20 of our favourite sustainably made commuter bags on the market.
ADVERTISEMENTDurability is essential when on the hunt for a work bag. Whether it gets thrown in the back seat of your car or battered by public transport the last thing you want is you belongings strewn across the pavement when your bag gives out. Traditionally, leather has been the material of choice for the daily commuter but environmental concerns about the process of tanning may leave you seeking an alternative. A majority of leather is chrome tanned, a process that can leach hazardous waste into the environment and groups like PETA also highlight the energy intensive process of raising cattle as not particularly environmentally friendly.
Our list, then, brings together both sustainable, vegetable tanned leathers and alternative materials like cork and vegan leather. These bags are durable and sustainable to carry you to work and look good doing it. Here are 20 fun and spacious bags that you can take to work and beyond.
1.
MEES
MEES tans all of its leather using sustainable processes to avoid toxic chemical pollution. The Rollitbag is practical and features a beautiful tortoise shell pattern.
Rollitbag Magnet Series in Terracotta
£224.48
2.
Stella McCartney
Made using the designer's leather alternative, Alter-napa, this bag is reversible so you can swap its practical grey for a stunning burgundy suedette.
Fabella Reversible Tote
£720
3.
Lee Coren
This large bag is made from vegan leather and can be turned into a tote, messenger or backpack. Its anti-theft roll top is a great feature for the city commute.
Wanderlust Rolltop in Stone
£126.63
4.
Nord by Nord
ADVERTISEMENTSimple and spacious, the Nord by Nord shopper is perfect for everyday use at work or in the city. Made with Pinatex, its unique strength means you could even take it away as a weekend bag.
The Shopper in Beige
£300.75
5.
Matt & Nat
ADVERTISEMENTCork is fully biodegradable and gives this bag a unique natural pattern. Its big enough for a 13" laptop and has a security pocket to keep your valuables safe.
Munich Cork Backpack
£138.00
6.
Lee Coren
ADVERTISEMENTHigh quality vegan leather makes this bag robust whilst still remaining light and comfortable. Perfect for work but also perfect for adventuring afterwards.
Metropolitan Bag in Burnt Umber
£103.53
7.
Sans Beast
ADVERTISEMENTVegan brand, Sans Beast, sources its vegan leather from suppliers that try to reduce use of chemical ingredients. This bag has lots of pockets for all your bits and bobs and will fit a 13" laptop.
Noir Croco Liaison Backpack
£317.76
8.
Nord by Nord
ADVERTISEMENTSimplistic and functional, this backpack is made from cow waste skin rather than conventional leather helping to use all of the cow. Its simple design is inspired by Nepalese craft with lots of pockets for purses, water bottles, and phones.
The Back Pack in Cognac
£215.43
9.
Matt & Nat
ADVERTISEMENTPerfectly laptop sized, the Paxx bag has a compartment specially padded to accommodate anything up to 13". Matt & Nat's vegan leather is approved by Peta and the brand is committed to environmentally friendly production methods.
Paxx Olive Bag
£150
10.
Sans Beast
ADVERTISEMENTUsing Sans Beast's vegan leather, the Dovecote bag is a bit more compact than the Liaison with a slouchy silhouette that brings versatility. Its neutral tones are perfect to match with any outfit, night or day.
Dovecote Pebble Harlequin Bucket Backpack
£118.66
11.
O My Bag
ADVERTISEMENTThe sustainably tanned leather that makes up this satchel is not only better for the environment but will also develop character as it ages, getting softer and shinier.
Dirty Harry Camel Schoolbag
£266.11
12.
Bottega Veneta
ADVERTISEMENTBottega Veneta's materials are 100% traceable for all of their Cabat bags. This ensures that they can do everything in the process to ensure sustainability and respect for the animals that produce them.
Maxi Cabat in Nappa
£6,825
13.
O My Bag
ADVERTISEMENTWaxed canvas is a great traditional option for long lasting bags. Made from GOTS certified cotton and eco-leather, O My Bag has taken into account sustainability in all aspects of its manufacturing.
Billies Backpack Black Waxed Cotton
£133.80
14.
Matt & Nat
ADVERTISEMENTIf you are looking for something a bit brighter, Matt & Nat's PU vegan leather offers this red backpack ready to carry you from day to night. If red isn't your thing the bag is also available in 4 other, more neutral shades.
Mercy in Red
£82.50
15.
Stella McCartney
ADVERTISEMENTYou can always count on Stella McCartney for stylish sustainability and the Logo Tote doesn't disappoint. Large enough to carry your essentials and some, the thick shoulder strap will keep it from digging in even when full.
Stella Logo Tote Bag
£565
16.
O My Bag
ADVERTISEMENTMade with the same sustainable leather as their satchel, this more conventional rucksack is bursting with pockets. The largest on the list, the John Backpack will fit even a 15" laptop.
John Backpack Maxi in Camel
£292.81
17.
Maison Margiela
ADVERTISEMENTArtisanal reworking of unconventional materials has always been a part of Maison Margiela's ethos. This bag made from vegan leather and has zipped pockets for extra security.
Logo- Embellished Leather Backpack
£895
18.
V By Townsley
ADVERTISEMENTThis bag reminds us of clear blue skies and is the ideal bag for the over-packer. It is crafted from Japanese vegan leather in Italy ensuring luxury without harming animals or the environment.
Eden in Lagoon Blue
£450
19.
Noah
ADVERTISEMENTItalian made, the Modena backpack is crafted using modern materials and traditional techniques. The vegan leather is water repellent and even the glues used on the bag do not contain animal ingredients.
Modena Backpack
£142.81
20.
Paraguro Upcycle
ADVERTISEMENTPaguro is committed to up-cycling materials that would otherwise end up in landfill. The Ando slimline is handmade from reclaimed inner tubes that feature a similar texture to leather.
Ando Slimline Inner Tube Backpack
£130
