The verdict
Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition worth it?
Yes — The Carry-On: Recycled Edition is one of the stronger picks we track in travel & luggage. It holds 3 verified certifications (Global Recycled Standard, B Corp, FSC Certified). Priced in the $$$ band.
- Cruelty-freeUnverified
- VeganNo
- Plastic-free packagingUnverified
- Recyclable / compostableYes
- Palm-oil safeUnverified
- Certified organicUnverified
- Fair labourYes
Away
The Carry-On: Recycled Edition
Ethics Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
Buy From
* Affiliate links help support EthiCompare's mission.
Customer Rating
Best for
Business travelers and frequent flyers who need a reliable, professional suitcase with a reduced carbon footprint.
AI Ethics Review
A sophisticated hardshell suitcase tailored for the frequent flyer, now updated with a recycled polycarbonate shell and lining to minimize environmental impact.
Gallery
Claim-by-claim check
The questions shoppers ask most about The Carry-On: Recycled Edition, answered from certifications, tags and sourcing notes on file.
- Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition cruelty-free?
- Unverified — no third-party cruelty-free certification is recorded for The Carry-On: Recycled Edition in our database.
- Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition vegan?
- No — signals in our data suggest The Carry-On: Recycled Edition does not meet this criterion.
- Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition plastic-free?
- Unverified — we have no plastic-free packaging claim on record for The Carry-On: Recycled Edition.
- Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition recyclable or compostable?
- Yes — The Carry-On: Recycled Edition is described as recyclable, refillable, compostable or biodegradable.
- Does The Carry-On: Recycled Edition avoid problem palm oil?
- Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for The Carry-On: Recycled Edition.
- Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition certified organic?
- Unverified — no organic certification is on file for The Carry-On: Recycled Edition.
- Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition fairly made?
- Yes — The Carry-On: Recycled Edition is backed by a labour or fair-trade standard.
Ethics Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite Ethics Score above.
How it compares in Travel & Luggage
Benchmarked against 3 other published products in the same category.
0%
of compared products score lower
-22
points vs the category average
3
verified certifications on file
In-Depth Review
Modern Luggage, Scaled for Sustainability
Away has revolutionized the travel industry with its direct-to-consumer model, and their recent move toward recycled materials marks a significant shift for a mass-market leader. The Recycled Edition of their classic Carry-On maintains the iconic silhouette and performance while utilizing a shell made from 50% recycled polycarbonate. This shift helps reduce the demand for virgin petroleum-based plastics without sacrificing the rigidity required to protect fragile items during transit.
"Travel is a force for good, and we want to ensure that how we travel is just as impactful as where we go."
Away's recycling program allows customers to return old suitcases to be properly recycled, ensuring a circular lifecycle for their products.
Built for the Long Haul
The suitcase features 360-degree spinner wheels that offer unmatched mobility through busy terminals. The interior is lined with 100% recycled polyester, diverted from post-consumer plastic bottles. The focus here is on longevity; by building a product that lasts a lifetime (backed by a limited lifetime warranty), Away reduces the total volume of luggage that ends up in landfills every year.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Shell Material | 50% Recycled Polycarbonate |
| Wheels | 4 Multi-directional Spinners |
| Lock | TSA-approved combination |
| Lining | 100% Recycled PET |
- Interior compression system to maximize packing space
- Hidden laundry bag to separate clean and dirty clothes
- Leather trim sourced from LWG-certified tanneries
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable lifting
Ethical considerations extend to their supply chain. Away conducts regular third-party audits of their primary manufacturing facilities in Asia to ensure compliance with fair labor standards and safety regulations. While they are a larger corporation, their certification as a B Corp in 2023 demonstrates a commitment to balancing profit with purpose.
Pros
- ✓Incredible maneuverability
- ✓Effective compression system
- ✓B Corp certified corporate practices
- ✓Lifetime warranty
Cons
- ✗Premium price point
- ✗Scuffs easily compared to soft-sided luggage
Key Facts
- Brand
- Away
- Category
- Travel & Luggage
- Ethics Score
- 76/100
- Price Range
- $$$ (≈ $275)
- Avg Rating
- 4.6/5 (18500 reviews)
- Shell
- Hard side Polycarbonate
- Volume
- 39.8 L
- Weight
- 7.1 lbs
- Warranty
- Limited Lifetime
- Dimensions
- 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 in
- Certifications
- Global Recycled Standard, B Corp, FSC Certified
🌱 Sustainability
Packaging is made from FSC-certified cardboard and is 100% recyclable. The brand partners with Peace Direct to support peacebuilding around the globe.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
Features a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled polyester lining, and leather accents from Gold-rated tanneries.
Price & where to buy
Typically around $275 — prices change often, so check the live listing.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects the ethics score.
What Reviewers Say
"I've taken this on 50+ flights and it still rolls like a dream. Love the recycled update."
"The compression pad is a game changer for overpackers like me."
"A bit expensive, but the warranty and ethical sourcing make it worth the investment."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition by Away ethically made?+
Yes. The Carry-On: Recycled Edition earns an EthiCompare ethics score of 76/100, backed by third-party certifications including Global Recycled Standard, B Corp, FSC Certified. A sophisticated hardshell suitcase tailored for the frequent flyer, now updated with a recycled polycarbonate shell and lining to minimize environmental impact.
Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition worth buying?+
The Carry-On: Recycled Edition scores 76/100 on our ethics rating. That puts it in the upper band of the products we track, so it is a defensible buy on ethics grounds.
Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition cruelty-free?+
We have not verified a third-party cruelty-free certification for The Carry-On: Recycled Edition. See our Away verdict page for the brand's full animal-testing position.
Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition vegan?+
The Carry-On: Recycled Edition does not carry a certified vegan claim in our database. Check the ingredient notes above and the brand's own disclosure before buying.
What are the best alternatives to The Carry-On: Recycled Edition?+
We list higher-scoring travel & luggage products from other brands on this page, and a full set of ethical alternatives to Away on its alternatives page.
What certifications does The Carry-On: Recycled Edition hold?+
The Carry-On: Recycled Edition holds the following certifications: Global Recycled Standard, B Corp, FSC Certified. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition?+
Packaging is made from FSC-certified cardboard and is 100% recyclable. The brand partners with Peace Direct to support peacebuilding around the globe.
What are the key ingredients or materials in The Carry-On: Recycled Edition?+
Features a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled polyester lining, and leather accents from Gold-rated tanneries.
How much does The Carry-On: Recycled Edition cost?+
The Carry-On: Recycled Edition is priced in the $$$ range for travel & luggage. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy The Carry-On: Recycled Edition?+
The Carry-On: Recycled Edition is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition plastic-free?+
Unverified — we have no plastic-free packaging claim on record for The Carry-On: Recycled Edition.
Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition recyclable or compostable?+
Yes — The Carry-On: Recycled Edition is described as recyclable, refillable, compostable or biodegradable.
Does The Carry-On: Recycled Edition avoid problem palm oil?+
Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for The Carry-On: Recycled Edition.
Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition certified organic?+
Unverified — no organic certification is on file for The Carry-On: Recycled Edition.
Is The Carry-On: Recycled Edition fairly made?+
Yes — The Carry-On: Recycled Edition is backed by a labour or fair-trade standard.
Customer Reviews
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Questions & Answers
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