Polycarbonate is one of the best hardside luggage materials available. It’s renowned for being light, long-lasting and possessing a high level of impact resistance — everything you want from your trusted carry-on suitcase.
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In this article, we’re going to look at the reasons why polycarbonate luggage is such a solid investment and how it stacks up against one other common suitcase material: ABS. We’ll kick off by taking a closer look at polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate (PC) is a common engineering plastic that is blessed with an array of desirable characteristics, from extreme strength to transparency.
Dr Hermann Schnell discovered polycarbonate while working at the German pharmaceutical giant, Bayer AG, in . He was reportedly ecstatic upon discovering that the newly discovered material was unbreakable. Bayer and Dr Schnell received a patent for the molecule later that year.
Because of its favourable physical properties, polycarbonate is used in a range of industries and is integral to the production of many heavy-duty industrial goods, as well as robust consumer goods. German luggage brand, Rimowa, took a punt in by designing the first polycarbonate suitcase. In the ensuing decades, polycarbonate has become an extremely popular choice for travel brands.
The primary responsibility of a suitcase is to safely transfer personal belongings from one destination to another. That’s really it. But with heavy-handed baggage handlers, ‘war zone’ carousels and general wear and tear to contend with, finding a suitcase that can cope with the pressures of modern travel is no mean feat.
This is where polycarbonate’s innate robustness comes to the fore. The material has an abnormally high tensile strength (so much so that it’s a key component of bullet-proof glass), meaning it can be subjected to a large amount of pressure without breaking. This ensures your possessions remain protected inside. Not only that, but polycarbonate travel cases also have a long shelf-life. Some even come with a lifetime guarantee, so they represent great investment pieces over time.
Although the benefit of having a ‘flexible’ suitcase isn’t immediately obvious, bear with us for a moment. While polycarbonate shell luggage appears rigid, when it absorbs shock it can sometimes cave in, causing an indentation. Such is the material’s elasticity, however, that it can be easily returned to the original shape with force. Leaving the case looking as good as new.
Any seasoned traveller knows that the lighter the load, the easier the journey. One of polycarbonate luggage’s main USPs is that it’s extremely lightweight, especially in comparison to other plastic suitcase materials (e.g. ABS). This translates to increased mobility and less strain on the body. Not to mention that with increasingly draconian suitcase weight restrictions and expensive fees for going over, having lighter luggage is a real bonus.
If you subscribe to the view that variety is the spice of life, polycarbonate travel cases have you covered. Polycarbonate is amorphous (having no definite form) and can easily be moulded by manufacturers into unique shapes. For example, our collection of polycarbonate suitcases is characterised by the clean-lined grooves that run down the side of each shell and complement the sleek aesthetic.
While polycarbonate is transparent in its natural state, it’s very responsive to dyes and can take on any colour a manufacturer pleases. Modern designer luggage brands – think Rimowa, Horizn, Away — generally take a bold approach to aesthetics and that’s why many choose to work with the infinitely versatile polycarbonate. Of course, this has a positive knock-on effect for consumers because they get to choose from a wide variety of luggage designs.
Polycarbonate’s unique attributes mean it has many applications. Despite being a type of plastic, it’s fully recyclable and generally considered to be a sustainable material.
One interesting application of polycarbonate is eyewear, including contact lenses, sunglasses and safety goggles. Transparent and a natural UV filter, polycarbonate can protect our eyes from harmful UV radiation emitted from the sun. That it’s lighter also than glass is another benefit.
A thermoplastic, polycarbonate is highly resistant to the effects of heat and possesses strong levels of heat retention. Two characteristics that make it the ideal building material for greenhouses, where controlled temperatures are needed throughout the year to sustain plant life.
The blend of high-impact resistance and relative lightness that polycarbonate offers has led to it being adopted by the construction industry in several ways. Polycarbonate shells sit atop grand buildings as ultra-resilient roof panels and are important in the making of swimming pool enclosures. While the material is also used to create cladding and glazings.
If you’re intrigued by the benefits associated with polycarbonate luggage, be sure to check our suitcase range. We have two hard-shell collections, each with polycarbonate shells: Core and Hybrid.
Sizes range from cabin to checked, extra large and trunk. These cases are so resilient they are backed by a lifetime guarantee — making them ideal accessories for the frequent traveller.
When comparing the merits of ABS vs polycarbonate as suitcase materials, who comes out on top?
From a purely functional perspective, polycarbonate luggage is the best option. While ABS is undoubtedly a tough plastic, polycarbonate has over twice the impact strength. Considering the rough treatment a suitcase experiences throughout a holiday (thrown onto conveyor belts, stacked on luggage carts, dragged up hotel stairs), durability is an invaluable trait. The longevity of polycarbonate suitcases will also save you money over time, as you will be required to replace them less frequently.
Structurally, the elasticity of polycarbonate makes it easy to fix the shell indentations that can naturally form over time. But ABS — a rigid material — is more likely to crack under pressure. It’s also worth noting that ABS is also susceptible to UV radiation, meaning that direct sunlight will cause it to degrade and even take on a yellow hue over time. In contrast, polycarbonate has a high resistance to UV rays.
Weight is another factor where polycarbonate has the edge. You can broadly expect a polycarbonate carry-on case to weigh around 1kg less than an ABS alternative. That’s the equivalent of 5-6 cotton T-shirts — certainly not a negligible amount.
If affordability is a key consideration, ABS luggage has the advantage. ABS is relatively easy to manufacture and accordingly cheap: it costs around half the price of polycarbonate. Many brands opt to work with ABS due to the lower cost of production. However, this advantage has to be set against the (often) inferior shelf life of ABS suitcases.
In an era where globetrotting has become synonymous with modern living, selecting the ideal luggage transcends mere functionality—it's about merging convenience with style. For those bitten by the wanderlust bug or the occasional holidaymaker, the quest for sturdy yet fashionable luggage is paramount. A supplier that marries durability with design is worth their weight in gold. This comprehensive guide examines the key elements to deliberate upon—the robustness of materials, the ingenuity of features, the variety of sizes, and the adaptability to different travel scenarios—when choosing a supplier that aligns with your travel aspirations and requirements. It's not just about the journey or the destination anymore; it's about how effortlessly and confidently you get there, equipped with the right luggage to complement your travel ethos.
When delving into the realm of luggage supply, the discerning selector must pay heed to the intricacies of a company's manufacturing prowess. Production capacity is the heartbeat of any luggage manufacturer, dictating the volume of products that can be churned out within a given period. For retailers or enterprises in need of substantial quantities, aligning with a supplier equipped with a formidable production capacity is a strategic move to guarantee that supply aligns with demand, circumventing any potential for shortfall.
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Consider the giants of the industry, with their sprawling production lines, they stand as paragons of capacity and efficiency, often delivering millions of units to market annually. Such scale is indicative of a supplier that can be trusted to handle voluminous orders while maintaining the tempo of delivery schedules.
On the flip side, smaller boutique suppliers carve out their niche by crafting customized or limited-run luggage pieces. These suppliers cater to a different market segment, one that values exclusivity and personalization, making them ideal partners for boutique retailers or those catering to a discerning clientele.
In this delicate balance of quantity and time, it is imperative for businesses to conduct thorough due diligence. Assessing a supplier's ability to meet your volume requirements is just one piece of the puzzle; ensuring they have a track record of punctual delivery is equally crucial. After all, in the dynamic dance of supply and demand, timing is everything.
Venturing into the realm of luggage product investment can prove to be a goldmine, especially when your choices are grounded in solid market demand. The potential value of a product investment lies in the careful evaluation of its anticipated market performance. This involves a deep-dive analysis into various parameters such as the brand's standing, the novelty of design, and the feedback from its users.
Consider, for instance, the burgeoning niche of smart luggage. These products, packed with innovative features like integrated charging ports and GPS tracking, are experiencing a significant growth trajectory. They offer a fusion of convenience and modern technology that today's tech-savvy traveler appreciates, making them a lucrative investment avenue with promising profit margins.
Besides the technical aspects, it's also critical to stay attuned to evolving consumer trends. Recently, there has been a noticeable shift towards environmental consciousness in consumer preferences. Luggage products that incorporate eco-friendly and sustainable materials are gaining momentum in the market. This trend not only reflects a global move towards sustainability but also offers a unique opportunity for businesses to align their investment strategies with these changing dynamics.
Being ahead of the curve in identifying and adapting to these trends can provide your business with a competitive edge. It's not just about investing in products that are popular now, but also about forecasting which products are likely to become the next big thing. By doing so, you position your business to capitalize on these trends, driving growth and profitability in a competitive market space.
The longevity and resilience of luggage are directly linked to the quality of the materials from which they are crafted. As a crucial factor in supplier selection, one must meticulously scrutinize the type and grade of materials employed in the luggage's construction. Among the popular choices, polycarbonate stands out for hard shell cases, offering a commendable blend of sturdiness and adaptability that can endure the rigors of travel. For soft luggage, ballistic nylon is often the material of choice, prized for its exceptional resistance to abrasion and its ability to withstand the test of time.
Yet, beyond these conventional options, the frontier of luggage materials is constantly expanding. Innovations have introduced materials such as carbon fiber and novel composite blends into the market, setting new benchmarks for weight efficiency. These materials are not only lighter, making them a boon for travelers wary of weight limits, but also maintain the structural integrity essential for protecting belongings. Such advanced materials are particularly attractive to the luxury travel market, where consumers seek the ultimate combination of elegance, performance, and exclusivity.
The testament to the importance of material quality comes from anecdotal evidence as well. There are numerous stories from travelers, like the one who recounts how their polycarbonate luggage absorbed a significant impact during transit, emerging virtually unscathed. Such anecdotes underscore the material's capacity to provide travelers with peace of mind, knowing their luggage can handle the unexpected bumps and drops of their journeys. This real-world proof fortifies the argument that investing in high-quality materials is not merely a choice but a necessity for those seeking durable, reliable luggage.
Navigating the myriad options in the luggage market requires a strategic approach to ensure that your purchase stands the test of time and travel. When embarking on this investment journey, it's essential to put practicality at the forefront. While a stylish piece of luggage may catch your eye, it's the functional features that will prove invaluable during your travels. Opt for designs that offer ample space, resilient materials capable of withstanding the wear and tear of transit, and features that enhance portability, such as ergonomic handles and smooth-gliding wheels. Expandable compartments are a boon for those who might need to pack a little extra, while well-engineered wheels can make navigating through busy airports a breeze.
In addition to functionality, the presence of warranties and guarantees is a crucial barometer of a product's endurance. A reputable manufacturer that stands behind their luggage with a lifetime warranty is signaling a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. This level of assurance is particularly important for frequent travelers who rely on their luggage to perform under pressure.
Furthermore, in today's interconnected world, the collective voice of consumers can be a powerful tool in guiding your purchasing decisions. Delve into reviews and testimonials from fellow travelers to glean honest insights into a product's real-world performance. These firsthand accounts can highlight aspects of the luggage that might not be immediately apparent, such as the ease of use in various travel scenarios or the longevity of the product under consistent use.
By focusing on functionality, seeking out quality assurances, and heeding the experiences of others, you can make an informed luggage investment that meets your travel needs and delivers satisfaction trip after trip.
Made-in-China.com stands as a pivotal hub for those in search of reliable luggage suppliers, providing a vast array of options that adhere to strict quality benchmarks. The platform's rigorous supplier verification process filters out the chaff, allowing only vetted manufacturers to feature, which in turn instills a sense of trust and security for potential buyers navigating the marketplace.
The platform's design, with its intuitive interface, facilitates a seamless shopping experience. Users can effortlessly sift through a multitude of products, juxtapose prices, and scrutinize supplier ratings, all of which are instrumental in pinpointing the most favorable deals. Moreover, Made-in-China.com enhances the procurement process by offering direct lines of communication with suppliers. This feature simplifies negotiations and purchase transactions, promoting transparency and minimizing the chances of miscommunication. With these robust tools and features, Made-in-China.com is an essential ally for buyers seeking quality luggage solutions.
Choosing a luggage supplier is a multi-faceted decision that requires a deep understanding of various critical factors such as production capabilities, market viability, material quality, and strategic buying practices. Utilizing platforms like Made-in-China.com simplifies this task, providing a bridge to trustworthy suppliers renowned for their superior goods. With the aid of such resources, you're empowered to make informed choices, ensuring that your travel gear or retail offerings align with high standards of excellence and market demands, thereby navigating the procurement landscape with assurance and adeptness.
Q: What defines a high-quality luggage supplier?
A: A high-quality luggage supplier has a strong production capacity, uses superior materials, offers innovative designs, and stands behind its products with guarantees and excellent customer service.
Q: How can I ensure the products meet my quality standards?
A: Thoroughly research potential suppliers, review customer feedback and testimonials, and make use of platforms like Made-in-China.com that verify supplier credentials.
Q: Are eco-friendly products available from reputable suppliers?
A: Yes, many established suppliers now offer eco-friendly luggage options made from sustainable materials, catering to the growing demand for environmentally conscious products.
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