person wearing recycled poly backpack at school

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Backpacks for Back-to-School 2024

As the back-to-school season approaches, finding the best backpack for the new academic year is at the top of many students' lists. Whether for a college student, high schooler, or in grade school, choosing a backpack that's both stylish and sustainable is a great way to start the year off right. 

Recycled polyester backpacks are the perfect choice. They’re not just tough and long-lasting, but they also save money by cutting down on expensive virgin materials. Plus, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, choosing these eco-friendly options means you're helping to reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

Check out our top 5 picks for eco-friendly backpacks that are perfect for every student heading back to school.


Urban Pack: The Ultimate All-Terrain Backpack

A man holding a yellow backpack and a bottle.

 

Designed for outdoor adventures and the classroom, the Urban Pack is made from strong, recycled polyester and biodegradable leather. This weather-resistant backpack adapts to any environment, offering padded straps for comfort and multiple pockets for organization. 

The dedicated laptop compartment fits laptops, iPads, and tablets, making it ideal for students who need to carry tech devices along with their textbooks, notebooks, and binders. Available in Charcoal, Mustard, and Burnt Orange. Available in Charcoal, Mustard, and Burnt Orange. 

 

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Urban Pack Mini: Compact and Mighty 

Woman walking into a restaurant with black mini urban backpack.

The Urban Pack Mini is the perfect compact version of our popular Urban Pack. Crafted from robust, weather-resistant recycled polyester and eco-friendly leather, it's ideal for minimalist needs. Whether you're hiking, commuting, or heading to a class, this backpack offers functionality and sustainable style in a more portable package. Learn more about what to pack in your mini backpack for everyday adventures. 

The padded compartment fits a 13" laptop, iPad, or tablet comfortably, while still leaving room for textbooks and notebooks. Available in Taupe, Mustard, and Charcoal.

 


Roll Pack: Adjustable and Adaptable 

Man walking down the street with taupe rolltop backpack.

 

The Roll Pack is your perfect companion for weekend getaways and daily use. Crafted from durable, weather-resistant polyester and eco-friendly leather, it combines longevity with sustainable style. 

The roll-top closure lets you adjust its volume to meet your needs, while padded pockets and stylish leather trim ensure a reliable and flexible carry throughout the day. The laptop compartment also fits iPads and tablets, making it a versatile choice for college students who need to carry books, binders, and tech devices. Available in Taupe, Mustard, Burnt Orange, and Charcoal. 

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Tote Pack: Versatility at Its Best

Woman walking down the street with taupe tote pack.

 

The Tote Pack is a versatile and eco-friendly bag perfect for any lifestyle. Switch easily between tote, shoulder bag, and backpack with convertible straps. Made from durable, recycled, weather-resistant polyester and top-quality biodegradable leather, the Tote Pack is ideal for daily use, combining practicality with sustainable style. 

It features ample space for books, binders, and a 13" or 15" laptop, which can also fit iPads or tablets and other essentials, making it an excellent choice for students. Available in Taupe.

 

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Sport Bag: Ready for Action

Woman in green shirt walking and putting on drawstring sports bag.

 

The Sport Bag is made from strong, durable, weather-resistant recycled polyester. It features a large front zipper pocket, perfect for storing your keys, phone, and wallet, and can be worn with the pocket against your back for added security.

Adjustable straps ensure a custom fit, making it a reliable and eco-friendly choice for your daily activities. This bag is great for campus gym days, yoga on the quad, and carrying gym clothes, books, or an iPad. Available in Mustard, Burnt Orange, and Charcoal.

 

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Shop the Collection

Each of these eco-friendly backpacks combines functionality, style, and sustainability. 

SHOP THE BACKPACK COLLECTION

 

Benefits of Using Recycled Polyester

Recycled polyester is a sustainable fabric made from post-consumer plastic bottles. These bottles are cleaned, melted down, and spun into yarn, which is then woven into fabric. This process not only reduces plastic waste but also conserves resources and lowers carbon emissions compared to producing virgin polyester.

  • Reduces Plastic Waste: By repurposing plastic bottles, we help keep them out of landfills and oceans, reducing pollution and its harmful effects on wildlife and ecosystems.
  • Conserves Resources: The production of recycled polyester uses less water and energy than virgin polyester, conserving vital natural resources.
  • Lowers Carbon Footprint: Manufacturing recycled polyester emits fewer greenhouse gases, contributing to the fight against climate change.

 

Female artisan for MADE FREE handcrafting the urban pack.

 

Finding the best backpack for school involves considering durability, style, and sustainability. MADE FREE offers a range of eco-friendly and ethically-made options that cater to college students, high schoolers, and grade school students alike. 

Each purchase of a backpack supports our MADE FREE team in India with freedom from human trafficking, slavery, and poverty through dignified, self-sustaining employment

 

MADE FREE Back-to-School Sale

Mark your calendars! MADE FREE will be having a back-to-school sale during the first two weeks of August. This is the perfect opportunity to purchase these eco-friendly backpacks at a discounted price, making back-to-school shopping both budget-friendly and sustainable.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MADE FREE MODEL

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