A guide for eco-conscious shoppers choosing the right bag material.
Introduction
Organic cotton, jute, hemp and recycled PET (RPET) are the most common "sustainable" bag materials, and each has real strengths and real trade-offs. No single material wins on every measure, so here's a practical comparison to help you choose.
The four common options
- Organic cotton: grown without synthetic pesticides; soft and natural, but still a thirsty crop.
- Jute: a natural plant fibre often used for strong, rustic-looking bags.
- Hemp: one of the oldest textiles, needing relatively little water and pesticide.
- RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate): made from recycled plastic bottles, giving existing plastic a second life.
Comparison: strengths and trade-offs
| Material | Everyday use | Water in production | End of life | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic cotton | Soft, but heavier and slower to dry than synthetics | High (irrigated crop) | Biodegradable; rarely recycled | Best for natural-fibre lovers who will use it many, many times. |
| Jute | Strong and stiff; doesn't fold small | Low (little irrigation) | Biodegradable; not easily recycled | Great for sturdy totes, less so for a bag you keep in a pocket. |
| Hemp | Very durable | Low | Biodegradable; limited recycling | Robust crop, but fabric can be rough and pricier. |
| RPET | Lightweight, water-resistant, folds small | Low (no new crop grown) | Not biodegradable; textile recycling still limited in most areas | Reuses existing plastic; lasts longest when used often and washed gently. |
Why we chose RPET
We picked RPET because it lets us turn existing plastic waste into bags that are light, water-resistant and fold into a pocket, which makes them easier to keep with you, and a bag you remember to bring is one that actually gets reused. That said, it isn't a perfect material: it's still polyester, it isn't biodegradable, and recycling polyester textiles at the end of their life is still hard in most places. That's why we design our bags to be used for years.
Making the right choice as a shopper
- Already own a good reusable bag? Keep using it. The most sustainable bag is usually the one you already have.
- Often forget your bag? Choose something that folds small enough to live in your coat or handbag.
- Carrying heavy shopping? Check the stated load limit and handle comfort.
- Want it to last? Check the care instructions before you buy.
Want to know more about the material itself? Read What is RPET Fabric?
