Sustainable Gear for an Eco-Friendly EDC

When it comes to what you carry every day, you’ve got two options: keep it convenient, or keep it conscious. 

We say, why not both? At Ekster, we believe your gear should work for you and the planet. 
That’s why we’ve been flipping the script on everyday carry with sustainable materials, smarter production methods, and products that look as good as they feel (on your conscience).

If you’re building your eco-friendly EDC, here’s the lowdown on the sustainable gear that’s already doing the most—with the receipts to back it up.

Vegan Leather Ekster Wallet

Made from: Scrapped car windshields (yep, really)

This isn’t your average faux leather. Our vegan leather wallet is made using recycled car windshields—specifically, the inner plastic layer called PVB that normally ends up in landfills. 

We turn it into a durable, tactile, and surprisingly luxe material that’ll survive your back pocket and reduce waste while it’s at it.

Why it’s great:

- Slim, RFID-protected, click-to-access wallet
- Holds 1–12 cards and cash with modular add-ons that expand functionality and space
- Water-resistant and vegan (no animals harmed, no planet harmed)

Sustainability stats:

- Made from recycled PVB: a material that would otherwise take 500+ years to decompose
- Vegan alternative reduces the carbon impact of traditional leather tanning

"What an awesome idea to make materials from old cars in junkyards! I love that I can own a product that supports this kind of sustainable entrepreneurship. The sliding card holder is so satisfying and almost addictive.” - James C.

Cardholder Pro

Made from: 100% recycled aluminum

You like your wallet light, lean, and locked in? Meet the Cardholder Pro. 

Crafted from recycled aerospace-grade aluminum (no plastic in sight), this wallet gives scrap metal a whole new identity—and a second chance at life in your front pocket.

Why it’s great:

- Ultra-slim cardholder wallet with RFID protection and quick card access
- Holds up to 14 cards and bills with modular add-ons that give you more space 
- Fully recyclable, sleek, and built to last with a lifetime warranty

Sustainability stats:

- Aluminum is infinitely recyclable—no loss in quality
- Recycled aluminum uses 95% less energy than new aluminum

Wallet Pro AppleSkin™

Made from: AppleSkin™ vegan leather (apple waste)

The Wallet Pro AppleSkin™ is fruitful in every way. AppleSkin™ is a bio-based leather alternative made from apple waste—think peels and cores from the juicing industry—that would otherwise be tossed. 

The result? A buttery soft, high-performing material that’s as tasty to the planet as it is to your aesthetic.

Why it’s great:

- Combines our best-selling Wallet Pro design with vegan innovation
- RFID-blocking, fully recycled aluminum cardholder with modular add-ons
- This vegan leather alternative is ultra-premium (looks, feels, and lasts like real leather)

Sustainability stats:

- Reduces food waste by repurposing organic byproducts
- No animal products, no toxic tanning processes

GRID Backpack

Made from: Recycled PET bottles (rPET)

Sustainable travel gear starts with your backpack. The GRID Backpack is built from rPET—that’s recycled plastic bottles. 

This heavy-duty, everyday backpack cuts down on plastic pollution while giving you a storage powerhouse.

Why it’s great:

- Water-resistant and weatherproof protection for your gear
- Built-in laptop sleeve, modular organization, RFID protected pocket, and 180° easy access
- Made from over 30 recycled plastic bottles per bag

Sustainability stats:

- Each backpack diverts roughly 60+ plastic bottles from landfills
- rPET reduces greenhouse gas emissions vs virgin polyester

So, every time you zip this up, you're carrying a little less waste and a lot more smart design.

GRID Duffel Backpack

Made from: Recycled PET & tarpaulin

Need something that works for both weekend escapes and weekday commutes? The GRID Duffel Backpack doubles down with sustainable materials and hybrid functionality. It’s a duffel, it’s a backpack, it’s a one-bag wonder.

Why it’s great:

- Made with durable, water-resistant rPET and tarpaulin for weatherproof protection
- Convertible straps, smart compartments, and hidden pockets with a large clamshell opening
- Designed for travel, gym runs, and overpacking (guilty)

Sustainability stats:

- rPET base cuts plastic waste
- Durable construction means a longer lifespan (less replacing, less waste)

“It's been forever since the last time I purchased a product that blew me away due to its incredible build quality. The bag has lots of room and honestly has that 'Apple' design feel. I would definitely suggest Ekster products to anybody looking for a quality bag or wallet.” - Toms K.

Ekster's Sustainability Receipts (a.k.a. the Real Deal)

We don’t just say we’re sustainable. We live it:

🌍 B Corp Certified: We meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Translation: we walk the walk.

💡 Sustainable Manufacturing: We partner with factories powered by renewable energy and keep our production lean to reduce emissions.

♻️ Material Innovation: From recycled aluminum to rPET and AppleSkin™, we use materials that avoid virgin plastic and reduce waste.

⚒️ Leather Working Group: Our leather suppliers are certified by the LWG, which ensures sustainable tanning and ethical practices.

Sustainability isn’t a trend. It’s a commitment. And we’re just getting started.

Build Your Eco-Friendly EDC

Going green doesn’t mean going boring. Whether it’s your wallet, backpack, or weekend carry, we’ve built gear that lets you move smartly and sustainably.

Ready to shop sustainably?

Check out our full lineup of eco-friendly wallets, bags, and travel gear today.

SHOP SUSTAINABLE GEAR

FAQ

What is an eco-friendly wallet?
An eco-friendly wallet is made from sustainable materials like recycled plastic, metal, or plant-based alternatives to leather. It minimizes environmental impact without sacrificing quality or design.

Are Ekster wallets sustainable?
Yes. Ekster wallets are made from recycled materials like car windshield PVB, AppleSkin™ (from apple waste), and 100% recycled aluminum. We also use LWG-certified leather and follow ethical manufacturing practices.

What makes a backpack eco-friendly?
Look for backpacks made from recycled fabrics like rPET, low-impact dyes, and modular designs that reduce waste. Ekster's GRID backpacks are made from recycled bottles and designed to last.

Is Ekster a sustainable brand?
We are B Corp certified, use sustainable materials, partner with responsible suppliers, and design products that reduce waste and overconsumption. TL;DR: yes, we’re in it for the long run.

How can I build a sustainable EDC?
Start small. Swap your old wallet for a recycled one, upgrade to a backpack made from rPET, and choose gear that’s built to last. Your pocket (and the planet) will thank you.