If you are looking for a new backpack, you can’t go wrong with a recycled plastic backpack. There are so many options available that there should be no reason to buy a pack made from virgin plastic.
There are lots of things to look for to ensure you buy the right backpack. One that will last the distance, has all the pockets and features you are looking for, and that’s the right size and shape. It’s also important to consider what material it’s made from.
You want to make sure it is strong and will it last for a long time. The more use we get out of items that we own, the better for us and the environment. Not only is a recycled plastic backpack strong and durable, but it can usually be recycled at the end of their life.
These products reduce the amount of waste material that goes to landfills, plus they help to build a stronger recycling industry. By purchasing products made from recycled fabrics, you support the companies that are making change happen. Who knows you might even encourage someone else, a friend or colleague when they see your great bag.
You can learn more about the benefits of buying recycled here.
One of the reasons I started this site was because I had no idea what sort of recycled products were available. I have found so many products, and I want to share this information with others. If you have found great recycled products, then feel free to get in touch and let us know.
Backpacks made from recycled materials are a great way to ensure you are protecting the planet along with your belongings. Just like with swimwear and activewear, there are so many recycled products available there’s no need to buy a backpack made from virgin plastic.
Here are our favourites but don’t be afraid to explore the companies and find your favourite.
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Recycled-material backpacks
Best Solar Powered Backpack
Solgaard’s mission is to help cut ocean plastic in half by 2025. To help make this happen, they have partnered with The Plastic Bank to help tackle ocean pollution. When you buy one of Solgaard’s amazing recycled plastic backpack, they will pull 5lb of plastic from the ocean and upcycle it into useful products.
Their designs have some other pretty cool features too. Firstly they are made from a recycled fabric called Shore-Tex™️, their very own fabric made from upcycled ocean plastic.
The Lifepack has a removable solar-powered battery, anti-theft locks, TSA-approved locks, fits a laptop, and there are secret compartments for your passports and cards.
Whether you’re hiking in the wilderness or getting around town, Lifepack is designed to fit your on-the-go lifestyle. Check out their luggage made with recycled content too.
Most Beautiful Backpack
I am a little biased when it comes to the Day Owl bag as I have this one and absolutetly love it.
Day Owl started out helping people in Haiti following the earthquake in 2010. They employed locals to collect plastic waste and help recycle it for use in their fabrics. They developed a responsible supply chain with two significant outcomes, getting people out of poverty and cleaning up waste. Day Owl showcases the first product using First Mile’s responsible supply chain and recycled and sustainable materials.
To date, First Mile™ has saved over 121 Million plastic bottles, and their local entrepreneurs have generated over $700 thousand in revenue. They have partnered with Puma, Ralph Lauren, Aerie, HP, Marmot, Timberland, and Reebok.
Day Owl has created a recycled plastic backpack made from the sturdy First MileTM waxed canvas. It’s a practical backpack that lets you carry everything you need while looking stylish. Plus, each bag they make saves 25 bottles, 700 gallons of water, and 1.2 lbs of pesticides and fertilizers compared with cotton.
Most Colourful Backpack
Cotopaxi is an innovative outdoor brand that blends adventure, sustainability, and social impact. Known for its colorful and functional outdoor gear, Cotopaxi is committed to making high-quality products while minimizing its environmental footprint.
The brand uses recycled fabrics in their range of backpacks, clothing and outdoor gear. They prioritize sustainability at every stage of their product lifecycle, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to ethical manufacturing processes. Cotopaxi repurposes discarded fabric scraps into their iconic Del Día collection, reducing waste and promoting resourcefulness. Plus, they are carbon-neutral certified and committed to minimizing their environmental footprint.
Beyond their eco-conscious efforts, Cotopaxi also allocates 1% of their annual revenue to address poverty and support social initiatives worldwide. Their holistic approach to sustainability demonstrates a genuine commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Best Outdoor Backpack
Coalatree’s lifestyle, outdoor apparel, and accessories are created with a focus on sustainability and recycling. Designing gear for passionate adventurers to urban explorers, their range includes clothing, bags and backpacks, hammocks, and blankets.
The company uses a mix of recycled materials, including coffee grounds, recycled plastic bottles, recycled nylon, and recycled cotton. Their recycled plastic backpack is made from repurposed plastic bottles. The fabric is a tough and durable, water-resistant ripstop material that is also slash-proof.
They feature easy-access pockets and a hidden pocket for keeping your passport or other valuables. It’s also TSA approved size and comes with a TSA approved built-in lock.
Most Industrial Backpack
Everlane is a trailblazer in the fashion industry’s sustainability movement. They are committed to transparency, providing detailed information about their factories, production processes, and pricing. Everlane emphasizes ethical manufacturing practices, using eco-friendly materials, and ensuring fair wages for workers.
Everlane also focuses on reducing their environmental footprint by investing in innovative materials and reducing water usage in production. Their dedication to sustainability makes Everlane a brand of choice for conscious consumers looking for fashion that aligns with their values.
Everlane’s backpacks reflect the brand’s overarching commitment to eco-conscious practices. They offer a range of backpacks made from materials like recycled polyester. These backpacks are designed for durability, promoting longevity and discouraging disposability.
Everlane’s transparent pricing model also ensures that customers understand the value and environmental impact of their purchase. Overall, Everlane’s backpacks embody sustainability through thoughtful materials, quality construction, and a brand ethos centered on ethical and eco-friendly principles
Most Practical Backpack
“Growing in sustainability is a continuous journey.” Paravel is certainly taking their journey seriously. They have developed the first-ever carbon-neutral suitcase whit a recycled polycarbonate shell and recycled lining. They use 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles in their backpacks and other bags plus they have a range that uses Ecocraft Canvas and other upcycled materials.
Their Fold-Up Backpack has some pretty cool features. Firstly it folds up and zips into a compact pouch, perfect to keep in your car or an extra bag for travel. This recycled plastic backpack is made from 15 recycled plastic water bottles. It’s durable, soft, and sturdy and comes with handy pockets and will hold your laptop.
Best Accessorised Backpack
Founded in 1960, the Swedish company Fjällräven makes outdoor clothing and accessories. They have many products made with recycled fabrics, including wallets, belts, t-shirts, beanies, jackets, and plenty of other bags to check out. They use polyester made from recycled plastic bottles as well as recycled wool and organic cotton.
Their Kånken backpack was created back in 1978. The backpack is now t’s now entirely made from 11 recycled plastic bottles. More than 40 years later, it has been transformed into a recycled plastic backpack.
It is a large backpack with one main compartment and two side pockets. It comes with a seat pad stored inside the back pocket to stop the backpack contents from pressing against your back. There are many colors for this tried and tested design.
Similar to Solgaard, United by Blue promises to remove one pound of trash from the ocean for every product purchased. Their backpacks are made from 100% recycled polyester. They collect everyday consumer plastics like soda and water bottles and turn them into recycled polyester giving them a second life.
United by Blue are not afraid to get their hands dirty either. They can often be found out in the community picking up bits of styrofoam or old tires. Their mission is to reduce ocean pollution and hopefully to inspire a few people along the way to embrace less waste in their lives.
One of their popular recycled plastic backpacks is the Transit Pack. Its a 25L pack made from 100% recycled polyester fabric with a touch of recycled nylon in the straps and mesh padding. It has an expandable front compartment, side and exterior pockets, aluminum hardware and padding for a laptop.
Most Repairable Backpack
You are probably familiar with Patagonia; however, are you aware of the extraordinary steps they take to save our planet? Patagonia, an American outdoor clothing company, started using recycled plastic bottles to make fleece way back in 1993. They are leading the way in sustainability, recycling, and circular fashion.
Patagonia has an “ironclad guarantee”, and they also have a repair service available. If you’re not interested in repairing the item, Patagonia will take it off your hands and either repair it for resale in their second-hand market, Worn Wear, or for donation. If the item is beyond repair, they will remake it into a new piece of clothing or send it off for recycling. Unfortunately, at this stage, Worn Wear is only available in the US.
Their Arbor Market Pack is a 25L recycled plastic backpack made using 100% recycled and solution-dyed polyester in the body and the lining. It’s also certified Bluesign® which means it’s certified as offering the highest level of consumer safety by employing methods and materials that conserve resources and minimizes its impact on people and the environment.
Best Everyday Backpack
Your purchase of the Engage Green backpack saves 18 plastic bottles per yard of fabric. The Engage Green Backpack is made from Recycled Plastic [PETE] using 100% post-consumer plastic bottles.
Engage Green is working hard to turn consumerism into something positive. Choosing the right material is a big part of this change. The founder, Leonor Mendoza, like many of the companies using recycled materials, wanted to provide consumers the ability to choose more sustainable options. Engage Green also use recycled paper and other sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp and cork.
Their backpack has plenty of space for your laptop or iPad or even a book. With plenty of compartments to organize your stuff and adjustable straps with padding for comfort, you can’t go wrong.
