The Natura suitcase is mostly made from recycled PET. That sounds great, but what's the real story behind recycled plastic and its use in suitcases? What should you be aware of in the midst of the abundance of, sometimes misleading, sustainability claims? We like transparency and fair play, so we're here to explain how sustainable your Natura suitcase is and how you can verify this.
Post-consumer, pre-consumer... Help!
First, let's clarify the key terms: PET, pre-consumer rPET, and post-consumer rPET.
PET is made from oil, a fossil resource. PET production generates a significant amount of CO2 emissions, which we aim to reduce collectively. This can be achieved by producing less new PET and increasing recycling.
There are two forms of recycled PET, also known as rPET:
- Pre-consumer rPET is simply waste generated during the production of PET. Essentially, it's identical to new PET, with the only difference being that it's used instead of ending up in the waste bin. This makes it slightly better than new PET.
- Post-consumer rPET is used PET, often in the form of plastic bottles. This rPET is collected and processed into new raw material, reducing the need for new oil to be converted into plastic and, consequently, reducing plastic waste. This makes a significant difference, as plastic made from rPET has a 65% to 80% lower carbon footprint than plastic made from new PET.
Looks good, doesn't it?
But how can consumers verify these percentages?
Unfortunately, there is no regulation that dictates what claims brands and manufacturers can make regarding the use of sustainable materials. This often leads to greenwashing in practice, where a product or brand is presented as more sustainable than it actually is. We don't support that. We tell you the honest story - open, transparent, and verifiable.
That's why we work with a Transaction Certificate, which allows us to demonstrate how much recycled PET is used in your suitcase and where it comes from. Of course, you can view that certificate if you wish.
For those interested:
What is a Transaction Certificate?
Brands or manufacturers can prove the use of recycled materials in their products with a Transaction Certificate (TC), issued by an independent institution, such as Control Union. The TC shows who sold the rPET, who processed it into products, and who bought the finished products.
If a company has TCs, they should be proud to show them. So be cautious when brands refuse to show their TCs.
So, how sustainable is my Natura suitcase now?
Even suitcases made from rPET have an impact. The recycling process consumes energy, as does the new production and transport to your home. However, this impact is significantly lower than that of suitcases made from new PET. Additionally, PET doesn't end up in incinerators when it's turned into new products.
Good to know
Suitcases made from rPET, including ours and those of other providers, may be slightly less resistant to extreme heat. Above 60 degrees Celsius, the material can expand, which could happen in a parked car exposed to direct sunlight. Make sure to avoid this to keep your suitcase as nice as possible.
So, what should I look for when buying a sustainable suitcase?
If you'd like to purchase a suitcase made from rPET or other sustainable materials, consider the following:
Consider the realism of certain sustainability claims. For example, is a biodegradable material suitcase genuinely sustainable?
Check if brands support their claims with facts, figures, and certifications.
Be cautious if brands claim to use post-consumer rPET, as there is currently a shortage of honest, certified post-consumer rPET due to high demand. This can drive up prices. Especially if the price is not much higher than that of suitcases made from new PET.
If "recycled PET" is used, see if it specifies whether it's pre-consumer or post-consumer rPET.
Does it mention the percentage of rPET used? Due to the lack of regulations, brands can claim their suitcase is made from rPET even if it contains only a small percentage of rPET.
Does the product imply that it helps clean up ocean plastics? Remember this video.Â
For those interested:
Ocean plastic and ocean bound plastic
Annually, we produce 400 million tons of plastic worldwide. Of that, 20% is not collected. This plastic is at risk of ending up in the ocean via rivers. The majority of it washes up on the coast, with only 2 million tons of plastic actually ending up in the sea*.
Ocean plastic
Some manufacturers and brands claim their products are made from "ocean plastic", which, according to them, is plastic collected from the ocean and processed into new products. However, the amount of plastic retrieved from the sea is so small and varies so much in type and quality that sorting and processing it into new products is nearly impossible and extremely costly.
Ocean bound plastic
In reality, the claimed "ocean plastic" is often "ocean-bound plastic" or OBP. This is plastic found within 50 kilometers of the coast, meaning it is on its way to the ocean. Since it is used plastic, you can also call it "post-consumer OBP," as long as it can be proven honestly.
*Source: Ocean Cleanup
More information: [Link to Video]