Thinking and acting in cycles is deeply anchored in FREITAG’s DNA. The company’s vision: to design its bags and accessories in the future so that they no longer only consist of used materials, but are also circular.
After three years of development, the time has come – FREITAG is launching the next circular innovation: The Mono backpack is not only functional, durable and water-repellent, but also completely recyclable and therefore circular.
Greentech Friday: Easy recyclability through monomateriality
In order to make the recycling process as simple and resource-saving as possible, FREITAG is relying on monomateriality for its latest development. Polyamide 6, PA6 for short, better known as nylon, is the material of choice: versatile, robust and adaptable.
However, limiting it to this one material is more complex than it initially sounds. A total of 17 components made from PA6 had to be found, all with their specific requirements in terms of texture and properties: from a water-repellent main material to sturdy zippers to solutions for carrying straps, labels or sewing thread.
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Recycling backpack: water-repellent and recyclable “material innovation”
FREITAG is convinced that the transformation towards a circular economy can only be achieved collaboratively. The search for an already available water-repellent fabric made from a single material was unsuccessful, as such textiles traditionally require an additional coating or membrane made from other materials.
However, this was out of the question due to the assumed monomateriality.
And because FREITAG also wants a circular product to be water-repellent, a new solution was needed. Together with a Taiwanese partner from the textile industry, a new type of fabric was developed that is both water-repellent and monomaterial.
After a complex development period, the innovative material, whose three layers consist exclusively of polyamide 6, finally impressed in all material tests.
Greentech’s first circular FREITAG backpack circular economy
Multifunctional everyday companion: backpack and crossbody bag in one
FREITAG also pursued a co-creative approach to product design: The Mono[PA6] Backpack was developed together with British designer Jeffrey Siu. With his design, he refers to the two-wheel culture in which FREITAG is deeply rooted and reinterprets it.
The result: a light, versatile companion that takes into account the most diverse needs in everyday urban life. The Musette – a small, removable bag that also pays homage to an iconic cycling accessory – forms the multifunctional centerpiece. Thanks to it, one bike-friendly product becomes two: It can be worn as a practical crossbody bag or can be attached to the backpack in several places as an additional outside pocket.
This is very variable in volume thanks to the folded base and flexible roll-top closure. The additional outside and inside compartments, the padded back including a laptop compartment and useful extras such as a quick access compartment and a key docking loop make the Mono[PA6] Backpack is the typical FREITAG added value – for once without a truck tarpaulin.
Circularity is a shared responsibility – the development of circular solutions continues
After more than three years of project time – with countless rounds of development, long tests and complex procurement processes – the first Mono marks the end[PA6] Backpack a milestone. But FREITAG is not satisfied with that: To ensure even better recyclability, the newly created product family will one day be made from recycled PA6 – currently virgin PA6 is still largely used, i.e. non-recycled material.
And the Monoist is not the only approach with which the Zurich bag manufacturer wants to close its material cycles. It all started with upcycled truck tarpaulins, and that’s why they are part of FREITAG’s circular vision of the future.
The idea is to develop a recyclable tarpaulin material together with industrial partners. The aim is that after a long, second life as a FREITAG bag, truck tarpaulins do not end up in the trash, but are returned to the cycle.