Sustainability will continue to be the cornerstone of our operations
In a world where conscious consumerism is shaping industries, Uppercase is redefining travel gear with a perfect blend of design, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Founded with a vision to create fashion-forward and eco-friendly travel essentials, the brand caters to young, forward-thinking individuals who believe in looking good, feeling good, and doing good. In this exclusive interview with Fibre2Fashion, Dheeraj Goyal, Co-founder and COO of Uppercase, talks about the brand’s journey, its commitment to sustainability, and how it continues to innovate in an industry that is rapidly evolving.
What was the inspiration behind founding Uppercase, and how has the brand evolved since its inception?
Uppercase was founded with the vision of creating a brand that blends sustainability with high-performance travel gear. The goal was to craft products that meet global standards while minimising environmental impact. Since launching in 2021, the brand has focused on creating durable, eco-friendly products. Our journey has been about innovating within the luggage industry, prioritising recycled materials, and ensuring that sustainability remains at the core of everything we do.
How does Uppercase differentiate itself from other travel gear brands in terms of design and functionality?
Uppercase stands out with its unique combination of bold design and sustainability. Unlike many travel gear brands, we ensure that all our products are 100 per cent made in India, using recycled materials wherever possible. Our designs are vibrant, modern, and functional, focusing not only on aesthetics but also on durability and utility. We are proud to have won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2024, which highlights our commitment to innovative, high-quality design. This balance of design and performance sets us apart from many of our competitors.
How important do you think sustainability is for today’s consumer when choosing lifestyle products?
Sustainability has become a decisive factor for many consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, who are more environmentally conscious. People now seek brands that align with their values, preferring products that combine functionality and eco-friendliness. Sustainability is no longer just a trend; it is a necessity for brands to stay relevant in today’s market.
Can you tell us about the recycled materials used in your products and how they align with your sustainability goals?
At Uppercase, sustainability is a core principle that drives our operations and product development. Our products are crafted using recycled fabrics made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and recycled polycarbonate, directly contributing to the reduction of waste. In 2024 alone, we recycled 16.31 lakh plastic bottles and 5.67 lakh polycarbonate mobile cases, saving 129,874 kilograms of CO2 emissions and 28,709 litres of oil. These achievements underline our commitment to promoting a circular economy and fostering conscious consumerism.
What is the process behind sourcing premium quality yarn made from recycled plastic bottles?
At Uppercase, we have developed a fully customised supply chain aligned to our sustainability goals. This includes specialised machinery and processes optimised for converting recycled plastic bottles into premium yarn. We also collaborate exclusively with vendors who are Global Recycled Standard (GRS) compliant under the Textile Exchange regulations, ensuring that every step of the process meets stringent sustainability and quality benchmarks. This meticulous approach enables us to maintain consistency in material performance while aligning with our environmental goals.
How do you ensure that the durability and quality of your bags meet customer expectations?
We ensure durability and quality by adhering to stringent quality parameters. We have deployed quality champions in each of the manufacturing facilities to ensure strict compliance of quality standards and get the fabrics tested from time to time with third party laboratories. We have deployed polymer specialists to monitor and maintain strict quality standards ensuring it meets and exceeds customer expectations.
How does your GRS certification reflect your commitment to sustainability, and what does it mean for your customers?
The GRS certification validates our commitment to using ethically sourced recycled materials where all the transactions are traceable using block chain-based technology governed and controlled by Textile Exchange. It assures customers that our products meet stringent environmental and social responsibility criteria. This certification gives consumers confidence that their purchase is not just stylish and functional but also contributes to reducing environmental impact.
What are some of the key materials and fabrics in your curated library, and how do they contribute to the standout European design of your products?
We have customised draw textured yarn (DTY) and fully drawn yarn (FDY) fabric specially curated to meet GRS certification and compliance requirements. They are made using filaments/threads woven from 100 per cent recycled PET bottles. Also, we use RCS certified and customised recycled polycarbonates that would otherwise end up in landfills.
How do you ensure that your travel gear remains lightweight yet robust for various uses?
We carefully select premium materials that strike the perfect balance between being lightweight and robust. By leveraging innovative material technology, we ensure that every product offers durability without compromising portability. This meticulous approach helps us achieve both functionality and quality, making our travel gear suitable for a wide range of uses while maintaining ease of use for our customers.
How does the choice of materials influence both the performance and sustainability of a product?
Materials play a key role in both the performance and sustainability of a product. For example, recycled PET is strong, water-resistant, and eco-friendly, while lightweight polycarbonate adds durability and portability. By choosing the right materials, we create products that are durable, functional, and environmentally responsible, meeting the needs of modern consumers.
How can brands effectively engage younger audiences who value both style and environmental responsibility?
To engage younger audiences, brands must prioritise transparency, authenticity, and innovation. Sharing real stories about sustainable practices, offering eco-friendly products without compromising on style, and engaging with customers through digital channels are the key strategies. Collaborations with influencers or organisations that resonate with their values can also strengthen this connection.
What inspired your decision to focus on a younger demographic, and how do their values influence your product offerings?
Younger consumers, particularly those aged 18–35, are increasingly eco-conscious and value brands that align with their lifestyle and values. This demographic prioritises sustainability, functionality, and design, which inspired us to create products that reflect these ideals. By integrating sustainable practices and offering stylish, practical gear, we meet their demand for responsible consumption without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
What role does design play in creating a lasting connection between your products and their users?
Design plays a key role in building a strong bond between a product and its user by making the product functional, visually appealing, and meaningful. When a product looks great, feels good to use, and solves a problem effectively, it creates a positive experience for the user. At Uppercase, we focus on sleek, modern designs that combine style with sustainability, ensuring our products not only meet practical needs but also reflect the values and lifestyle of our customers. A thoughtfully designed product becomes more than an item—it becomes a part of the user’s journey.
What’s next for Uppercase in terms of innovation, product development, or environmental impact?
At Uppercase, our future focus remains on deeply understanding our customers’ needs to create solutions that genuinely align with their lifestyles and values. Sustainability will continue to be the cornerstone of our operations, with every new product developed using recycled materials. Even as we diversify into new product categories, we are committed to maintaining our philosophy of balancing eco-consciousness with innovation, ensuring that every step we take fosters environmental responsibility while delivering high-quality, functional travel gear.
Finally, what trends do you see shaping the travel gear industry in the next five years?
The expansion in the global luggage market is driven by evolving traveller preferences and innovations in product design. Sustainability has emerged as a significant focus; eco-friendly and ethically produced items are gaining traction because consumers are prioritising environmental responsibility.
The utilisation of lightweight yet durable materials is facilitating travel without compromising on quality. Customisation is also witnessing an upswing, as travellers seek unique and versatile options. Health and safety factors—such as germ-resistant materials and hygienic designs—are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions.
Soft-sided luggage is experiencing a resurgence due to its practicality and flexibility. Furthermore, the rise of niche travel activities like bike tourism has resulted in a heightened demand for specialised gear. These trends highlight how the industry is evolving to cater to the needs of today’s travellers.
