Top 6 Eco-Friendly Purses & Handbags (Stylish & Sustainable)

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Stephanie Cole
By 
With her Master of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering (MSREE) from Oregon Tech, Steph is supremely well qualified to write on all aspects of sustainable living. She has already achieved a zero carbon footprint and her goal is to help as many other people as possible do the same. Her other hobbies include music, yoga, swimming and horror movies.
Stephanie Cole
Updated: October 28, 2024

Call me a stereotype if you like, but yes, I'm a girl who loves bags! A good quality sustainable handbag, purse, tote, or crossbody bag is a crucial part of my wardrobe.

Only the best eco-friendly purses and handbags should be entrusted with carrying all our essentials. However, we don’t want our fashion and convenience choices to harm the planet of the people in the supply chain.

That's why I've searched high and low to find the best designs from sustainable brands that complement my environmentally friendly clothing choices.

Perfect for daily use - and with the style and chic you need for nights on the town!

The Best Sustainable Purses & Bags to Keep Your Essentials Safe

Later in this article, I’ll discuss exactly what makes a sustainable bag, and how to tell which are the genuinely ethical handbag brands.

But I know you're really here for the bags - so let's start with the good stuff!

Materials: Bioveg, Pinatex, Cork
Range: Totes, Clutches, Shoulder Bags, Backpack Purses, Crossbody, Wallets
Price Range: From $55
Based: Los Angeles
Shipping: International | Free to US

They Say: Svala was founded by Helga Douglas to create beautiful, stylish, versatile pieces that are animal-friendly and produced sustainably.

We Say:  Looking for a stylish handbag that won't sacrifice ethics and sustainability? Look no further than Svala, a luxury vegan brand committed to ethical production and environmentally responsible materials.

Svala specializes in 100% sustainable vegan bags made from raw materials such as Bioveg (from recycled plastic bottles), Italian PU (polyurethane), Pinatex® (made from pineapple leaf fiber), and cork.

I don't personally recommend the vegan leather (more on that later) but the other materials are great.

But Svala doesn't just prioritize the environment - they also prioritize ethical production. All of their products are made by skilled artisans in Los Angeles who earn fair wages and enjoy good conditions.

My recommendation is the clutch bag I tested for this article - the stunning Didi Clutch Mini - Metallic Silver Piñatex®. It’s less ‘shouty’ than the gold-speckled cork. A real timeless, classy clutch that will go with most party outfits.

In 2020, Svala was awarded Best Vegan Brand of the Year. They also donate 10% of profits to numerous charities and organizations.

Their commitment to ethical and eco-conscious production practices makes them a great choice for anyone looking for ethical bags.

Materials: Eco-Leathers
Range: Bumbags, Backpacks, Crossbodys, Handbags, Minis, Weekend Travel Bags
Price Range: From $28
Based: Netherlands
Shipping: International | Free US Shipping over $200

They Say: Our story is about making a positive difference in the world, by connecting producers in small communities to the global market and creating fair job opportunities.

We Say: O My Bag is a B-Corp Certified ethical seller based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

They use premium quality eco-leathers that are naturally tanned and use no chemicals such as chromium or formaldehyde.

Their recently introduced Apple Leather collection uses apple skins and cores to create a high-quality leather alternative bag that is 100% vegan.

The selection includes all the usual styles you'll find at other retailers, as well as shoppers, weekenders, and work bags.

I personally love the Audrey Mini black sustainable crossbody bags, made from apple leather with an organic cotton lining (they also come in a larger size if you prefer).

A pre-loved collection and repair service show a commitment to circular fashion, and annual sustainability reports demonstrate a commitment to transparency.

This brand offers ethically made, sustainable style at a very reasonable price - and you also get free shipping on orders over $200. Well worth a look!

Materials: Upcycled Deadstock Leathers
Range: Buckets, Shoulder Bags, Crossbodys, Fanny Packs, Belt Bags, Wallets
Price Range: From $92
Based: USA
Shipping: International | Free US Shipping over $100

They Say: At HYER GOODS we pride ourselves on using the most sustainable materials-- the ones that already exist! That's why all of our items are crafted from fashion industry leftovers.

We Say: I love the fact that Hyer Goods is on a mission to make luxury sustainable handbags out of deadstock leather.

Upcycled fashion is great because it makes use of materials that would otherwise go to waste. Sadly in the fashion industry, there's still way too much of that!

The process also cuts down on carbon emission and water usage, and creates a product that is biodegradable at the end of its (usually very long) life.

The entire range is available in a choice of designs and colors.

I'm impressed by the quality and the ethics at Hyer Goods. The Luxe Mini Shoulder Bag is my personal favorite, but the range is so good you're sure to find something to suit any taste.

Materials: Leather Working Group Certified
Range: Totes, Convertible Shopping Bags, Crossbodys, Clutches, Satchels, Wallets
Price Range: From $60
Based: Nashville, TN, USA
Shipping: International | Flat $4.95 US Shipping Fee

They Say: Meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental responsibility, your support has enabled Nisolo to become one of the world’s top rated footwear and accessories brands among all Certified B Corporations.

We Say: Nisolo is blazing a trail in terms of sustainable fashion.

They produce a ‘Sustainability Facts’ sheet for each of the items they sell.

These sheets help Nisolo hold itself accountable by comparing each product across 200 sustainability metrics to help clarify social and environmental impact.

This is currently a self-managed scheme, but I like what Nisolo is trying to do. Hopefully, the fashion industry will take note and develop a similar standard in the future that makes it easy to compare all brands.

There's a lot to choose from here, but the Canvas Tote caught my eye. The canvas body is made from a custom cotton canvas, with vegetable-tanned leather straps. This tote range is incredibly stylish and roomy, with a choice of colors.

Nisolo is B-Corp and Climate Neutral Certified (offsetting 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions) and is also committed to paying 100% living wages.

Materials: Cork, Recycled Bottles, Recycled Vegan Wool & Leathers, Recycled Canvas
Range: Backpacks, Bucket Bags, Clutches, Totes, Shoulder bags
Price Range: From $36
Based: Canada
Shipping: US & Canada

They Say: I strive to create thoughtful, intentional pieces that have the least impact on the planet, so that our customers can feel confident in every aspect of their style

We Say: Pixie Mood is dedicated to sourcing sustainable materials for its eco-friendly bags, and is 100% transparent and responsible with every action they take.

They’re proud to be:

  • Using 100% vegan materials
  • Using biodegradable packaging
  • Climate positive
  • Kind to animals, people, and our planet

Among their best sellers are the PETA-Approved Vegan Greta Work Tote Bags. Made from recycled leather, and with a lining made from recycled plastic bottles, it's about as environmentally-friendly as you can get!

I also like the Pixie Mood - Blake Jewelry Case which is certainly pixie-sized. It might be small, but it packs a real functional storage punch.

It’s perfect for keeping your eco-friendly jewelry tangle-free and secure when traveling.

I was so impressed with what I found during my testing that it inspired me to dig even deeper with an in-depth Pixie Mood review.

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Materials: Organic Cotton, Sustainable Leathers, Wool, Cork, Rattan, Jute, Palm Leaves
Range: Backpacks, Basket Bags, Clutches, Handbags, Messenger Bags
Price Range: From $25
Based: Carrboro, NC, USA
Shipping: International | Free carbon Neutral US Shipping over $100

They Say: We believe we can make the world a more beautiful place by holding ourselves to a higher ethical standard.

We Say: Made Trade is a truly ethical brand that you may have seen recommended in other home goods categories here at TheRoundup. Their collection of purses, wallets, laptop sleeves, beach bags, and fanny packs is no less impressive.

You can search for purses made from your renewable material of choice, including organic cotton and wool, jute, rattan, cork, and seagrass.

There's a variety of styles to choose from as well. I picked out the Nomad Cork Messenger Bag - Sepia made by Carry Courage. It's handmade, vegan, and looks absolutely amazing.

All Made Trade goods come with free US shipping over $100, easy returns, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Get 10% Off at Made Trade with Coupon Code: THEROUNDUP10
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why bags need to be eco-friendly - pollution caused by leather tanning

Pros & Cons: Why Choose Eco-Friendly HandBags?

When shopping for a new handbag, the choice ultimately comes down to conventional tanned leather (extremely hazardous to the environment), or sustainable vegan bags (which are not).

But what's the difference, and why should you care?

The Problem with Traditional Bags

Most conventional purses, and other leather goods are made from tanned leather, which can be extremely harmful to the environment.

The following facts put this in perspective:

  • The leather tanning process uses hazardous chemicals including chromium (a known carcinogen), formaldehyde, coal tar derivatives, and some oils and dyes that contain cyanide.
  • Leather tanneries produce hazardous wastewater and release VOCs into the air, both of which can cause a massive loss of biodiversity.
  • Tannery waste has polluted an estimated 55,000 ha of land and the drinking water of over 5 million people.
  • Tannery workers are 4 times more likely to develop respiratory problems and 6 times more likely to develop ocular illnesses (those affecting their vision).

Sources: PETA | EPA | Academia | Science Direct | NIH

Benefits of Sustainable Bags

Sustainable brands offer an alternative to the harmful conventional approach described above. Instead, your eco-friendly handbag will be:

  • Made without the use of harmful chemicals
  • Minimal environmental damage
  • Ethical treatment of workers
  • High-quality, long-lasting products
  • Biodegradable and/or recycled packaging

What to Look for When Shopping for a Sustainable Handbag

So what makes a handbag sustainable, and how can you tell which one you should buy?

Here's how to choose the green and ethical totes, purses, or handbags the easy way.

Recycled Materials & Eco-Friendly Processes

Leather is the most common material used for handbags. It’s durable and ages very well.

However, it comes with several ethical issues and as I outlined above, the environmental impact of leather production is also extremely damaging.

Other, more sustainable, eco-friendly materials currently being used include:

  • Solvent-free vegan leather
  • Vegetable-tanned leather (no chemicals used)
  • Recycled materials (leather, polyester, etc.)
  • Upcycled materials (deadstock given a new lease of life rather than being thrown away)
  • Organic cotton
  • Natural cork
  • Recycled PET
  • Recycled cotton or nylon
  • Pinatex®
  • Sustainable fabrics
  • Cork leather
  • Recycled ocean plastic

Check out our guide to sustainable fabrics for more details.

Timeless Style

Steer clear of fast fashion and invest in quality timeless pieces that will last a lifetime.

Company Transparency

Shop with brands that are transparent and don’t employ greenwashing tactics.

From farmer to store, a sustainable brand will have nothing to hide when it comes to its supply chain and labor practices.

Planet Friendly Certification

Brands that carry recognizable eco-labels are usually amongst the most transparent.

Certifications from the Leather Working Group and/or Iso Certified Ethical Production are desirable - as well as the ethical leather labels I will link to below.

Social Impact

Genuinely sustainable products are produced by companies that care about their social impact.

For example, look for brands that give back to the local community by paying fair wages and employing local artisan producers.

Also, keep an eye out for the following:

  • Carbon offsetting
  • Green energy use
  • Closed-loop manufacturing processes
  • Recycling schemes
  • Carbon neutral shipping
  • Biodegradable, compostable, or plastic-free packaging

Are Any Leather Bags Eco-Friendly?

So we know now that traditional leather is bad for the environment. But what about so-called vegan leather? Could that be the answer to making truly sustainable leather bags? And if not, what is?

The Problem with Vegan Leather

When you hear the term vegan leather, you’d be forgiven for immediately assuming that it’s fully planet-friendly and a non-brainer as an animal leather alternative.

However, that’s not always the case.

Some vegan leathers are an environmental disaster, made from toxic synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

However, there are definitely some green vegan leathers to be found. Just ensure that you steer clear of vegan bags made from plastic being marketed as "vegan materials". Classic greenwashing!

What is Ethical Leather?

Ethical leather is different from vegan leather. It’s leather obtained from an animal that has not been killed solely for harvesting its skin (a byproduct of the meat industry, for example).

Some names to look out for when looking at ethical leather include:

Other Types of Leather

In 2025 women (and men) can now choose from other types of chrome-free leather that do not use animal skin, but that also don't contain plastic!

I've mentioned cactus leather already, but there are also other types of fruit leather including mango leather, pineapple leather, and apple leather to choose from.

These sustainable alternatives offer the best of both worlds. Durable, free from harmful chemicals, environmentally sound, and certified vegan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes a Purse Eco-Friendly?

An eco-friendly purse is one that is made in a way that has a minimal impact on the environment. Some key characteristics to look out for include:

  1. Sustainable materials: Look for fabrics that are renewable and biodegradable. Examples include organic cotton, recycled polyester, hemp, cork, and bamboo.
  2. Non-toxic: Only buy eco friendly bags that are made without the use of harmful chemicals, dyes, and finishes that can pollute the environment and harm human health.
  3. Ethical production: Meaning that the workers who make the product are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.
  4. Durability: Sustainable products, in general, are designed to last a long time, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.
  5. Minimal packaging: Sustainable fashion brands should use minimal packaging, reducing the amount of waste generated during transportation and distribution.

By choosing a responsibly made bag, you can reduce your environmental footprint and make a positive impact on the planet.

What's the Most Environmentally Friendly Bag in the World?

The most sustainable bags are those that are made from fabrics we already have. Upcycled from factory scraps and/or deadstock materials.

However, those that are made from natural fibers and fruit leather can also be considered to be sustainably made.

Are Gucci Bags Environmentally Friendly?

Gucci actually does use some Earth-friendly materials in some of its reusable bags. They're not exactly a sustainable fashion brand, but they're not as bad as some!

However, they still have some improvements to make in terms of their ethics and animal welfare in order to be considered for recommendation here.

What Material Does Louis Vuitton Use?

Lois Vuitton uses genuine tanned leather and some PVC-coated cotton canvas in its reusable totes collections.

The brand is rated Not Good Enough by goodonyou and I would completely agree with their assessment. This is not a brand I buy or recommend.

The Final Word

The takeaway from this article is similar (if not identical) to our Fast Fashion article.

Don’t buy any fashion product unnecessarily. The only truly zero-waste bag is the one you already own.

When you are in the market for a new bag, ensure that you choose a company with high environmental standards and values that match your own.

Stephanie Cole
Stephanie Cole
With her Master of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering (MSREE) from Oregon Tech, Steph is supremely well qualified to write on all aspects of sustainable living. She has already achieved a zero carbon footprint and her goal is to help as many other people as possible do the same. Her other hobbies include music, yoga, swimming and horror movies.

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