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We produce a lot of content at Vada Magazine encouraging our LGBT community to travel and explore the world, including articles about some of the top LGBT friendly destinations such Barcelona, Mykonos, and Thailand (Bangkok and Phuket).
One aspect of travel that is increasingly being considered by travellers is their environmental impact. We aspire to live in a world where plastic recycling and reuse is the norm for the manufacturing of all products. Whilst countries and airlines and embracing recycling (and other policies around their environment impact) at various paces, there are things that travellers can do as individuals, such as choice of travel case to purchase.
We have rounded up a few of the best environmentally friendly travel case options below. Of course, if you have an existing case in a useable condition then use it. But if in need of a new case then read on for some less environmentally impactful options. At the end of its life, contact you travel case manufacturer to find out if and how it can be recycled.
PHOENX
PHOENX is a new brand that promotes itself for its compact, secure luggage incorporating recycled material (such as used fishing nets, recycled plastic and rubber). A brand differentiator is the “repair and renew” philosophy, meaning a modular design.
The outer shell of the case is made from tough, 100% recycled polycarbonate with a wide aluminium handle built above the skin to maximise space. It is secured via a waterproof zip system and TSA-approved lock. Inside the case boasts a dividing vacuum-sealed laundry bag and removable ultra-thin backpack. Modular construction means components can be removed, repaired or replaced with the use of a single tool.
PHOENX Co-Founder and CEO, Francesco Salom, promises that “When you feel it is time to renew it, you can send it back to us and choose between having it restyled by our creative design team or getting a new model.”
PHOENX is currently a kickstarter project, accepting pledges, for more information visit Kickstarter.com
Away
Away build products to last, and they use recycled polycarbonate and aluminium for their cases. The Away brand is committed to improving the manufacturing process with its partners. For example, leftover plastic is collected and reused to make the next batch of cases.
For more information on Away’s range, visit awaytravel.com
Samsonite
To commemorate Earth Day, Samsonite introduced their first suitcase made out of post-consumer recycled plastic waste. Whilst the “ECO Black” edition of S’Cure ECO™ range recycles polypropylene from Samsonite’s own production process, this “Green Grey” limited edition goes one step beyond by re-using household plastic waste. This household plastic waste, instead of being thrown away, is recycled into a high quality, lightweight functional product.
For more information on the Samsonite Green Grey product, visit samsonite.co.uk
Kathmandu
Kathmandu have been quietly recycling millions of plastic bottles each year. As the world demand for polyester has outstripped the demand for cotton, there is a clear need to identify recyclable sources for it. Kathmandu do this by recycling plastic bottles into polyester fibres, branded “Repreve” that are used in their products. In terms of statistics, 17 plastic bottles are reused to create a backpack, and in 2019 Kathmandu have recycled 9.3million plastic bottles.
The company also has policies on sustainable and responsible down, cotton and wool materials used in their products.
To find out more about Kathmandu’s Reprieve products visit Kathmandu.co.uk
Tumi – Recycled Capsule
Luxury brand Tumi has launched a recycled capsule range, which uses fabrics from post-industrial (such as nylon), and from post-consumer i.e. recycled plastic bottles.
More information if the Tumi Recycled Capsule range is available at UK.tumi.com
