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Elliott ReportYou’ve probably seen it at the airport: discarded suitcases, their wheels shredded, their zippers busted, carelessly cast aside at the luggage carousel.

Fueled by cheap materials and even more affordable labour, this disposable culture 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, from hotel chains eager to tout their eco-friendly practices to airlines promoting carbon offsets.

Last year, I travelled the world for sustainability and 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, where reckless tourists in ATVs were mowing down endangered burrowing owls and hotels were being built on bird sanctuaries.

The SteamLine story is about a small woman-owned business finding its way in a maze of modern sustainability imperatives. But it is also a guide for any traveller who wants to buy sustainable luggage now.

SteamLine Luggage's Alchemist Collection. - Photo courtesy SteamLine

SteamLine Luggage’s Alchemist Collection.

What’s sustainability, anyway?

I met Banks in a boutique hotel in Ranelagh, a residential district in southern Dublin. Surrounded by cobblestone streets and historic pubs, Banks’ company, 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 discussing the complexities of creating sustainable travel gear, one thing became clear: sustainability is a journey.

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.

The SteamLine Luggage Starlet collection. - Photo courtesy SteamLine

The SteamLine Luggage Starlet collection.

Sustainable luggage is built to last.

She explained that this lack of a clear definition makes it challenging for companies and customers. For banks, sustainability starts with designing luggage that is built to last. Inspired by her grandmother’s collection of vintage luggage, Banks wanted to create pieces that travellers could cherish for years. Eventually, just like her grandmother’s luggage, they could become treasured heirlooms rather than end 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 essential to sustainability. “When investing in luggage, it’s important that there is dedicated customer service. They are committed to travelling with you for a lifetime.”

She doesn’t want someone to 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 finding local repair shops. Banks believes this commitment to extending the life cycle of their luggage 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, their suitcases’ bodies are 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. 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 an environmentally responsible glue manufacturer, but it went out of business during the pandemic.

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. However, 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 don’t have a timeline for achieving 100 per cent sustainability but say it’s an ongoing process. The goals keep shifting. One moment, using recycled water bottles as a material is OK. The next, it’s not. Vegan leather is a possibility, but it lacks the durability of leather. When you think you’ve passed another eco-milestone, another lies ahead.

“You have to be able to follow your material through to the source.”

SteamLine constantly evaluates 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 the luggage is handmade, giving 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 these are 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 recycled materials use, manufacturing processes, and commitment to ethical labour practices.

Banks hopes to check all 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. Travellers can make a difference by demanding greater transparency, supporting brands making genuine strides toward sustainability, and choosing well-crafted luggage designed to last.

And maybe we can travel in a world where our luggage reflects our adventures and our commitment to preserving the planet for future trips.

 

 

 

Written by: Christopher Elliott

 

 

BIO:
Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@elliott.org.

 

 

 

 

 

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