-
About Orbis
-
The Collection
-
Circular Design
-
Innovation
-
FAQ
How can we take waste materials, turn them into an awesome new bag and, at the end of its life, turn that bag into something new again?
The answer is the Orbis Circular Collection, the first zero waste bags that can be recycled over and over again to make something new.
A fully circular product.
Almost all bags today are made from a mix of different materials, which makes them virtually impossible to recycle. Moreover, bags typically comprise dozens of different components, most of which include polyurethane (PU). And when PU is combined with other materials, recycling is essentially out of the question.
So, how could we re-engineer our bags using just one material?
We worked with development labs to create components from scratch, using just one material to keep the integrity of the bags intact. That material is recycled PET/polyester, the same material as a plastic bottle. To accomplish full circularity, we also redeveloped the bags’ linings, reinforcement, zippers and more – all in recycled PET/polyester.
We’re particularly proud of the cycle of a polyester molecule being used in a bag and then being recycled so it can be used again. And, as our name implies, each molecule has a rich history with long journeys and a story to share.
Now, it’s your turn to use the bag on new journeys, creating new memories. And, once you’re done, the bag will be recycled and those molecules will then take a new form, yet again, to create a new bag. Using this product, you’re part of the ongoing story of circularity – a story that will continue to take shape for years to come. Because it’s
Not just for you. For all of us.
Four fully circular bags, made from recycled polyester, that can be recycled over and over again. Two backpacks with multiple pockets and breathable back panels. The perfect everyday tote for your laptop. And a duffle that’s ideal for your gym kit, overnight stays, and expandable for longer journeys.
THE PERFECT TOTE
“Perfect for every day. I use it for work, I take x03it to the gym and away on the weekend. All the pockets keep my things organized.”
SADIE W., 07/13/21THE PERFECT TOTE
“Perfect for every day. I use it for work, I take x03it to the gym and away on the weekend. All the pockets keep my things organized.”
SADIE W., 07/13/21Let’s break it down.
Circularity means after using and enjoying your well-loved Troubadour bag, it can be recycled at the end of its life and made into a brand new bag.
To make this possible, the bags need to be made out of one single material, so it can be fully recycled.
One of our normal bags is made of 43 different components. The first step in creating the Orbis Circular Collection was to simplify the construction of the bag, so it was made with just 16 components. Then, we redeveloped each of the 16 components from just one recyclable material.
We created four mono-material bags, all made of a common material – recycled PET/polyester. Polyester does not get downgraded when recycled, so it can be used again and again to make new bags.
The concept of a completely circular line of products came from a simple aspiration: to minimise waste. We use recycled materials to make the bag and then can recycle the bag at the end of its life.
Each material in the bag was developed from the molecule up to be made from only polyester.
The first step of the design process was to simplify the construction of a bag, so we could make it with fewer components.
Next, we worked with manufacturers, scientists and academics to create materials that until now, didn’t exist. Most components in a normal bag are made of multiple materials. For example, most nylon or polyester fabrics are backed with polyurethane for body, handfeel and to avoid fraying. We needed to create materials that look great, feel great and are durable – using only polyester.
Creating fully circular bags – with fewer components and using polyester molecules in new ways – presented unique design challenges. These challenges inspired us to design innovative solutions.
Polyester pellets are turned into woven and non-woven materials.
These materials are then made into a bag from a common material, PET/polyester (plastic bottles are made of the same stuff).
From a chemical level, we reworked each material and redeveloped the bags’ linings, reinforcement, fabric, zipper trims, and more.
Love it, use it, enjoy!
Our products are built to last, but if you ever need to arrange a repair, we’re always here to help. Simply email refresh@troubadourgoods.com to let us know. We’ll do everything we can to make sure your bag lasts for years.
Contact us at contact@troubdourgoods.com and we’ll provide a shipping label.
Once you send it back to us, we’ll take care of the rest.
Recycled and Recyclable.
Creating fully circular bags is all about the materials. Every single component was built from the ground up specifically for circularity, using materials that are not only recycled, but also recyclable.
Hear from Troubadour's Creative Director, Samantha Jacob, about what inspired her to create the collection, her passion for design, and striving for sustainability in everyday life.
Learn MoreAll the bags in the Orbis Circular Collection are made from recycled materials – mainly recycled polyester. Recycled polyester makes for a durable and long-lasting bag. And, importantly, the recycling process doesn’t downgrade the material, so it can be used again and again.
Yes, 100% of the bag is recyclable!
Simply email contact@troubdourgoods.com and we’ll provide you with a shipping label so you can send your bag to us. Then we’ll take care of the recycling.
First, we remove two components – we cut out the recycled-metal zipper sliders and, on the backpacks, we remove the recycled-nylon shoulder strap sliders. These two components get recycled again. We’re working hard to make these two components from recycled polyester so, in the future, nothing needs to be removed from the bag for recycling, making the process even easier.
Our recycling partner grinds down the bag and turns it into polyester pellets. This process begins with grinding the bags into small flakes, which are washed clean. These flakes are melted at high temperatures before being formed into crystalline PET pellets, which are stretched into new fibres. And these fibres are spun into polyester yarn, which is used to create recycled fabrics that we can turn into new bags.
It’s a zero-waste product. We’re able to recycle the materials so no products end up as waste. Today, most products follow a linear model – they are made, used and disposed of. The Orbis bags follow a circular model – they are made, used and recycled into new products. The cycle can continue and there is no waste.
As well as being recycled into brand new bags, recycled PET can be used to make clothing, carpets, sleeping bags, seat belts, rope and construction materials, to name just a few!
If your bag needs some TLC, we’re here to help with any repairs or refurbishments that might be needed. Simply email refresh@troubadourgoods.com – we’re here to help! and we'll be happy to help. We’ll do everything possible to make good any issue affecting your bag and make sure that it lasts for years.
You can return a product within 100 days of purchase, as long as it’s still good as new, with all the original tags still attached, for a full refund. For full details, please see the “Returns” section of our FAQs page.
Troubadourgoods.com, of course! You can also shop the collection at our store located at 65 Beak Street, London W1F 9SN. Our products are also available at a wide array of retail locations. You’ll find more information here.
If you have any questions not covered within our FAQs, please feel free to email us at contact@troubadourgoods.com – we’re here to help!