Recyclable Backpack Made from TPU

Oechsler and Vaude Develop Recyclable Backpack Made from TPU Oechsler AG and German outdoor brand Vaude collaborated to develop sustainable outdoor backpacks. As a result of this collaboration, the two companies developed a recyclable backpack made from TPU. The prototype, named "Novum 3D", is manufactured entirely from TPU. In the recyclable backpack, TPU components are joined together using an innovative welding process, thereby eliminating the need for stitching. These prototypes use 3D-printed pads instead of traditional padding made from composite materials. At the same time, the backpack, which is suitable for outdoor use, features a lattice structure—referred to as additive manufacturing—that offers different degrees of hardness for different body areas and thus provides greater comfort. The backpack's open honeycomb structure improves ventilation and at the same time reduces material consumption. Uwe Gottschalk, Product Head at Vaude, commented on this new production and noted that he sees great potential in terms of a functioning circular economy. Gottschalk stated, "Up to now, backpack systems have been composed of many different materials. Thanks to 3D printing technology, backpack systems made from a single type of thermoplastic (TPU) are now possible for the first time." Gottschalk emphasized that the backpack can be recycled without the need for complex separation systems. The product head also conveyed that all non-TPU components were designed to be easily removable.