Sustainability

Looking for sustainable bags and accessories in a simple and transparent way? Our sustainability label helps you find greener products on wardow.com with just one click. To make it easier to understand why we consider a product a sustainable alternative, we have summarised our six most important sustainability criteria in two groups. A product is currently labelled as “sustainable” if it meets at least one criterion from each group.

Learn more about our sustainability criteria

1. Criteria group

Durability

Repairing is more eco-friendly than throwing away!
That’s why many manufacturers offer a repair service that can often be used even after the warranty period has expired. Whether it’s a broken zip or a torn strap – suitable spare parts and accessories can extend the life of your favourite companion. Our products meet high quality standards. However, if damage caused by material or manufacturing defects occurs over time, you can have your bag or backpack repaired. Sustainable products are designed so that individual parts can be easily replaced and/or repaired – an advantage for both your wallet and the environment! Particularly sustainable brands offer an extended manufacturer’s warranty for their products, sometimes even up to a lifetime guarantee.

Production in the local area

It’s obvious: production in Europe means shorter transport routes and lower CO₂ emissions. It is therefore more environmentally friendly than manufacturing in distant countries. By purchasing products made in Europe, you also support the preservation of local jobs. Within EU countries, there is a strong commitment to protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Some countries also maintain comparatively higher standards of occupational safety and social responsibility in production. Whether “Made in Germany”, “Made in Italy” or “Made in Europe” – local production stands for high quality standards in workmanship and materials, as well as long-lasting durability.

Fair and social production

Does fair production happen by chance? Not at all! Fair production requires compliance with strict social standards. These include minimum wages, regulated working hours, a safe working environment, and the prohibition of forced and child labour. Socially fair working conditions guarantee freedom of association and the right to form trade unions while excluding any form of discrimination. Many manufacturers also take additional measures beyond established international labour standards, such as training programmes. Several official certifications – including the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), Der Grüne Knopf and Fairtrade – confirm compliance with strict social standards.

2. Criteria group

Pollutant-reduced production

The chemistry has to be right! Many conventional production methods involve the use of chemicals. To give products certain properties – such as water repellency or breathability – chemical substances are applied. Whether as a finish or as part of the product, some chemicals are considered problematic or even harmful to people and the environment. The production of sustainable goods focuses on reducing or eliminating harmful substances. There are sustainable alternatives to traditional waterproofing agents for outdoor backpacks, such as per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFC) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Coatings based on silicone and beeswax are not only more environmentally friendly but also safer. The most important certifications for chemical management are bluesign, GOTS and MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX.

Environmentally friendly material

For eco-friendly materials, what matters most is the amount of resources and energy required for their production, as well as their environmental impact. Sustainable products are made partly or entirely from environmentally friendly materials. Instead of conventional cotton or leather, sustainable bags and accessories use greener alternatives – such as organic cotton or innovative materials like hemp. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without agrochemicals and without genetically modified seeds. This method protects the soil and reduces water consumption. The hemp plant also requires little water and grows without fertilisers. The most common certifications are Naturtextil IVN zertifiziert BEST and GOTS. For leather products, a distinction is made between vegetable-tanned and chemically tanned hides. Vegetable-tanned leather is free from harmful substances, and most types are biodegradable and recyclable. Leather from tanneries that are members of the Leather Working Group is also considered sustainable.

Recycled material

“Reduce, reuse, repeat” is the motto here. Whether partly or entirely, recycled products are made from materials that have already been used. These are reintroduced into the material cycle (re-cycle) and transformed into new products. Bags, backpacks and travel luggage made from recycled materials have a lower environmental impact than comparable items made from new raw materials. Recycled products are at least as high in quality as their counterparts made from virgin materials. For example, used truck tarpaulins, PET bottles and fishing nets can be repurposed into new bags, backpacks or suitcases. Recycled products that can be recycled again are among the most sustainable alternatives. The most relevant certification in this area is the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).

By the way: you can easily filter all products in the shop by our sustainability criteria. External sustainability labels and certifications, where available, are shown directly in the product description.

A sustainable shopping experience: we’re on it!

Sustainability is close to our hearts. We continuously review our existing range and the new arrivals that go online every day to clearly highlight sustainable bags, backpacks and suitcases. We know that sustainability is a complex topic. Even though we don’t have everything perfect yet, we know we’re on the right track – and that every small step counts. We’re working to make manufacturers’ sustainability information more comparable and our own assessment criteria more transparent for you. Our goal is to help you navigate more easily and make more conscious purchasing decisions.