![Yu Mei Suki clutch $549. Photo / Yu Mei](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/IWE33UOWHMYMIAI757OJC3LW5U.jpg?auth=6948deb54e3481b31b46311be26af72efbe48947cd02c26befc8c1924c5c804b&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
SABEN
An exploration of closed-loop design, Saben's 100 per cent recycled leather bag is created from industrial off-cuts, which are reconstituted with a natural binding agent that comes from rubber trees. $449, Saben.co.nz.
![Defender shopping bag, $40. Photo / Defender.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/V5LOWYASSJWN3YJ5OXOTKX77OY.jpg?auth=b7aa53833043413e926754840cfc84fecbdecb51089f0c8515b2312e2438aeb3&width=16&height=16&quality=70&smart=true)
GOAT LOFT
This emerging Auckland-based brand uses reclaimed materials like canvas, yacht sail nylon, PVC and post-consumer polyester to make stylish yet highly functional bags. $200, Goatloft.com.
![Karkt weekender bag, $195. Photo / Karkt](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/G4GP2CWKUP4HZXGHHI73XOZNAM.jpg?auth=567b9b1e0268766955416182ec1204ed012d4fe32bc755713b52e0a4d925c5f7&width=16&height=16&quality=70&smart=true)
DEADLY PONIES
A vegan alternative to leather that's natural and biodegradable, this innovative capsule range is made from organic cactus leaves a by-product of the pharmaceutical industry. $649, Deadlyponies.com
![Saben Kelly tote $449. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/OKXKEPT5OWCQQRPXVTLZG4EEOM.jpg?auth=bcbee668b2d14919a1002d775ec3e085ad8a795b003536a60b90d7cfb03aa10d&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
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To discourage waste and promote circularity, Yu Mei has introduced a Buyback Initiative. Yu Mei bags (like the new design pictured here) can be returned for credit, and are lovingly refurbished and on-sold by the brand. Yumeibrand.com
![Goat Loft Cascade tote $200. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/7VXNVTLRHKWD6RPFCGNIJSJNV4.jpg?auth=31ce46aedd8879171a89944ed1d33d52a5690a06231f39d0f4f8c30fe890efab&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
DEFENDER
This strong and stylish shopping bag is made from recycled billboards, so it's super durable and an ethical choice. Even better, profits are donated to a charity supporting migrant children on the border of Thailand and Myanmar. $40, Defenderbags.org.
![Deadly Ponies Mr Mini Chain Mail Cactus $649. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/EYGDKKXLP6NGE4GUJRIJFWN26E.jpg?auth=8aa7df505c9c3c661ffd646a06246b1724c98ec70290e043af61be6ea01e02a7&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
KARKT
Made from recycled truck curtains, this weekender bag is durable, waterproof and you'll always spot it at the baggage carousel. $195, Karkt.nz