FREITAG
FREITAG is a Zurich-based Swiss designer and manufacturer founded in 1993 that produces bags and accessories from upcycled truck tarps, car seat belts, and recycled PET, selling globally to design-conscious urban consumers via its online store, retail locations, partner shops, and B2B channels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersZürich, Switzerland
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What FREITAG does
FREITAG is a Swiss designer and manufacturer of bags and accessories founded in 1993 in Zurich by brothers Stefan and Oliver Freitag. The company's core technology is a five-stage upcycling process — tarp sourcing, disassembly, washing, cutting, and sewing — that transforms discarded truck tarps, salvaged car seat belts, recycled PET bottles, and used reflectors into durable, water-repellent products containing 85–90% reused materials. Approximately 270 tons of truck tarps are sourced annually from across Europe, and the company produces around 400,000 units per year across roughly 60 models spanning messenger bags, backpacks, shoppers, crossbody and shoulder bags, laptop bags, sleeves, wallets, phone cases, keyholders, and decorative charms. Materials processing, quality control, and photography are centralized at the Zurich headquarters (which also collects rainwater for washing), while sewing is performed by long-standing partner workshops in Portugal, Czech Republic, and Bulgaria operating under FREITAG's Code of Conduct.
FREITAG operates a hybrid direct-to-consumer and wholesale business model. Consumers purchase through the company's own online store (freitag.ch), company-owned flagship retail stores in Zurich, and a global network of partner shops. A B2B channel handles corporate gifting and bulk distribution. Pricing is unit-based across tiers: backpacks $280–$430, messenger bags $55–$350, shoulder/crossbody $100–$250, laptop sleeves from $120, keyholders $12–$38, and charms $22–$45. Beyond product sales, FREITAG operates a circular services portfolio — repair, S.W.A.P. exchange, rental (travel bags and cargo bikes), bag customization, and take-back — that recurs customer engagement and supports the brand's circular economy positioning. Marketing is brand-story-led across Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Spotify, email, factory tours, and the F-EDERATION community program.
The company's primary customer segments are design-conscious urban professionals and cyclists seeking durable, sustainable, one-of-a-kind products for commuting and travel, with secondary segments in tech-conscious consumers needing laptop protection and corporate B2B buyers seeking sustainable gifting. FREITAG is privately held with no disclosed external investment, parent company, or public market presence; it has grown organically over three decades and remains founder-led from Zurich.
FREITAG firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- FREITAG
- Legal name
- FREITAG
- Website
- https://freitag.ch
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- FREITAG is a Zurich-based Swiss designer and manufacturer founded in 1993 that produces bags and accessories from upcycled truck tarps, car seat belts, and recycled PET, selling globally to design-conscious urban consumers via its online store, retail locations, partner shops, and B2B channels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
FREITAG industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sustainable Bags and Accessories
- NAICS
- Textile Bag and Canvas Mills (314910)
- SIC
- Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Packaging Recovery & Closed-Loop Programs (Take-Back, Deposit-Return, EPR Support) (IMALAMAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Paper Bags & Sacks (Multiwall, SOS, Grocery) (IMALACAD), Bag & Accessory Components/Hardware (Straps, Buckles, Zippers) (CRAAAJAJ)
Keywords
Where FREITAG is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Zürich
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
FREITAG business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Product Sales: One-time purchase revenue from selling upcycled bags, backpacks, accessories, and related items directly to consumers through online store and retail locations.
- Circular Services: Additional revenue streams from repair services, bag customization, take-back programs, S.W.A.P. (exchange) service, and rental services for travel bags and cargo bikes.
- B2B Distribution: Corporate gifting and B2B distribution channel for businesses looking to purchase FREITAG products in bulk.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Bags (Messenger, Backpacks, Shoulder Bags) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessories (Laptop Sleeves, Wallets, Keyholders) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Charms and Small Accessories |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Last One-Offs (Discontinued Models) |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Repair Services |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Rental Services |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels11 records
FREITAG product offering
Product offeringCore offering
FREITAG designs, produces, and sells upcycled bags and accessories made primarily from used truck tarps, salvaged car seat belts, recycled PET bottles, and other discarded materials. The portfolio spans around 60 models including messenger bags, backpacks, shoppers, crossbody bags, laptop sleeves, wallets, phone cases, keyholders, charms, and toiletry bags. The company also operates a circular services ecosystem covering repair, S.W.A.P. exchange, rental, customization, and take-back programs.
Product overview
FREITAG is a Swiss company that produces upcycled bags and accessories made primarily from used truck tarps, car seat belts, recycled PET bottles, and other discarded materials. The product portfolio consists of around 60 models including messenger bags, backpacks, shoppers, crossbody bags, shoulder bags, laptop bags, totes, sports bags, toiletry bags, laptop sleeves, wallets, pouches, phone cases, keyholders, and decorative charms. The company operates a circular economy model with approximately 400,000 products produced annually. Most products are one-of-a-kind due to the unique patterns of reclaimed materials used. FREITAG also offers circular services including repair, S.W.A.P. (exchange), rent, bag customization, and take-back programs. The product line includes discontinued Reflected Bags models (RF series) sold at final prices during farewell tours, and current active models (F series) across bags and accessories categories. Production is conducted in partnership with facilities in Portugal, Czech Republic, and Bulgaria, with headquarters and material processing in Zurich, Switzerland.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- F140 FRAN Crossbody Bag Compact crossbody bag and handlebar bag made from upcycled truck tarps, featuring volume-adjustable main compartment, detachable reflector strap, and unique one-of-a-kind design.
- F201 PETE Backpack Small square backpack made from upcycled truck tarp and car seat belts, convertible to hand-carry with double handle, featuring padded laptop compartment for devices up to 15 inches.
- F306 HAZZARD Backpack Backpack bestseller made from upcycled truck tarps, featuring water-repellent properties and durable construction for everyday use.
- F41 HAWAII FIVE-0 Messenger Bag Bestseller messenger bag crafted from used truck tarps, combining functionality with unique one-of-a-kind aesthetics.
- F250 SONNY Shopper Bag Bestseller shopper bag featuring two handles and minimalist design, made from upcycled truck tarps with foldable construction.
- F260 MIAMI WIDE Shopper Bag Wide-format shopper bag made from upcycled truck tarps with bold, minimalist design.
- F738 COOL BAG Insulated Shopper Insulated shopper bag designed to keep contents cool, featuring foldable design made from recycled materials.
- F155 CLAPTON Premium Backpack Premium backpack made from upcycled materials featuring high-quality construction and durability.
- F305 ROY Laptop Bag Laptop bag designed for devices up to 15 inches, crafted from upcycled truck tarps with water-repellent properties.
- F14 DEXTER Messenger Bag Classic messenger bag made from upcycled truck tarps featuring robust construction and timeless design.
- F171 LAURA Shoulder Bag Shoulder bag crafted from upcycled truck tarps with adjustable strap and one-of-a-kind design.
- F553 LOU Shoulder Bag Shoulder bag featuring minimalist design made from upcycled truck tarps with unique color variations.
- F35 CHEYENNE Toiletry Bag Small toiletry bag featuring polished inner mirror, smart inside pockets, and zippered inner compartment, made from upcycled truck tarps.
- F36 WAYNE Toiletry Bag Toiletry bag made from upcycled truck tarps with practical design for travel essentials.
- F531 ARCHER Keyholder Keyholder with carabiner attachment made from used truck tarpaulin, featuring 40% reused material content.
- F231 ED Slim Keyholder Slim key holder with minimalist wrist loop design, made from upcycled truck tarpaulin.
- F337 ROBIN Phone Case Phone case made from upcycled truck tarps with unique one-of-a-kind design.
- F402 Laptop Sleeve 12/13 inch Softly padded laptop sleeve for 12/13 inch devices made from upcycled truck tarps, also suitable for tablets and notebooks.
- F411 Laptop Sleeve 13/14 inch Padded laptop sleeve for 13/14 inch devices made from upcycled truck tarps with tough exterior.
- F421 Laptop Sleeve 15 inch Laptop sleeve for 15 inch devices made from upcycled truck tarps with one-of-a-kind design.
- F258 WERLER Wallet Wallet made from upcycled truck tarps with minimalist design and multiple card slots.
- F256 BARROW Wallet Wallet crafted from upcycled truck tarps featuring unique one-of-a-kind design.
- F05 BLAIR Compact Pouch Compact pouch made from upcycled truck tarps for organized storage of small items.
- F532 TED Toiletry Bag Toiletry bag made from upcycled truck tarps with practical design for travel.
- F243 EXPLORER Accessory Accessory item made from upcycled materials with unique design.
- Lucky Trucking Charms Collection Collection of charms (F210 AUTOBAHN, F211 DICE, F212 FACE, F213 MINI MESSENGER, F214 HORSE, F215 RIBBON) made from truck tarp offcuts, available in limited quantities.
- Bag Repair Service Repair service to extend the life of bags and accessories, supporting circular economy principles.
- S.W.A.P. Exchange Service Swap service allowing customers to exchange their FREITAG products for other items.
- Rental Service Rental service for travel bags and cargo bikes, enabling temporary use without ownership.
- Bag Customization Service Personalization service allowing customers to customize their one-of-a-kind FREITAG bags.
- Take-Back Service Take-back service for end-of-life products, supporting circular material cycles.
Quantifiable outcome
- Products contain 85-90% reused materials
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use FREITAG
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
FREITAG technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
FREITAG partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Production Partners in Portugal, Czech Republic, and BulgariacoreFREITAG partners with skilled sewing workshops in Portugal, Czech Republic, and Bulgaria to transform cut tarp pieces into finished bags. These long-standing partners follow FREITAG's strict Code of Conduct regulating social and ecological standards throughout the supply chain.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
FREITAG competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Baggu: US DTC bag brand with sustainability-led positioning (recycled nylon, organic cotton), broad product range, and direct-to-consumer-first distribution model comparable to FREITAG's.
- ECOALF: Spanish sustainable-fashion brand using recycled PET, fishing nets, and coffee grounds in bags, apparel, and footwear — comparable in using post-consumer/industrial waste as primary raw material with a global DTC footprint.
- Patagonia: US-based outdoor apparel and bag brand built on environmental responsibility, recycled materials, repair services (Worn Wear), and take-back programs — directly comparable mission and circular-services model to FREITAG.
- Fjällräven: Swedish heritage outdoor brand famous for the Kånken backpack; shares FREITAG's blend of durable functional bags, sustainability positioning, and globally recognized design icon status among urban and outdoor consumers.
- Matt & Nat: Canadian vegan bag and accessories brand using recycled materials (recycled nylon, PET bottles, recycled leather) — direct peer in sustainable-material bags with similar price positioning and broad product line.
- Elvis & Kresse: UK luxury accessories maker that transforms decommissioned materials (fire-hose, printing blankets, parachute silk) into bags and wallets — the closest direct parallel to FREITAG's upcycled-material, one-of-a-kind product philosophy.
- Timbuk2: San Francisco messenger-bag pioneer with strong urban-cyclist DNA and a customization program — historically overlaps with FREITAG's original messenger-bag category and urban-cyclist customer base.
Emerging players
- Lo & Sons: Travel-focused bag brand emphasizing durability and longevity — overlaps with FREITAG's travel-bag and rental-service ambitions in the 'buy-it-for-life' carry category.
- Goya Diffusion: French maker of recycled-tarp and upcycled-material bags (notamment ligne de sacs en bâches recyclées) — most direct European upcycling-of-tarps peer to FREITAG, operating at smaller scale in a similar niche.
Broad incumbents
- Herschel Supply Co. Established global bag and accessories brand with broad lifestyle positioning and wider distribution than FREITAG — competes in the same urban-commuter/daypack category but with a broader, less sustainability-narrow product portfolio.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
FREITAG social profiles
Digital presenceFREITAG financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
FREITAG leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
FREITAG funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
FREITAG M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about FREITAG
What does FREITAG do?
FREITAG designs, produces, and sells upcycled bags and accessories made primarily from used truck tarps, salvaged car seat belts, recycled PET bottles, and other discarded materials. The portfolio spans around 60 models including messenger bags, backpacks, shoppers, crossbody bags, laptop sleeves, wallets, phone cases, keyholders, charms, and toiletry bags. The company also operates a circular services ecosystem covering repair, S.W.A.P. exchange, rental, customization, and take-back programs.
Is FREITAG a public or private company?
FREITAG is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was FREITAG founded?
FREITAG was founded in 1993. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is FREITAG based?
FREITAG is headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does FREITAG make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are circular Services and B2B Distribution.
Who are FREITAG's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Baggu, ECOALF, Patagonia, Fjällräven, Matt & Nat, Elvis & Kresse and Timbuk2. Emerging players are Lo & Sons and Goya Diffusion. Herschel Supply Co. is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does FREITAG have an API?
No public API is recorded for FREITAG.
What industry is FREITAG in?
FREITAG's product category is Sustainable Bags and Accessories. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAMAF, Packaging Recovery & Closed-Loop Programs (Take-Back, Deposit-Return, EPR Support), with a secondary code of IMALACAD, Paper Bags & Sacks (Multiwall, SOS, Grocery). Its NAICS code is 314910 and its SIC code is 2300.