There was a time when we would just consume products and not really think about how they were made or what we’ll do with them when they reach the end of their product life. But as we continue to deal with the consequences of global warming, most of us (hopefully) have become more conscious about the lifecycle of the products we buy as part of our environmental responsibility. We tend to choose brands that are transparent about how materials used for their products as well as what we can do when we need to dispose of them already.
Samsonite, a global leader in travel solutions, has announced a significant step forward in its sustainability journey with the introduction of innovative circular luggage limited editions which carry Digital Product Passports. This initiative marks a new era for the brand, emphasizing its commitment to environmental responsibility and offering customers greater transparency about their products’ lifecycle. This means each piece of luggage will have a unique digital identity which will give customers detailed information about the product’s origin, the materials used in its construction, and importantly, guidance on how to properly care for and eventually recycle the luggage.
Designer: Samsonite
The ESSENS Circular suitcases are made from 80% recycled materials for its outer shells with the suitcase overall having 70% recycled materials. 35% of these materials are from pre-owned recycled suitcases. They collected and disassembled these old suitcases with the shells shredded and mixed with other post-consumer recycled content, including recycled polymers from LyondellBasell. The wheel is also designed in a way that it can be easily disassembled and repaired.
The PROXIS Circular suitcases meanwhile is the first Samsonite suitcase that incorporates bio-circular materials. They use the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) mass balance approach to produce its suitcase shells. Specifically, they use cooking oil that’s processed and converted into polymers and then turned into sheets to create the shells. The other components of the suitcase also maximize the use of recycled materials. All in all, the entire suitcase has a total share of 65% bio-circular and recycled materials.
This launch of the ESSENS Circular and PROXIS Circular limited editions signifies more than just new luggage; it represents a tangible step towards a more sustainable future for the travel industry. By prioritizing recycled and bio-circular materials and embedding product information within a digital passport, Samsonite is empowering consumers to join them in their mission. These innovative suitcases not only cater to the environmentally conscious traveler of today but also pave the way for a future where circularity is the norm, encouraging other brands to follow suit and collectively reduce our impact on the planet, one journey at a time.
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