Recycled felt is made by pressing recycled PET — plastic-bottle fibre — into a dense, wool-like textile. It holds its shape, repels water, and takes years of daily carry without stretching or fraying, which is why it suits bags, backpacks and laptop sleeves. Nordhale makes its felt bags this way, cut and sewn by hand in Estonia.
Here is what the material is, how it compares, and which bag suits which use.
What recycled felt is
Industrial felt is fibre pressed and matted into a firm sheet — no weave, so no seams to unravel. Nordhale's is made from recycled PET: plastic bottles spun into fibre, then felted. The result is light, keeps its structure, and is naturally water-repellent. See the range in the Nordhale Collection.
Felt versus leather versus canvas
| Material | Weight | Water | Holds shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recycled felt | Light | Repellent | Yes, structured |
| Leather | Heavy | Needs care | Softens over time |
| Canvas | Light | Absorbs | Slouches |
Which bag for which use
For daily commuting, the Hølar backpack or another felt backpack carries a laptop and more. For work and errands, the Hennes tote has a dedicated laptop pocket. To protect a laptop on its own, a felt laptop sleeve like the Skive (13–16 inch) slips into any bag.
Caring for felt
Brush off dust, then spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not machine wash or wring. Air-dry flat, away from direct heat. A fabric shaver lifts any surface pilling. Felt needs no conditioning the way leather does.
Common questions
Is recycled felt durable? Yes. It is a dense, matted fibre with no weave to fray, so it keeps its shape through years of daily use.
Is felt waterproof? It is water-repellent — light rain beads off. It is not a dry bag, so do not submerge it.
What is industrial felt made of? Pressed and matted fibre. Nordhale's is recycled PET — plastic bottles spun into fibre, then felted — cut and sewn by hand in Estonia.
How do I clean a felt bag? Brush it, spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, and air-dry flat. No machine washing.
More on materials in the materials guide.
