The travel industry is not always environmentally-friendly, from jet fuel to resource depletion, where does sustainability come to you in terms product innovation?
Sustainability at Samsonite is embedded at every stage of product development from material sourcing and design to end‑of‑life handling. In 2020 under the leadership and vision of our Global CEO Kyle Gendreau, Samsonite corporation launched a comprehensive sustainability strategy called Our Responsible Journey, built on our 115-year heritage of innovation. We see it as the compass guiding our decision-making on our journey to 2030 and the path to our long-term ambition. In 2022, we refined the way we frame our strategy, focusing on three pillars – Product, Planet, and People – supported by a foundation of strong governance
We structure innovation around three key pillars: sustainable materials – durability & circularity – carbon footprint reduction. Here are some of our milestones in 2024: Approximately 40% of net sales came from products that incorporate some recycled materials, up from about 34% in 2023. We ranked #40 of 500 Companies (and #2 in Retail, Wholesale & Consumer Goods industry) by Time Magazine as World’s Best Companies in Sustainable Growth 2025.
At Samsonite, sustainability isn’t an afterthought, it’s woven into the very DNA of your product.
The post-pandemic travel is a strange beast, after standing still for a long time, expectations and experiences have changed widely, what can you tell us about this?
It has been a fascinating shift. After an extended pause earlier, people have returned to travel with fresh perspectives and priorities. ‘Experiences are taking precedence over material expenses leading to higher travel’especially now in 2025 as the industry has had time to reset. Staycations and short term travel has increased
One of the most striking changes is pent-up demand finally translating into sustained momentum. In many regions, international travel volumes are getting close to or even exceeding 2019 levels, driven by a mix of leisure trips, blended work-and-travel lifestyles, and people simply eager to make up for lost time. But while bookings are up, travelers have become far more selective about where they go and how they get there.
Sustainability has really cemented itself as a priority in 2025. A growing number of travelers especially Millennials and Gen Z want their trips to align with their values. They’re paying attention to the carbon impact of flights, the sustainability credentials of accommodations and even the environmental footprint of the luggage they carry. At Samsonite, this has been a major focus.
At the same time, personalization and digitalization have accelerated. Travelers expect tailored experiences, from booking apps that learn their preferences to luggage which is an extension of their personality and support a more connected lifestyle. Samsonite has leaned into this by offering more customization options and smart features that make traveling simpler and more personal.
Of course, there are still challenges inflation, labor shortages in hospitality and transport, and geopolitical tensions are all factors that can impact consumer confidence. But overall, 2025 feels like a year of redefinition for travel: people are traveling more, but with much clearer expectations. They want their trips to be meaningful, flexible,and sustainable. So in many ways, post-pandemic travel isn’t about returning to the old playbook, it’s about reimagining what travel can be. And for Samsonite, it means continuing to innovate in ways that help people move responsibly and confidently whether they’re heading across town or across the world.
Gen Z is known to buy products from companies that align with their values, how is the travel industry meeting them and being compatible with their expectations?
I think it gets to the heart of how much the travel industry has evolved over the past few years. Gen Z has set a very clear benchmark for brands: if you want their loyalty, you have to walk the talk when it comes to values.
First and foremost, sustainability is front and center. In addition, personalization and digital engagement. This is a generation that has grown up online and they expect intuitive digital experiences. From seamless mobile booking to AI-powered recommendations, the industry is using technology to build more tailored journeys. We see the same demand in how people shop for luggage. They want personalization from color and accessories to smart features and a frictionless digital experience when they research and buy.
Then there’s the matter of authenticity. Gen Z has little patience for cookie cutter experiences. They’re looking for trips that feel meaningful, immersive cultural exchanges, local food, opportunities to give back to communities they visit. This appetite for genuine engagement even influences what they pack: lightweight, versatile luggage that adapts to more spontaneous, experience-driven travel styles. Of course, social media is a huge part of this equation. For Gen Z, inspiration often starts on platforms like TikTok or Instagram. The smartest travel brands aren’t just using social media as a marketing channel they’re creating communities and amplifying real customer stories. At Samsonite, we’ve leaned into this as well. You’ll see more of our campaigns highlighting real travelers and the ways they use our products to explore sustainably and authentically.
Overall, I think the big takeaway is that Gen Z has pushed travel brands to become more transparent, more sustainable, and more human. That’s a good thing for everyone. In meeting their expectations, the industry is laying the groundwork for a more responsible and inspiring future of travel.
Samsonite is a heritage brand, how does it balance history and modernity without alienating its core customers?
That’s an excellent question and one I hear often especially here in the Middle East, where our customers appreciate both legacy and innovation. At Samsonite, we see our heritage as a tremendous strength. For the last 115 years , we’ve been trusted by travelers around the world because of our relentless focus on quality, durability, and design. That commitment hasn’t changed. What has evolved is the way we express it.
We’re very conscious that many of our loyal customers have been with Samsonite for decades. They trust us to deliver consistent performance. So, while we innovate, we never compromise on the fundamentals like strength, practicality, and long-term value. You’ll see that in our after sales support, our commitment to repairability and the fact that so many of our collections are designed to last for years, if not decades.
Balancing that history and modernity is really about honoring our legacy while reimagining how we serve the next generation. A great example is our PROXIS™ collection. It’s built with our exclusive Roxkin™ material—strong, lightweight, and impact-resistant embodying the durability our brand is known for but with a design language that feels fresh and progressive.
In the Middle East specifically, our customers are sophisticated and diverse. They want products that reflect their personal style, respect tradition and deliver modern convenience. Whether it’s our premium business collections, our family-friendly travel ranges or our sustainability focused innovations, we strive to give them options that feel both classic and forward looking.
Ultimately, I believe the secret to balancing history and modernity is to stay true to our core purpose helping people travel with confidence while constantly listening, adapting, and leading.
Since 1910, when Jesse Shwayder, started the company, we have survived 2 World Wars, 2 Pandemics (The Spanish Flu & Covid), 2 Financial Crisis (The Great Depression & The Financial Crisis of 2008) and continued to serve our customers. Not many brands, especially in the consumer durable industry can reflect such resilience and legacy to overcome challenges.
This is how Samsonite has remained relevant for over a century and it’s how we intend to keep evolving.
