Small and medium-sized enterprises are increasingly aware of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of their decisions. Growing demand for sustainable products is influencing purchasing behaviour and encouraging companies to integrate sustainability into their identity.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a travel accessory was conducted to identify carbon footprint hot spots. The findings informed supply chain improvements to reduce air freight in favour of sea freight, the selection of textiles with lower synthetic fibre content, and clearer guidance to customers on low-impact product care.

Thermal and chemical characterisation highlighted the need for robust quality control, particularly when using recycled materials, to minimise degradation and ensure correct material identification. Analysis of polymer glass transition temperatures also indicated their relevance for preventing permanent set and maintaining performance.

Mechanical characterisation (tensile, bending, fatigue, and bending-fatigue testing) supported the recommendation of a recycled polymer for the component, contributing to a more circular approach by keeping materials in use for longer. A complementary circular return model was also considered to prolong material lifetimes prior to recycling.