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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 or 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 choices.
Perfect for daily use - and with the style and chic you need for nights on the town!
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 here for the bags - so let's start with the good stuff!
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.
✔ No Synthetic Finishes
✔ No Harmful Chemicals
✔ Ethical Supply Chain
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!
✔ Upcycled Leather
✔ Choice of Colors & Styles
✔ High Quality
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.
✔ Premium Materials
✔ Sustainable Packaging
✔ Made to Last
They Say: We are intentional in all our business choices, from product development and manufacturing, to the delivery process and returns. And while we obsess over products' design and functionality, we’re equally concerned with our larger impact on the environment.
We Say: Lo & Sons caught my attention when I needed a sustainable laptop bag that still looks professional. I use the Trinity laptop tote to transport my laptop, project documents, and work essentials without the bulk I've experienced with other totes.
The Trinity bag I tested is made from at least 50% recycled leather and also 27% recycled polyester. This combination of high-quality materials reduces the need to manufacture new materials without affecting the product's durability.
My Trinity tote keeps my laptop safe and secure through airport security lines, rainy commutes, and packed conference halls. The luggage handle sleeve slides perfectly over my rolling suitcase handle, and the mesh interior pockets keep my phone and charging cables organized.
Lo & Sons' commitment to reducing environmental impact extends beyond materials. The brand uses 100% recycled dust bags and soy-based ink on hang tags. Lo & Sons also states that it's working toward obtaining B Corp certification.
They Say: Owning our workshop and overseeing its entire process is our way to guarantee top quality. This means we’ll continue to improve our process to bring you ever better vegan accessories.
We Say: I bought a Corkor vegan purse after my old synthetic leather handbag was worn out beyond repair.
Corkor uses FSC-certified cork from Portuguese artisans who harvest the material without harming cork oak trees. The bark eventually regrows, making cork one of the most sustainable materials for fashion accessories.
The cork fabric/leather surprised me with its soft texture and durability during daily use. My Corkor bag holds my phone, Kindle, tablet, water bottle, and all my daily essentials without feeling cramped or heavy. The adjustable straps let me customize the fit for different outfits and carrying styles throughout the day.
Corkor's water-resistant exterior helps protect my electronics during unexpected rainstorms, and the metal feet keep the bag elevated off wet ground when I set it down during errands. The rustic cork pattern has developed a lovely, unique patina over time. This has added tons of character to my new purse.
The top zipper closure felt slightly stiff during the first few weeks of use, but it loosened over time. Corkor bags come with a two-year manufacturer's warranty, which gives me confidence in the quality.
An eco-friendly bag is made from sustainable materials, produced ethically, and built to last.
My years of testing sustainable fashion have shown me that eco-friendly bags and purses have the following qualities.
Unfortunately, many traditional bags do not meet these criteria and can have a negative environmental impact.
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:
Sources: PETA | EPA | Academia | Science Direct | NIH
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?
When you hear the term vegan leather, you’d be forgiven for immediately assuming that it’s fully planet-friendly and a no-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!
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:
In 2026 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, environmentally sound, and certified vegan.
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.
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 to be considered for recommendation here.
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 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.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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