Luggage Materials Guide
Travel Sentry Resources | September 2024
Choosing the Right Suitcase Material: PC, PP, ABS, ALUMINIUM, and RPET
Each material used to make luggage offers unique elements that determine its durability, weight, cost, and environmental impact.
Table of Contents
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Aluminum (ALU)
- Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET)
5 Stars (★★★★★): Best in category.
4 Stars (★★★★☆): Very good, above average.
3 Stars (★★★☆☆): Average or good but with some limitations.
2 Stars (★★☆☆☆): Below average or only suitable for specific cases.
1 Star (★☆☆☆☆): Lowest performance in category.
1. Polycarbonate (PC)
PC is a premium luggage material highly regarded for its durability and resistance to impact. Most major brands want to use it to protect the items inside the suitcase, as it can withstand rough baggage handling.
PC is strong and lightweight, making it ideal for protecting items during travel. It is easily molded, and its thermography ability allows for a wide range of scratch-resistant suitcases with high impact resistance.
The disadvantage of a polycarbonate case is that it is expensive to manufacture.
Manufacturers can leverage PC's durability and lightweight properties to produce high-quality, long-lasting luggage. PC’s flexibility allows for creating intricate, unique molds, enhancing products' aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Recommended Use
PC luggage is ideal for frequent flyers because of its high impact resistance and durability.
It can withstand rough handling and various temperature conditions without cracking or denting, making it a reliable choice for regular travel.
2. Polypropylene (PP)
PP is a versatile material that balances price and performance, making it a popular choice for luggage. It works well in different temperatures and is resistant to chemicals. The lightweight design is a plus, especially with airlines having strict baggage rules. This allows travelers to pack more without paying extra fees.
While PP suitcases may not be as strong as polycarbonate, they are still durable enough for travel. Manufacturers can save money with PP, offering affordable, high-quality luggage to consumers.
Because a case made from PP is low density, it is more prone to scratches when temperatures drop below freezing.
Recommended Use:
While not as robust as PC, PP is still sufficiently durable for frequent travel. Its primary advantage is its lightweight nature, helping frequent flyers stay within airline weight restrictions.
3. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is a common material used in producing hard-side luggage, primarily because it is cheaper than PC. ABS is also lightweight and durable. Compared to more robust materials like PC, ABS can show limitations under extreme conditions or rough handling.
ABS suitcases can be more prone to cracking and damage under harsh conditions than higher-end materials.
Recommended Use:
ABS is suitable for frequent flyers looking for economical options. It allows for the creation of robust yet affordable luggage, expanding the market reach to cost-conscious consumers.
4. Aluminum
Aluminum luggage, known for its robustness and premium aesthetic, is more expensive. A solid material, it can withstand rough handling. However, aluminum is heavier than PC and ABS, which is a consideration for air travel luggage costs.
Aluminum is most likely chosen as a material for its sleek, premium appearance. Manufacturers aiming for the luxury market can use aluminum to create strong and stylish luggage. This luggage stands out for its quality and design.
Recommended Use:
Aluminum luggage offers unparalleled durability and a premium appearance, making it preferred by those who travel often. An aluminum suitcase is stylish and capable of handling severe stress and rough conditions.
5. Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET)
RPET is popular in the luggage industry as a sustainable choice because it is made from recycled plastic bottles.
It helps reduce plastic waste, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. RPET is comparable to traditional PET but may be slightly less robust because of the recycling process. This material is generally heavier than PP and is generally on par with traditional hard-side materials.
Processing rPET means it can be more expensive than virgin plastics.
RPET is suitable for companies looking to enhance their sustainable product lines. It provides an opportunity to appeal to a growing segment of eco-aware travelers, emphasizing corporate responsibility.
Recommended Use:
RPET is for environmentally conscious frequent flyers. It offers good durability and is eco-friendly, although it may be slightly less robust than non-recycled alternatives.
Manufacturers can strategically position their products to meet diverse consumer expectations. To succeed in a competitive market, they must match material properties with market demands, such as durability, cost efficiency, lightweight properties or sustainability.