If you’re looking for a stylish accessory that doesn’t harm the planet, animals, or people, you might want to consider a sustainable handbag. Sustainable handbags are made from eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, recycled plastic, vegan leather, cork, or straw.
They are also produced ethically, ensuring fair wages and working conditions for the artisans and workers who make them. Plus, they are designed to last, reducing waste and extending their lifespan.
But with so many brands and options out there, how do you choose the best sustainable handbag for you? To help you out, we’ve curated a list of 13 sustainable handbag brands that we love, based on their environmental and social impact, style, quality, and customer reviews.
Whether you’re looking for a tote, a clutch, a crossbody, or a backpack, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget. Here are our top picks for sustainable handbags in 2023:
1. O My Bag
O My Bag is a Dutch brand that creates vintage-inspired, rugged-chic sustainable handbags from eco-friendly leather. The leather is sourced from local farms in India, where the cows are treated humanely and not raised for their skin. The leather is also tanned without harmful chemicals, using a vegetable tanning process that reduces water and energy consumption.
O My Bag works closely with fair trade certified factories in India, where the artisans are paid fairly and work in safe and healthy conditions. The brand also supports various social and environmental projects, such as education, women empowerment, and reforestation.
O My Bag offers a range of styles, from classic totes and satchels to trendy bucket bags and belt bags. You can also personalize your bag with a monogram or a charm.
2. Kayu
Kayu is an American brand that creates gorgeous, handcrafted boho sustainable bags for the modern free spirit. Each bag is made by women artisans in the Philippines, who weave and embroider the bags by hand, using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation.
The bags are made from natural materials, such as straw, rattan, bamboo, and shell, that are harvested, stripped, and dyed by hand. These materials are biodegradable and renewable, minimizing the environmental impact of the production.
Kayu also supports the artisans and their communities, providing them with fair wages, health benefits, and education opportunities. Kayu’s bags are perfect for summer, with their vibrant colors, playful pom-poms, and chic shapes. You can find totes, clutches, crossbodies, and more.
3. Mashu
Mashu is a British brand that creates elegant and edgy sustainable handbags from vegan leather and recycled polyester. The vegan leather is made from polyurethane, which is solvent-free and uses 95% less water, 50% less energy, and zero chemicals compared to conventional polyurethane.
The recycled polyester is made from post-consumer plastic bottles, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Mashu also uses vegan suede, organic cotton, and recycled brass for its interiors and hardware.
The bags are handcrafted in Greece, where the brand works with a small family-run factory that ensures fair and ethical working conditions. Mashu’s bags are inspired by art deco and art nouveau, featuring geometric shapes, contrasting colors, and textured details. You can find mini bags, shoulder bags, belt bags, and more.
4. Sans Beast
Sans Beast is an Australian brand that creates bold and beautiful sustainable handbags from vegan leather and recycled materials. The vegan leather is made from polyurethane, which is certified by the European Union’s REACH standard, meaning it meets strict criteria for human and environmental health.
The brand also uses recycled polyester, nylon, and PET for its linings, webbing, and straps. The hardware is made from recycled zinc alloy, which is durable and recyclable. Sans Beast works with a BSCI-audited factory in China, where the workers are paid fairly and treated with respect.
The brand also donates a portion of its profits to animal welfare organizations. Sans Beast’s bags are designed for the expressive and adventurous, featuring animal prints, metallic accents, and statement shapes. You can find totes, backpacks, crossbodies, and more.
5. Cuyana
Cuyana is a Californian brand that creates timeless and functional sustainable handbags from leather and canvas. The leather is certified by the Leather Working Group, which ensures that the tanning process is environmentally responsible and uses less water, energy, and chemicals.
The canvas is made from organic cotton, which is grown without pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs, and is uncoated, meaning it doesn’t contain any harmful substances. Cuyana has a transparent supply chain and works with family-run factories in Vietnam, Italy, Turkey, and Argentina, where the artisans are skilled and respected.
The brand also promotes a lean closet philosophy, encouraging customers to buy fewer but better quality items, and to donate their unwanted clothes to women in need. Cuyana’s bags are minimalist and versatile, featuring neutral colors and simple shapes. You can find totes, satchels, bucket bags, and more. You can also personalize your bag with a monogram.
6. Petit Kouraj
Petit Kouraj is a New York-based brand that creates stunning and unique sustainable handbags from organic cotton and recycled materials. The bags are hand-crocheted from organic cotton rope, which is dyed with natural and non-toxic dyes.
The bags are also embellished with recycled plastic beads, shells, and feathers, adding texture and personality. Petit Kouraj works with a women-led cooperative in Haiti, where the bags are made by skilled artisans who earn fair wages and have access to health care and education.
The brand also supports various charities that empower women and children in Haiti. Petit Kouraj’s bags are inspired by the founder’s Haitian heritage, featuring vibrant colors, playful fringes, and sculptural shapes. You can find mini bags, tote bags, bucket bags, and more.
7. Chloé
Chloé is a French luxury brand that creates chic and feminine sustainable handbags from leather and canvas. The brand is committed to reducing its environmental impact and improving its social responsibility.
The leather is sourced from tanneries that are certified by the Leather Working Group or the Gold Standard, which ensure that the leather is produced in a sustainable and ethical way. The canvas is made from organic cotton, which is grown without harmful chemicals and uses less water and energy.
Chloé also works with suppliers and manufacturers that respect human rights, labor standards, and animal welfare. The brand also supports various initiatives that promote women empowerment, education, and culture. Chloé’s bags are iconic and sophisticated, featuring signature details, such as the padlock, the horse motif, and the C logo. You can find shoulder bags, crossbody bags, tote bags, and more.
8. A_C
A_C is an Australian brand that creates innovative and futuristic sustainable handbags from vegan leather and recycled materials. The vegan leather is made from Desserto, a plant-based leather alternative made from cactus, which is organic, biodegradable, and cruelty-free.
The recycled materials include Econyl, a regenerated nylon made from ocean waste, and Repreve, a recycled polyester made from plastic bottles. A_C also uses recycled zippers, buckles, and threads for its hardware and stitching. The bags are ethically made in a small factory in China, where the workers are paid above the living wage and have safe and comfortable working conditions.
A_C’s bags are designed for the modern and conscious, featuring sleek shapes, modular designs, and detachable straps. You can find backpacks, belt bags, pouches, and more.
9. Piper & Skye
Piper & Skye is a Canadian brand that creates luxurious and sustainable handbags from fish leather and organic cotton. The fish leather is made from the skins of wild-caught pirarucu fish from the Amazon, which are usually discarded by the fishing industry. The leather is tanned with vegetable extracts and dyed with natural pigments, resulting in a durable, soft, and exotic material.
The organic cotton is grown without pesticides or fertilizers, and is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. Piper & Skye works with local artisans and communities in Brazil, where the bags are handcrafted with care and respect.
The brand also supports various environmental and social causes, such as the Rainforest Trust, the Ocean Legacy Foundation, and the Canadian Women’s Foundation. Piper & Skye’s bags are elegant and refined, featuring classic colors and sophisticated shapes. You can find clutches, crossbody bags, tote bags, and more. Shop Piper & Skye.
10. House of MĀRĪCĪ
House of MĀRĪCĪ is a British brand that creates limited edition sustainable handbags from vegan leather and recycled materials. The vegan leather is made from apple peels, which are a by-product of the apple juice industry. The apple peels are dried, ground, and mixed with polyurethane, creating a leather-like material that is biodegradable and compostable.
The recycled materials include Econyl, a regenerated nylon made from ocean waste, and Piñatex, a plant-based leather alternative made from pineapple leaves. House of MĀRĪCĪ works with a small factory in Italy, where the bags are made by experienced craftsmen who use traditional techniques and high-quality materials. The brand also follows a slow fashion approach, producing only a few pieces per season and avoiding overproduction and waste.
House of MĀRĪCĪ’s bags are inspired by the concept of balance, featuring contrasting colors, textures, and shapes. You can find backpacks, crossbody bags, tote bags, and more.
11. Matt & Nat
Matt & Nat is a Canadian brand that creates sleek and modern sustainable handbags from vegan leather and recycled materials. The vegan leather is made from polyurethane, which is more eco-friendly than PVC, and has a smooth and durable finish.
The recycled materials include plastic bottles, rubber, cork, and nylon, which are used for the linings, soles, and details of the bags. Matt & Nat works with factories in China that are compliant with the SA8000 standard, which ensures fair and ethical labor practices.
The brand also supports various animal and environmental organizations, such as PETA, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the World Wildlife Fund. Matt & Nat’s bags are minimalist and functional, featuring clean lines, neutral colors, and practical features. You can find backpacks, satchels, wallets, and more.
12. Angela Roi
Angela Roi is an American brand that creates sophisticated and elegant sustainable handbags from vegan leather and recycled materials. The vegan leather is made from polyurethane, which is certified by the European Union’s REACH standard, meaning it meets strict criteria for human and environmental health.
The recycled materials include polyester, cotton, and nylon, which are used for the linings, straps, and zippers of the bags. Angela Roi works with artisans in Korea, where the bags are handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail and quality.
The brand also supports various animal rights and welfare causes, such as the ASPCA, the Humane Society, and the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation. Angela Roi’s bags are classic and refined, featuring timeless colors, shapes, and styles. You can find shoulder bags, crossbody bags, tote bags, and more.
13. Gunas
Gunas is an American brand that creates fun and colorful sustainable handbags from vegan leather and recycled materials. The vegan leather is made from polyurethane, which is free of PVC, formaldehyde, and other toxic chemicals.
The recycled materials include plastic bottles, nylon, and rubber, which are used for the linings, webbing, and soles of the bags. Gunas works with factories in India, China, South Korea, and Mexico, where the workers are paid fairly and have decent working conditions.
The brand also supports various animal and environmental charities, such as Mercy for Animals, Farm Sanctuary, and Sea Shepherd. Gunas’s bags are playful and quirky, featuring bright colors, prints, and details. You can find backpacks, clutches, crossbody bags, and more. [Shop Gunas].
So, Ready to Switch to Sustainable Handbags?
Sustainable handbags are a great way to accessorize your outfit while being kind to the planet, animals, and people. By choosing a sustainable handbag, you can reduce your environmental impact, support ethical and fair trade practices, and express your personal style. We hope this list of 13 sustainable handbag brands has inspired you to find your perfect eco-friendly bag. Whether you’re looking for a casual tote, a formal clutch, or anything in between, you’ll find a sustainable handbag that suits your needs and preferences. Happy shopping!
