Redefining Travel: The Rhita Sustainability Suitcase

An Innovative Approach to Luggage Design by Chunyu Pan, Yun Cheng and Jhenjia Yang

The Rhita Sustainability Suitcase was born out of a recognition of the environmental impact of discarded luggage. Every year, hundreds of thousands of suitcases are discarded due to damaged wheels, handles, or shells. These suitcases are difficult to repair or recycle, leading to a significant environmental burden. The designers of the Rhita Suitcase took this challenge head-on, creating a suitcase designed for easy assembly and disassembly. This design approach not only makes the suitcase easy to repair or recycle but also reduces the number of parts used, minimizing material use and reducing shipping volume to decrease carbon footprint.

What sets the Rhita Suitcase apart from other luggage designs is its innovative hinge system. This unique installation method reduces the number of parts by 70%, simplifying the structure and reducing each freight volume by 33%. The suitcase requires no glue or rivets for fixation and no sewing of the inner lining, maximizing interior space. The quick fasten and loosen wheel mechanism makes it easy to assemble for use and disassemble for repair or recycling, extending the product's life cycle. All parts can be purchased individually, allowing for customization and easy replacement, eliminating the need to return the suitcase to a repair center and reducing shipping carbon footprint.

The Rhita Suitcase is made of durable PP material and features a 3 point lock with TSA function on the big central lock. Its double wheels ensure smooth rolling, and its size is 24 inches. The suitcase's dimensions are Depth390mm x Height350mm x Width730mm, making it a practical choice for travelers.

The Rhita Suitcase is not just a product; it's a statement about sustainable living. By simplifying the structure and reducing the number of parts, the suitcase is designed for easy repair and recycling. Users can easily install the suitcase themselves and replace damaged parts. The option to purchase parts separately and select specific colors personalizes the suitcase, extending its life cycle and making it easy to recycle when it reaches the end of its mission.

The Rhita Suitcase project began in July 2019 and was completed in Tainan, Taiwan in March 2020. The design was based on extensive research into sustainable structure and materials for suitcases. The designers analyzed suitcase types, materials, and recycling status, conducted market research on usage scenarios, hobbies, frequency of use, and repair willingness. The result is a suitcase that disrupts traditional manufacturing methods and provides a sustainable solution to benefit the world.

The Rhita Suitcase's innovative design has not gone unnoticed. It was awarded Silver in A' Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.