Samsonite

Founded in 1910 in Denver by Jesse Shwayder, Samsonite was born in a world where travel was a privilege. From its beginnings, the brand distinguished itself by designing robust and elegant luggage, intended to accompany the most demanding journeys. Over time, it has introduced unprecedented materials, invented solutions that have transformed the way we travel – like the rolling suitcase or ultralight shells – and shaped iconic models. This know-how, passed down from generation to generation, has enabled the family business to become a global player in travel, while remaining true to its spirit of constant innovation.

The history of Samsonite

Since its creation in 1910, Samsonite has built its reputation on two pillars: robustness and innovation. Jesse Shwayder's first wooden trunk, reinforced with metal, already laid down the founding principle: luggage capable of withstanding time and the rigors of travel.

Over the decades, each landmark product reflects a response to new ways of traveling. In the 40s, the Streamlite™ embodied the elegance and lightness sought by an increasingly mobile society. The Silhouette™ (1958) continued this logic with a modern design and a structure designed to withstand wear and tear, while the Attache Case (1963) established itself as the iconic accessory for the modern businessman.

The real breakthrough came in 1974, with the introduction of wheels on the Silhouette, which radically transformed travel comfort. From then on, Samsonite became synonymous with practicality as well as durability. In the following decades, innovation focused on safety and ease: the Oyster™ (1986) invented the three-point closure, while the Ziplite™ (1994) introduced the hard-shell suitcase with a zipper, creating a new market.

The 2000s reinforced this quest for mobility and lightness. The 4-wheel Spinner (2004) revolutionized travel in modern airports, and the Cosmolite® (2008) became the icon of a new generation of suitcases: ultra-light, resistant, and awarded for their design.

Finally, since the late 2010s, innovation has shifted towards sustainability. With the ECO ranges (2018) in Recyclex™ and the S’Cure ECO (2019) made from household plastic waste, Samsonite is integrating its know-how into the ecological transition.

Through these evolutions, the brand has always managed to transform its luggage into reflections of major travel shifts: from original robustness to fluid mobility, from lightness to environmental commitment.

Ecological commitments

Samsonite structures its sustainable commitment around a global strategy, “Our Responsible Journey,” launched in 2020, built on three pillars:

• Product: Samsonite focuses on the durability and longevity of its luggage. The company develops new, more resistant, lighter materials and seeks to use more recycled materials. Some models are designed to be easily repaired and extend their lifespan. The Proxis Circular collection, for example, uses a shell made from recycled cooking oil and other recycled components.
• Planet: One of the brand's major commitments is to limit its greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this, Samsonite relies on two levers: firstly, the increasing use of recycled materials to manufacture its products; secondly, the use of 100% renewable electricity in its factories, offices, and stores. Thanks to these efforts, the company has already significantly reduced its carbon footprint related to its own operations and aims to halve the overall impact of its production chain by 2030.
• People: Samsonite regularly publishes detailed reports on its progress to make its commitments measurable and verifiable. The company also identifies the most important environmental and social priorities, such as eco-design, the fight against climate change, and respect for working conditions. Finally, it involves its suppliers in this approach by supporting and monitoring them to ensure good practices throughout the production chain.

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