closing the Loop
Dedicated to a circular life for their products, Monarc offers a return service when your bag is at the end of its life. They will recycle it and send you a discount for other cool stuff. They use TerraCycle‘s waste recycling system to ensure the bags get recycled.
Recycled Materials
Monarc’s bags are made using certified Global Recycled Standard RPET fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.
Other Kudos
- To date, they have saved more than 222,000 plastic bottles.
- Monarc have just partnered with Neutrl, allowing you to buy carbon offsets to offset your shipping when you purchase one of their products.
- They are also working on becoming carbon-neutral certified.
- Their products are made using global recycled standard materials.
- Monarc is one of the first companies to be certified plastic-negative. Through their partnership with rePurpose they fund the removal of twice as much plastic waste from the planet as they use in their products.
- Through this partnership, they also provide impoverished workers with a dignified livelihood and safe working conditions.
Monarc Travel Bags
