About Db
Price Range: $29–$899
Based in Oslo, Norway, Db is a multiple ISPO design award winner of sophisticated and functional sustainable travel bags that cater to the diverse needs of globetrotters, professionals, and weekend explorers alike.
From cameras to surfboards, there’s luggage for everyone.
Their design philosophy?
“Capable, yet elegant. Built to last. Less, but better.”
This is encapsulated in everything from their sleek appearance to their innovative features, like integrated TSA-approved locks and a Patented Length Adjustment System™.
We were able to try out both the Ramverk Check-in and Ramverk Carry-on pieces. Both eco-friendly TSA-approved lock luggage, these really are a sustainable traveler’s dream come true.
We found both designs lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially with the four wheel system that prevents tipping when making a mad dash to catch your connecting flight.
The quality is top-notch, and feels like a premium piece of luggage should, so we feel confident these will last us for many trips to come, making it an excellent investment for those who want to travel in style and with sustainability in mind.
Because they have fulfillment centers in both the US and Europe, they’re perfect for sustainable luggage UK shoppers, too.
Db’s Ethical & Sustainability Practices
Materials:
While a handful of styles still feature virgin polyester fabric, Db’s eco-friendly materials make for mostly recycled luggage.
Their hard-shelled luggage features a whopping 70% recycled polycarbonate shell and 100% GRS-certified recycled polyester lining.
Their many soft-sided options feature other recycled materials like recycled nylon, dope-dyed polypropylene, and polyethylene foams and hardboards.
Weatherproof coatings are PU-based and PFC-free, and most fabrics (and soon all) have bluesign® and/or OEKO-TEX certification, so we know it’s truly non-toxic luggage.
Supply chain & labor practices:
Each recycled suitcase or accessory is made in one of six factories in either Vietnam, China, Sweden, Bangladesh, and Tunisia where workers are protected by their ILO and UN-based Code of Conduct.
Tier 1 factories must have a third-party CSR audit or verified assessment in the Higg Facility Social & Labour Module (FSLM) as well as the Facility Environmental Module (FEM).
They hope to audit all tier 2 suppliers by 2025.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
Because their luggage is designed to last for decades, you can resell or buy used Db products with their Db Renewed service.
They’ve been measuring and publishing their scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions for several years now with the goal of reducing them year by year to reach targets set in the Paris Agreement.
And while they know it’s not the whole answer, they offset through gold-standard verified carbon offset projects with CHOOOSE.
Their Roadmap to Net Zero includes some impressive and precise goals, like launching circular products and a rental program by 2025 and using 90% recycled materials and 100% renewable energy at the tier-1 supplier level by 2030.