Our History Upcycling Backpacks
Looptworks is a Portland-based company that was founded in 2009 with a unique mission: to address the problem of textile waste in the fashion industry by upcycling excess materials into high-quality products. The company was started by Scott Hamlin, who previously worked in the outdoor gear industry and became aware of the massive amounts of waste generated by textile manufacturers. He saw an opportunity to create a more sustainable business model by using these excess materials to create new products, rather than allowing them to end up in landfills. Looptworks began by upcycling excess textiles into unique clothing items, but later expanded its product line to include accessories and bags, including the popular backpacks for hiking and school.
Looptworks' backpacks are made from a variety of upcycled materials, including excess leather, denim, and nylon. Each backpack is carefully crafted to ensure durability and functionality, with features like padded laptop sleeves, water bottle pockets, and adjustable straps. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident not just in its use of upcycled materials, but also in its manufacturing process, which involves minimizing waste and using eco-friendly production techniques. Looptworks' backpacks have gained a reputation for their unique style and high quality, making them a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and students alike.
A Step Forward
Looptworks' decision to shift away from crafting backpacks from excess textiles and towards downcycling, upcycling, and fiber-to-fiber recycling is a significant move towards promoting environmental sustainability. The new focus on creating sustainable solutions to help companies achieve their ESG goals is an innovative approach that addresses the growing concern around environmental degradation caused by textile waste. By transforming waste materials into new, high-quality materials, Looptworks will help reduce waste and promote circularity in the fashion industry. Our commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in our decision to transition away from creating backpacks.
Let Looptworks help you meet your ESG goals. Learn More >>>
From the begining
Since 2009
We have been transforming excess textiles into unique backpacks since our founding in 2009. We've used gorgeous materials like Pendleton wool, super durable cotton canvas, and beautifully-crafted Danner & Langlitz leather and given those textiles a second life. The best part? Our eco-friendly designs give back to people and the planet by conserving water, reducing carbon emissions, and giving back to our local community through job creation.
The Calvin
Made from 100% upcycled material, including premium shoe leather and durable polyester canvas. “From the get go, it was like Melanie and Tamara were finishing my sentences. Everything they did was so on point with what I think of as attractive and useful. The finished product exceeded my wildest expectations." --Claire Coffee reflecting on designing The Calvin We couldn't say it better. From the 14 concept sketches to the 4 prototypes, to the hours and hours of honing and fine-tuning, we were excited about the end result of The Calvin Backpack. Materials, features, pockets, hardware, weight, size, functionality — everything was taken into consideration!
The Calvin is the result of our collaboration with actress Claire Coffee (from NBC’s Grimm) and Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest. 10% of each pack sold went towards Girls Inc. and their mission to empower and embolden girls.
Let customers speak for us
There’s nothing better than having a stash sling that is super functional, easy to access, and made with Looptworks excellent quality!
It looks like a small pouch, but it holds a lot--and all accessible with the handy toggle handle. Its bright color makes it easy to find in the depths of my black tote, and I love that it's made out of recycled ripstop material. Definitely a winner!
The canvas hip pack is so great! It's a perfect size for my phone and wallet and a few other things for when I'm out and about. Such great quality and I love the way it looks too!
This is the perfect pouch to organize your backpack or tote bag - the colors make the pouch easy to find. Construction is solid, slightly padded sides, inside divider - the perfect home for my assortment of charger cords and ear buds
The fabric is amazingly soft and comfortable. I like the design of the back, rather than a single piece of fabric.
Great quality. Perfect fit for my 15" laptop. Love the color. Pocket fits the charger. But I wonder what good is this review since Looptworks is no longer going to make products directly for the consumer. I'm sad about that!!
Amazing product! The material is very durable and the design is very unique. Fits a lot!
Love how the upcycled inner tubes give this thing a bit of stretch! My doggy loves the matching collar, too. Still looking for a chance to use the bottle opener. ;)
The only downside for this bag is that they're going to stop selling it shortly. Get one if you still can.
The bag is durable. It is fully lined. Made with black fabric and a panel of wool for good looks. I like it. I went ahead and bought two.
Love the material, divider in the middle and pockets. As advertised, great for weekend travel. Level it up with a long strap in addition to two handles and you’ve got a 5 star bag.
I use this tote as a market bag. It holds A LOT! Outside pockets are great for water bottle and wine bottles. I like that the handles and outside bottom are made from vinyl so it's non porous and easy to clean. Be aware ... the inside is white. Not an ideal color because it gets stained and dirty very easily. A shade darker, say the color of the handles, would've made it visually more appealing. My bags get used so they get dirty.
I ordered two bags in plaid and they are so classy, elegant and usable
