Recycled Bags: PVC vs. Sail: How to Choose

The world of fashion and design is increasingly moving toward sustainability. But when it comes to recycled bags , not all materials are created equal: some are the result of more impactful industrial processes, others hold authentic stories and values.
Two of the most popular materials are recycled PVC and recycled sail . Both share the appeal of reuse, but the differences are profound. Let's discover together why choosing a sail bag isn't just about making a purchase, but about embarking on a journey reminiscent of the sea and authenticity.

Introduction: The challenge of sustainability

Fashion and design are increasingly focused on sustainability. But when it comes to recycled bags , not all materials have the same value. The most common is recycled PVC , and recycled sailcloth has recently become popular: both are created from recycled materials, but with very different histories and impacts.

Recycled PVC: advantages and limitations

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a very durable and widely used plastic, often used in advertising banners, tarps, and coverings. When these materials are recovered, they can be transformed into bags and accessories.

Pros of recycled PVC:

• High resistance to water and external agents.

• Good durability over time.

• Wide availability of prints, colors and customizations.

Cons of recycled PVC:

• It is still plastic: its original production is highly polluting.

• It feels cold and less natural to the touch.

• Aesthetics more “industrial” than artisanal.

• Less breathable and with very long degradation times if not recycled again.

• Quite heavy

Recycled PVC is therefore a creative solution to the problem of plastic waste, but it remains tied to an urban and industrial imagery, less "warm" and personal.

Recycled SAIL: a material with a soul

Boat sails are made of technical fabrics—from Dacron to the nylon of spinnakers to the laminates of maxi yachts. After sailing the seas and winds, they reach the end of their useful life... but not the end of their story.

Pros of recycled sail:

• Each piece is unique: stitching, numbers, and wind marks tell the story of an authentic journey.

• Lightweight yet durable material, designed to withstand seas and storms.

• Elegant, minimal aesthetic but with unmistakable nautical details.

• No new plastic production: pure and artisanal reuse.

• Tactile and visual sensation of authenticity: it is not an industrial derivative, but a fabric that has already lived.

Cons of recycled sail:

• Limited availability: sails are not infinite, so each bag is part of a unique collection.

• It requires artisanal skill to be worked, not mass industrialization.

And it is precisely this uniqueness that is the true value: owning a sail bag means owning a hand-sewn fragment of the sea, which can never be identical to another.

PVC vs. SAIL: the real difference is in the meaning

Choosing a recycled PVC bag means choosing a practical and durable material, yet one that remains a product of an industrial world.
Choosing a sailcloth bag means carrying a story : that of a boat, of the wind, of routes traveled. Not just an object, but a piece of life transformed into sustainable design.

Differences in Style and Production Techniques

You may have seen a bag or accessory made from recycled PVC, and you'll have noticed how the fabric often has a "raw cut" edge. This is possible because the fabric is entirely covered in PVC, preventing the fibers from moving. This simplifies assembly and reduces production time, but it precludes the possibility of a more refined finish. Furthermore, the material's weight makes it difficult to pair with linings or other fabrics, as it would make the final product extremely heavy.

Sailcloth is a fabric in every sense of the word, like ordinary cotton, so when cut, it tends to fray. For this reason, it's important to know how to best care for this material. Knowing how to sew isn't enough; you need to understand how sailcloth behaves and know how to best finish it to ensure it lasts over time.

Rivelami has always had quality among its main objectives, which is why we take care of all the finishing touches of a product

The Rivelami proposals: sails that become traveling companions

For more than ten years, Rivelami has been recovering authentic sails and transforming them into handcrafted bags and accessories .
Each creation is unique, hand-sewn in Italy and accompanied by a certificate of origin that tells the story of the sail from which it comes.

Some examples:

• Tellina – the lightweight spinnaker hobo bag with leather handle, designed for glamorous, summery looks.

• Duffle Mini Riviera – the compact duffel bag, ideal for travel and weekends.

• Velina – the foldable shopper in sail nylon, practical and always with you.

With Rivelami, sustainability meets the elegance of design and the allure of the sea.

Conclusion: the conscious choice

If you're looking for a bag that's purely functional, or has an industrial style, recycled PVC may be enough.
If, on the other hand, you want an accessory that expresses who you are, that carries with it emotions, wind, and salt… then a recycled sail is the way to go.

➡️ Discover all the recycled sail bags and choose the one that will accompany you on your next trip.