I love to travel, and I’ve written extensively on how to explore the world in an eco-friendly way: pack light, travel sustainably, and reduce your emissions elsewhere. So, when Paravel suitcases launched in the UK, I had to try them.
Paravel claims to make some of the best sustainable luggage, bags, and travel accessories, and they’re pretty, too. They also come with a pretty price tag. So, are they truly eco-friendly? And are they worth it? Find out in this review, written after travelling with them over the holidays and taking them aboard flights, trains, coaches, cars, and even the Tube!
Introducing: Paravel Suitcases
Paravel has been on my radar for a few years now, as both a sustainably-made luggage brand, and for their beautiful, minimalistic designs. The brand is based in the U.S. and over the years has introduced international shipping. I discovered this last year, and jumped at the chance to review their luggage now that they ship to the U.K. (they also sell through sites like as Net-A-Porter and SSENSE).
Paravel proclaims “We are a travel-inspired brand with sustainability at the core of everything we do”, which may seem counter-intuitive for a luggage brand predominantly targeting frequent flyers. However, just as I said in my guide to sustainable holidays, flight-shaming doesn’t work. We have to all practice sustainability to really make a change, and that includes the travel industry.
So, here’s my review of the brand, and their suitcases, after taking them on-board trains, planes, and automobiles over the holiday season…
Are Paravel Suitcases Sustainable?
When looking for sustainable luggage, bags, or travel accessories, you’ll likely find Paravel popping up in your first few search results. When I’ve reviewed sustainable fashion brands in the past, I’ve found varying degrees of truth and greenwashing when brands use such sweeping statements to reach customers. However, with Paravel, they back up their generalised sustainability claims with very clear, measurable certifications and actions:
- Paravel is a Climate Neutral Certified brand
- 100% of Paravel’s products use recycled and upcycled materials
- Paravel has recycled over 8 million+ plastic bottles and transformed them into product
- More than 26,800 tonnes of CO2 has been offset by Paravel through their carbon-neutral shipping and product programs
- More than 570,000+ trees have been planted by Paravel in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects
Paravel also has a Code of Social Responsibility displayed in the footer of their website. This document, adopted in 2019, outlines principles of social sustainability that apply to their workforce and third-party suppliers, such as:
- Paravel’s suppliers may not use underage labor, defined as anyone under the age of 16
- All suppliers must treat their employees with dignity and respect
- All employees have rights to associate, organize, and bargain collectively
I will say that they do fall down when it comes to fair labour, insisting on minimum wages being observed, rather than living wages. However, I would say that Paravel is implementing high social and environmental policies overall.
The Aviator: The World’s First Carbon-Neutral Suitcase
Outfit details: Tentree Hoodie, Wellicious Easy-Pocket Leggings* (10% off: CURIOUSLYCONSCIOUS), Organic Basics Socks* (10% off: BESMAOB), Purified Walden Sneakers (gifted), Samsōe Samsōe Trench Coat via Reliked (10% off: CURIOUSLY), thrifted baseball cap.
Alongside being a sustainable brand, Paravel also makes the world’s first carbon-neutral suitcase, called The Aviator. This is Paravel’s flagship line, coming in a range of colours and sizes. For my luggage revamp, I opted for the Aviator Set Plus (gifted), which includes:
- Carry-On Plus Suitcase
- Checked Luggage Suitcase
Paravel offers two differently sized carry-on suitcases – the Carry-On, and the Carry-On Plus – so be sure to check which size is best for you. Some airlines will only accept the smaller size!
Paravel suitcases come with a range of useful features and sustainability credentials:
- 360° frictionless carbon steel bearing wheels
- Interior compression board
- Lightweight, recycled polycarbonate exterior
- Lining made from recycled plastic bottles
- Recycled aluminium handle
- Recycled vegan leather trims
- Recycled zippers
- Reinforced metal corners
- Removable laundry bag
- TSA-approved lock
These make for a high quality suitcase that is lighter on the environment than other mid-range luggage brands, and will hopefully last for hundreds of journeys.
On top of these features, Paravel also offsets all carbon emissions that are generated by creating and shipping the Aviators. And, if you’re based in the U.S., you’ll also be pleased to know that Paravel will offset the estimated emissions of your suitcase’s first trip too!
My Review of The Aviator Suitcases
When my set of suitcases from Paravel arrived, I was immediately impressed. The suitcases came like Russian dolls, one tucked within the other, saving on emissions simply by being smart with the delivery design. Both suitcases came with their own dust covers, and once opened, I found they both had a great internal structure, with a zipped compartment on one side, a framed divider, and straps to keep everything secure. Paravel offers a range of packing cubes, however I don’t feel these are even necessary due to the great internal structure that comes with their cases.
The suitcases feel more luxurious than most. This is thanks to the super smooth carbon steel bearing wheels, plump vegan leather wrapped handle, and secure metal detailing. Now, normally, I’m not one to promote plastic-based vegan leather, but Paravel uses a recycled vegan leather, which again, shows how they’re going above and beyond to be more sustainable.
Travelling Home for Christmas with The Checked Luggage Suitcase
My first trip with the cases was to my partner’s family home for Christmas. I chose to take the Checked Luggage Suitcase, with my clothes on one side, and all our Christmas presents on the other! This weighed the case down quite a lot, but I found I was able to walk around with it very easily thanks to the 360° wheels. These made it easy for me to walk with the suitcase alongside my person, rather than dragging behind me, and so I could push it along without too much hassle.
The journey was a bit hairy, as our train got cancelled, and we ended up on a convoluted route that traversed two trains, a coach, a car and the London Underground. At first, I was a bit nervous to take the large case on escalators, due to its size and heft, but I found it fit nicely in-front or behind me, and when in doubt, could be taken on lifts instead. It also did well sitting in train compartment luggage bays, and even slid into the coach’s underbelly with ease. On arrival, I checked my case over for any damage, and there was none. Not even a dirty mark on the cream case, which had been my worry.
Saying that, I will add that my best friend also owns a set of cream Paravel cases, and warned that they do pick up dark scratches over time. Her advice? Be sure to wrap your case when checking it on a flight. Or, of course, go for a darker colour!
Travelling to Iceland with The Carry-On Plus
For my next trip, I took the Paravel Carry-On Plus with me to Iceland. This suitcase was roomy enough for a good few layers of clothing, and some souvenirs on my return journey too. Again, I enjoyed rolling the suitcase around with me on the train and in the airport. I also had no issue with sliding it into the overhead luggage bins on both my flights.
Once home, I checked the case over and found a few marks from rolling it about in ice and snow, but that was to be expected. I cleaned my suitcase – which I recommend doing to keep the wheels and body in good condition – and stored it away within its dust bag.
My Rating of Paravel Suitcases: 8/10
Based on the two trips with my suitcases, and my overall review of Paravel’s sustainability principles, I am very pleased to rate Paravel’s suitcases a strong eight out of 10. I was especially pleased to see that all of Paravel’s employees are adults aged 16 and up, and that the brand is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact across the design, manufacturing, and delivery stages.
The suitcases are well-made and lovely to look at, although on reflection I think the cream colour is a little impractical. Still, I get excited each time I plan a trip, knowing I’ll be going somewhere fun, and doing so in style!
For those remaining two points, I would love to see Paravel provide additional information on product care. This will help customers to ensure their suitcases last for the full 10-Year Limited Warranty. I also hope the brand will implement a take-back scheme (or some other form of circularity appropriate for end-of-life luggage) in the near future.
Have you got a Paravel suitcase? I’d love to know your thoughts!
