When we saw that Lafuma had won another award for their Eco 40 Rucksack we knew it was time to dig around the notes we’ve had gathering dust since this product was released. During 2007 it has scored two gongs. First, the French Etoile de l'Observeur du Design and just last month the Ispo Performance Award for Eco-responsibility. The awards jury concluded that “Lafuma submitted the most convincing product with the Eco 40 Backpack in the Eco Responsibility category. Company philosophy, planning, manufacturing and recycling of the products are all in line with sustainability. To reduce any harm to the environment to a minimum, Lafuma uses natural materials in product processing, for example, hemp, organic cotton, natural rubber, recycled polyester and wood fibers. The Eco 40 backpack is the first backpack in eco-design.” It is a 40 pack, weighing in at 1.32 kg and costing about € 75. (Though we note that is some reports the fabric is said to be recycled polyester and hemp, whereas elsewhere it is referred to just recycled polyethylene. Two different plastics with varying characteristics. Maybe it’s is just a translation issue.)

We’ve previously mentioned Lafuma Pure Leaf sustainable products initiative from which the Eco 40 was spawned. ::Lafuma, via Trail Gear.

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