Business Opportunity for Sustainable Retail Travel Accessories
Travel retail is evolving beyond traditional luggage and convenience categories as consumers increasingly seek products that combine practicality, style, and sustainability.
This shift creates an opportunity for travel retailers to introduce distinctive accessories that complement existing travel purchases while increasing basket value and enhancing the customer experience.
The James&Co Brands collection combines three sustainable materials:
• James&Co – FSC-certified washable paper
• CORKSTORE – FSC-certified natural cork
• Earth Totes – organic cotton
Together, these brands offer cosmetic bags, toiletry organisers, travel pouches, compact mirrors, and accessory organisers that align with growing consumer demand for sustainable travel products.
Growth in the Travel Accessories Market
The global travel toiletry bag market is forecast to grow from approximately USD $2.1 billion in 2024 to USD $3.5 billion by 2033. Growth is being driven by increasing leisure and business travel, demand for organised packing solutions, and the growing importance of personal care while travelling.
Consumers are increasingly looking for products that help them travel more efficiently while reflecting their personal values around sustainability and responsible consumption.
Beyond Plastic Travel Accessories
Most travel organisers, cosmetic bags and toiletry cases sold today are manufactured from plastic-based materials such as PU, PVC, polyester, nylon and synthetic faux leather.
James&Co, CORKSTORE and Earth Totes offer a distinctive alternative through washable paper, natural cork and organic cotton, providing travel retailers with products that support growing consumer demand for plastic-free and lower-impact alternatives.
Multiple Retail Opportunities
The collection can be positioned throughout travel retail environments including:
• Travel accessories
• Carry-on and luggage departments
• Personal care and toiletry sections
• Gift and souvenir areas
• Airport retail
• Travel essentials displays
Their compact size and gifting appeal make them ideal add-on purchases for travellers preparing for a trip or purchasing while travelling.
High-Margin Add-On Products
Travel accessories are among the strongest impulse and complementary purchases within travel retail.
Customers purchasing luggage, travel essentials, personal care products, travel adapters, passports holders, and gift items are natural purchasers of cosmetic bags, travel organisers, and toiletry pouches.
These products require minimal display space while helping increase average transaction values.
A Differentiated Travel Retail Category
As sustainability becomes increasingly important to travellers, retailers that introduce innovative alternatives to conventional plastic accessories are positioning themselves ahead of a significant market shift.
The James&Co Brands collection provides travel retailers with distinctive products made from washable paper, cork and organic cotton—materials rarely found in traditional travel accessory ranges.
By combining practicality, travel relevance and sustainability, the collection offers a compelling opportunity for travel retailers seeking to differentiate their product offering and meet evolving consumer expectations.