Pacsafe Anti-Theft ECONYL Backpacks Made From 100% Recycled PET Bottles

Pacsafe, originally founded in 1998 by Australians Rob Schlipper and Magnus McGlashan, is now a globally distributed anti-theft backpack brand. Pacsafe has pioneered bag protection technologies, launched the Pacsafe Turtle Fund and continues to develop backpack safety features using sustainable, recyclable materials. We talked to the brand to discover their history, tech innovations and goals for the foreseeable future.

Tell us about the history of PacSafe. What have been the key moments in the development of the brand?
Pacsafe was founded by two Australian globetrotters in 1998 – Rob Schlipper and Magnus McGlashan, who are still the owners of Pacsafe. Their own experiences from visiting more than 80 countries and those of other travellers convinced them of the need for no-nonsense travel security. Beginning with the invention of one product, the Pacsafe anti-theft backpack & bag protector – a lockable eXomesh net to fit around any backpack to protect your valuables; a protector that is still available in our product range. This was followed by a series of award winning and patented technologies, that are at the core of the world´s most acclaimed anti-theft travel gear. This strong portfolio of innovative security features includes cut proof straps, lockable zippers, cut resistant materials, puncture proof zippers, pockets with RFID protection – to protect your bag – your belongings – your identity.

Tell us about the Pacsafe Turtle Fund.
In 2014 the Pacsafe Turtle Fund was launched with the aim of supporting the conservation efforts of endangered sea turtles globally. The sea turtle conservation projects we support via the Pacsafe Turtle Fund, funded through a portion of our sales, work to rescue turtles that have been caught in discarded fishing nets, build hatcheries for nesting mothers, patrol beaches against threats like egg poaching, and promote sustainable practices among coastal communities where turtles live. The turtle has been represented in our logo since the very beginning.

Venturesafe 28L G3

What about sustainable production considerations?
In 2019 we launched our first sustainable collections. For the first, we recreated our top-selling styles using Econyl yarn – made of recycled nylon waste, such as fishnets and other nylon discarded in our oceans and landscapes. The unique Econyl regeneration process results in durable, long lasting yarn that performs the same as brand new nylon. It can be recreated and remoulded, again and again. It’s all part of our commitment to reduce ocean plastic. We’ve turned ocean plastic into the best anti-theft bags.

The next collection was a brand-new, urban-style anti-theft collection made out of 100% recycled PET bottles that would otherwise have ended up as waste. Pacsafe continues to pioneer and advance the technology by putting sustainability and people first, treating them as individuals, and servicing their needs through innovation, aesthetic, craftsmanship and the desire to always do better.

Your bags are enabled with anti-theft carry solutions; how do you stand out from your competitors with similar ideas in the market?
The Pacsafe anti-theft features are unique and patented. We are a group of thoughtful travellers dedicated to protecting what is valuable – our belongings, our experiences, and our planet. For more than two decades we have worked to create the best anti-theft travel gear using sustainable materials and processes along the way. In 2021, 74% of our bags will be made of sustainable materials. All of our sustainable collections are always combined with our patented Pacsafe anti-theft technology. We’re committed to eliminating virgin plastic from our supply chain by 2025 – protecting our planet for future generations of travellers to enjoy.

What is your most successful territory?
We have a global presence which means that Pacsafe has locations in Hong Kong, EMEA, APAC and North America. The Pacsafe locations work in the different areas with respective distributors and wholesalers who are active as brick-and-mortar or online stores. Our store locator on our website assists the end-consumer to find a store nearby or an online shop in his/her country. We’re represented through our distributors and wholesalers in more than 40 countries.

Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Mini Backpack

How did the pandemic affect your business?
The majority of local retailers across many different countries had to close due to COVID-19 and, of course, we also felt the ups and downs. Nevertheless, there is still a strong demand for sustainable backpacks and bags.

How do you see the market in 2021?
We think that the first half of 2021 will be still shaky, but the second half will be more positive for all of us.