THE FREITAG STORY

In search of a functional, robust, water-repellent bag, brothers Daniel and Markus Freitag develop the original version of the iconic F13 TOP CAT messenger bag using old truck tarps, discarded bicycle inner tubes and car safety belts.

The first FREITAG Store (F-Store) opens in Davos. We move into an industrial warehouse on the Maag site in Zurich as a production facility and office building.

With the opening of the online store we venture into the global market.

The F13 TOP CAT model is included in the design collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

The FREITAG flagship store is erected next to the Hardbrücke in Zurich. The tower, built from 19 used freight containers, symbolizes the company's philosophy.

Due to the demolition of the Maag building, we set up a commercial building – the Nœrd, as it is called – for creative and production companies in Zurich-Oerlikon and move in as prime tenant.

With the F-ABRIC clothing line, we develop a first completely circular material. The biodegradable textiles made of hemp, linen and modal are created in-house from scratch. They are produced using minimal resources within a radius of 2,500 kilometers from headquarters in Zurich.

The Manifesto is created on the occasion of the «FREITAG ad Absurdum» exhibition at the mudac Lausanne design museum. As an appeal for conscious, sensible production and consumption, and in a slightly adapted version, it remains the guideline by which we think and act to this day.

After a journey through various organizational models and with a growing desire for self-organization, we abolish the classic hierarchy and introduce Holacracy as a new organizational form for all 170 employees.

With «Tarp on PET», we launch a new line of products that combine discarded truck tarps with a lightweight fabric made from 100% recycled PET bottles. In addition to the new material, FREITAG introduces an online exchange platform called S.W.A.P. (Shopping Without Any Payment), where bag owners can exchange their unique items within the community.

For the first time, we get political. During a referendum calling for more safe bike lanes in Zurich, an installation at our flagship store in the city underscores our strong affiliations with cycling culture.

We initiate the development of a circular, PVC-free tarp so that in the future, truck tarps will not only enjoy a second life as FREITAG bags but an eternal one.

After a development phase with other partners lasting several years, the first circular FREITAG product reaches market maturity: F385 CIRC-CASE is a phone case made from recycled ski boots that can be recycled multiple times at its end of life. Likewise, the first two prototypes of the circular tarp are sent out on a road test.

FREITAG is 30 years old! We’re celebrating the Thursday Weeks with a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the copy made by a major distributor that made the FREITAG bag such an original. In the summer of 2023, our first circular backpack made from a single material will go into production, and in the fall, we’re launching our Reflected Bags line. For once, these won’t only be made from used truck tarps but also integrate discarded truck reflectors and recycled PET bottles.

With the first circular FREITAG backpack, we’re closing a new cycle. The Mono[PA6] Backpack is made from a single material and can be recycled. Again and again.

We do not make seasonal products, but unique pieces that are long-lasting, timeless and thought-through. And because we’re always working on new materials and functions, the products in our range are regularly changed.