From Plastic Bottle to Awesome Bag, the Bluelounge Eco-Friendly Backpack

Gear Diary is independently owned and operated. We receive compensation through advertising and from the companies whose products we review, usually in the form of the reviewed product. We test the products supplied to us, and the opinions expressed are our own.

Gear Diary is also reader-supported. When you buy through links posted on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

You can learn more by clicking here.

NewImage

Bluelounge does a great job of creating innovative products that are both useful and impressive; their line of bags is no exception. The Bluelounge Eco-Friendly Backpack is made from post-consumer PET plastic bottles. In the hands of Bluelounge waste becomes a practical and unusual backpack for under $160. Here’s a look…

Bluelounge Eco-Friendly Backpack

We spent time at the company booth during CES 2014 this past January, and we were impressed not only by the products themselves but by the thought and the attention to detail that goes into each and every one of them. We were also impressed by the depth and breadth of the various products they offer. For example, they had a really interesting desk on display but they also sell power accessories such as the Sanctuary 4 we reviewed a few months ago. They have a small adapter cables as well as a variety of bags. And all of the products are designed by one individual. It’s clear that Bluelounge is a labor of love and a wonderful artistic expression opportunity for the creative mind behind the company.

In the case of the Bluelounge Eco-Friendly Backpack, it, along with the other bags in the company’s lineup, were hanging on the wall. The soft interesting material for which the bags were made caught my eye and it was only after taking a closer look at the bags that I realized they were made from recycled plastic. Now taking plastic bottles and reusing them is nothing out of the ordinary, but taking plastic bottles and reusing them in a matter that you don’t even realize you’re using something recycled is an accomplishment, and the company was able to achieve just that. And while this backpack looks unlike any other backpack we’ve seen, once I began using it I quickly realized that this was, thankfully, not an example of form over function. No, this unusual bag is quite practical and is terrific for anyone who needs to carry a laptop, a tablet and an assortment of different gear.

Our new line of bags fuses urban design with superior craftsmanship. Our bags will transport your gear for years to come without ever cramping your style. Bluelounge has covered every detail to provide comprehensive functionality for commuters on the go. Made out of 100% recycled PET bottles, the soft matte-finish fabric has a natural feel that is gadget—and earth—friendly. Our exceptional aluminum quick-release buckles provide easy access and ensure a custom fit. The supple interior lining provides protection for all of your tech essentials. The design and details of each bag maintain the highest level of convenience, without ever forgetting the importance of form.

NewImage

Bluelounge explains the process they go through to convert plastic bottles into awesome bags. The bottles are first turned into fiber that is, in turn, woven into the material used to create the various bags.

  • Step 1. Post-consumer PET bottles are collected, sorted and cleaned.
  • Step 2. The bottles are crushed, shredded, dried and melted into a hot liquid.
  • Step 3. The recycled PET liquid is extruded into long strands, cooled, spun, and then spooled.
  • Step 4. The resulting fiber is woven into highly durable fabrics.
  • Step 5. A bag gets built and become “an environmentally-friendly fashion statement”.

Gear Diary Bluelounge Backpack 53

The backpack, and all of Bluelounge’s bags, reflect the company’s attention to detail. The hardware, for example, is made from custom aluminum buckles, carabiners and quick-release levers. In addition, since the bags are made from reprocessed plastic bottles, the tightly woven material creates a bag that is both durable and waterproof. In addition both the interior and exterior surfaces of the bag are coated in order to add an additional layer of moisture resistance. The bag may look light and delicate, but it is built to stand up to anything you, or the elements, can throw at it.

Gear Diary Bluelounge Backpack 39

Each bag features:

  • A large capacity main compartment with custom padded laptop area
  • The ability to fit up to 17″ MacBook Pro
  • A padded neoprene iPad sleeve
  • An extra large front pocket for easy access
  • A hidden side pocket
  • Ergonomic shoulder straps
  • A quick release buckles
  • Heavy-duty aluminum hardware
  • A custom designed carabiner
  • A roll top or fold over closure
  • Fabric Made of 100% recycled PET plastic bottles
Video Review of the Bluelounge Eco-Friendly Backpack

 

The bags come in three colors: Grey, Rust and Black. Each looks great and promises to hold up well to serious use and abuse.

NewImage

 

I like the Bluelounge echo friendly backpack. The material used in its creation looks like quality linen, but it is actually recycled plastic, and that makes me smile. The bag offers plenty of organization without feeling overly busy, and it has a unique style that message stand out. That style isn’t particularly my personal aesthetic, so I don’t necessarily see myself carrying this bag on a regular basis. I do, however, highly recommended for anyone who is drawn to its unusual look. It is a quality bag that you can feel good about carrying.

 

MSRP: $159

What I Like: Made from recycled bottles; Tough and waterproof; Holds a laptop, tablet and tons of gear; Comfortable; Enough organization but not too much; Spacious

What Needs Improvement: Not inexpensive; Design won’t appeal to everyone

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample of the Bluelounge Eco-Friendly Backpack

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support!


About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.

10 Comments on "From Plastic Bottle to Awesome Bag, the Bluelounge Eco-Friendly Backpack"

  1. Hi Daniel,

    In regards to the laptop compartment, can you tell me if the compartment is padded on the bottom or uses suspension webbing to keep the laptop from hitting the ground when you put the bag down? Most bags do not put webbing or padding on the bottom of the laptop compartment. Thanks,

  2. What’s really cool about this bag is that the back doesn’t have the padding, which allows for a much more flexible fit while the bag is on one’s back. It would square out if a laptop is stored inside, but it would behave more like a “bag” when one’s just casually using it as a carrying bag or something of that nature. I could see myself using this bag in the car or touting around a hotel during conferences.

    Neat bag!

  3. I really like the re-use and recycle element in the design. It also looks well thought out. Thanks.

  4. Your video review of the Bluelounge Eco-Friendly Backpack was very helpful. The lack of a padded backing is a turnoff, especially for someone like me who prefers to use my bike to get around. I like that the backpack is durable and waterproof as well as being large enough to fit a 17″ laptop. I also like the cool-factor that the fabric is made of 100% recycled PET plastic bottles. I try my best to reduce my carbon footprint whenever I can and this backpack is almost perfect for someone like me. Thanks for the review!

  5. katiecontests | August 21, 2014 at 4:44 am |

    Amazing that we have the technology to recycle plastic bottles and transform them into fabric!

  6. It’s amazing what is now possible for manufacturing out of recycled materials.
    I like that the backpack is simple and has a nice European look to it.
    Why I want to win, is because It looks durable and useful.
    Thank You

  7. tweetyscute | August 22, 2014 at 12:43 pm |

    I would love to win because it is eco friendly and super awesome looking bag.

  8. Well, it’s back to school and I need a new bag and this one makes a statement. I’m impressed with its 100% recycled fabric and multi-use pockets. I think the design is great. Would love to win this one.

  9. Well, an occasional commenter with Bike, bus, and light rail, I believe a backpack holding my laptop, ipad and iPhone economically enables me to bike more efficiently. Wining this pack pack can assure me to help to improve clean air by riding bike to woke more often.

  10. Heatwave316 | August 26, 2014 at 6:35 pm |

    I love the fact that this bag is made out of recycled material. I do my best to be as eco-friendly as I can, so I would love to show this off as and encourage others to recycle more. Plus, I also really like the style of this bag – great color with lots of useful pockets.

Comments are closed.