In an ongoing effort to become a more sustainable company, Timbuk2 is going completely PVC-free throughout its entire 2007 Spring/Summer product line.
Timbuk2 has removed the vinyl liner, which contains PVC (polyvinyl chloride), from all products. Timbuk2s product development team found new materials to replace the vinyl, without compromising on quality, durability and performance.
“This first step in improving our sustainability efforts meant changing many components of our classic, most popular bags. We researched numerous materials which were at least as strong as what we currently use, and found that better materials were available,” said Jim Matthews, Director of Product Development. “Even though some of the changes had cost implications, in the end we are able to deliver a better product for both our environment and our consumers.”
Research shows that the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is considered the worst plastic from an environmental health perspective. It creates dioxins during manufacturing, throughout the lifetime of the product, and upon the products disposal. The worst part of PVC is the vinyl chloride monomer, which is unavoidably created in production of PVC and can cause severe health problems. Timbuk2 also removed the other PVC components of its bags, such as the essential reflector tabs and tails, to go completely PVC-free.
The liners of the Classic Messenger Bags (including Artist Canvas and Laptop Messenger), Metro, Blogger and Cargo Tote have been replaced with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). TPU is extremely versatile, and has a high resistance to impacts, abrasions, tears and weather. The liner is as durable and waterproof as the previous vinyl liner, and has proven to be more malleable (especially in cold weather). The Commute and Metro liners have been replaced with 420D nylon.
“As Timbuk2 moves forward, we will continue to study our product line and explore many new initiatives designed to have less impact on our environment,” said Matthews, “while also improving our products.”
