The verdict
Is The ReNew Backpack worth it?
Qualified yes — The ReNew Backpack is solid on some criteria but has gaps worth checking before you buy. It holds 2 verified certifications (Global Recycled Standard, Bluesign). Priced in the $$ band.
- Cruelty-freeUnverified
- VeganYes
- Plastic-free packagingNo
- Recyclable / compostableUnverified
- Palm-oil safeUnverified
- Certified organicUnverified
- Fair labourUnverified
Everlane
The ReNew Backpack
Ethics Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
Buy From
* Affiliate links help support EthiCompare's mission.
Customer Rating
Best for
Commuters and students who need a professional, tech-friendly bag with a low carbon footprint.
AI Ethics Review
A functional commute staple made from 27 recycled plastic water bottles, balancing modern utility with a commitment to reducing virgin plastic usage.
Gallery
Claim-by-claim check
The questions shoppers ask most about The ReNew Backpack, answered from certifications, tags and sourcing notes on file.
- Is The ReNew Backpack cruelty-free?
- Unverified — no third-party cruelty-free certification is recorded for The ReNew Backpack in our database.
- Is The ReNew Backpack vegan?
- Yes — The ReNew Backpack is described as vegan or fully plant-based.
- Is The ReNew Backpack plastic-free?
- No — signals in our data suggest The ReNew Backpack does not meet this criterion.
- Is The ReNew Backpack recyclable or compostable?
- Unverified — end-of-life handling for The ReNew Backpack is not documented in our data.
- Does The ReNew Backpack avoid problem palm oil?
- Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for The ReNew Backpack.
- Is The ReNew Backpack certified organic?
- Unverified — no organic certification is on file for The ReNew Backpack.
- Is The ReNew Backpack fairly made?
- Unverified — no independent labour standard is recorded for The ReNew Backpack.
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 Jewelry & Accessories
Benchmarked against 3 other published products in the same category.
0%
of compared products score lower
-26
points vs the category average
2
verified certifications on file
In-Depth Review
Modern Utility Meets Circular Design
The Everlane ReNew Backpack is a flagship product in the brand’s mission to eliminate virgin plastic from its supply chain. Designed for the urban commuter, this bag combines a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with heavy-duty recycled materials. Each backpack is constructed from approximately 27 recycled plastic bottles, diverting waste from landfills and oceans into a high-utility accessory.
Technical Specifications and Storage
The bag features a padded interior laptop sleeve that fits most 15-inch devices, two external water bottle pockets, and a zippered front pocket for quick-access items. The fabric is a durable 100% recycled polyester that has been treated for water resistance, making it suitable for unpredictable weather. The zippers and trim are also sourced from recycled materials where possible, though the brand notes that some small components still rely on virgin materials due to durability requirements.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Approx 18L |
| Material | 100% Recycled Polyester (TPU coated) |
| Laptop Sleeve | Fits up to 15" MacBook |
| Water Resistance | Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish |
Ethical Trade-offs
Everlane’s 'Radical Transparency' provides a breakdown of the factory costs, though the brand has faced critiques regarding labor unionization in recent years, which is reflected in the transparency and labor scores. However, the environmental impact of the ReNew line remains a significant industry benchmark for large-scale production using GRS-certified recycled content.
"It's impressively sturdy for being made of trash! I use it for my subway commute and it has stayed remarkably clean and structured." — *Verified Buyer, James T.*
Sustainability Note
While the recycled polyester reduces carbon footprint, washing synthetic bags can release microplastics. We recommend wiping clean rather than machine washing to protect local waterways.
Pros
- ✓Exceptional use of recycled plastic waste
- ✓Functional 15-inch laptop protection
- ✓Water-resistant finish for all-weather use
- ✓Bluesign certified dye processes
Cons
- ✗Labor transparency scores lower than indie competitors
- ✗Straps require a break-in period
Key Facts
- Brand
- Everlane
- Category
- Jewelry & Accessories
- Ethics Score
- 72/100
- Price Range
- $$ (≈ $95)
- Avg Rating
- 4.6/5 (1250 reviews)
- size
- 17.5" H x 12" W x 5.25" D
- origin
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- made in
- Vietnam
- material
- 100% Recycled Polyester
- packaging
- Recycled plastic mailer
- certifications body
- Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
- Certifications
- Global Recycled Standard, Bluesign
🌱 Sustainability
Uses 27 recycled plastic bottles per bag; Bluesign certified dyes ensure no harmful chemicals enter the water system during production.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
Main body fabric is 100% recycled polyester; finished with a fluorocarbon-free water repellent.
Price & where to buy
Typically around $95 — 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
"A stylish, eco-friendly option for those who want a simple backpack for office use."
"Strong environmental performance on materials, though we'd like to see better worker rights protections."
"Everlane's ReNew collection is a major step forward for mainstream sustainable accessories."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The ReNew Backpack by Everlane ethically made?+
Yes. The ReNew Backpack earns an EthiCompare ethics score of 72/100, backed by third-party certifications including Global Recycled Standard, Bluesign. A functional commute staple made from 27 recycled plastic water bottles, balancing modern utility with a commitment to reducing virgin plastic usage.
Is The ReNew Backpack worth buying?+
The ReNew Backpack scores 72/100 on our ethics rating. That is mid-table: solid on some criteria, thin on others — check the breakdown above and the alternatives below.
Is The ReNew Backpack cruelty-free?+
We have not verified a third-party cruelty-free certification for The ReNew Backpack. See our Everlane verdict page for the brand's full animal-testing position.
Is The ReNew Backpack vegan?+
The ReNew Backpack 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 ReNew Backpack?+
We list higher-scoring jewelry & accessories products from other brands on this page, and a full set of ethical alternatives to Everlane on its alternatives page.
What certifications does The ReNew Backpack hold?+
The ReNew Backpack holds the following certifications: Global Recycled Standard, Bluesign. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is The ReNew Backpack?+
Uses 27 recycled plastic bottles per bag; Bluesign certified dyes ensure no harmful chemicals enter the water system during production.
What are the key ingredients or materials in The ReNew Backpack?+
Main body fabric is 100% recycled polyester; finished with a fluorocarbon-free water repellent.
How much does The ReNew Backpack cost?+
The ReNew Backpack is priced in the $$ range for jewelry & accessories. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy The ReNew Backpack?+
The ReNew Backpack is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Is The ReNew Backpack plastic-free?+
No — signals in our data suggest The ReNew Backpack does not meet this criterion.
Is The ReNew Backpack recyclable or compostable?+
Unverified — end-of-life handling for The ReNew Backpack is not documented in our data.
Does The ReNew Backpack avoid problem palm oil?+
Unverified — no palm-oil policy is recorded for The ReNew Backpack.
Is The ReNew Backpack certified organic?+
Unverified — no organic certification is on file for The ReNew Backpack.
Is The ReNew Backpack fairly made?+
Unverified — no independent labour standard is recorded for The ReNew Backpack.
Customer Reviews
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Questions & Answers
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