frequently (and some less frequently) asked questions

We get it. You're all kinds of excited about buying your bag. But then you reach checkout and see it: "$15 shipping" 🙀

The issue is that shipping in Canada is expensive. rü doesn't make money on shipping costs, in fact, we usually subsidize a portion of your cost. 

Sadly there's not much we can do at this point, other then encourage you to find a buddy who would also like a rü so that you can get free shipping.

Sure thing! Please mosey over to our return policy page to make sure you qualify. 

We are unable to change or cancel your order once placed. So you'll need to initiate a return or exchange if you ordered in error.

No dramas friend, sometimes love is not at first sight. If you are not satisfied with your bag(s), please take a look at our rüturn policy

We don't offer next-day, 2-day, or express shipping because it's wildly unsustainable. This loss of convenience is bad for business, but it's good for the planet. Visit our transparency page to learn more about our rationale.

Nope. But the technical materials used are similar to what you'd find in cool climate outdoor apparel so they have modest temperature control. rü lunch bags are soft-shell so they fit easily into work fridges. And lots of folks use ice packs as well.

Yep! They feature a roll top seal so nothing's should spill out when you roll the top down 2 or more times and clip the buckle. 💦

The largest container that will fit is 6" x 8". So if you rely on wide, squat salad containers then a rü may not be the right lunch bag for you. 🤷‍♂️

rü lunch bags are made from 100% recycled GRS certified fabric. But fear not! Our fabric is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and we've conducted third party tests too. That means it's safe for humans and free from harmful substances—such as PVC, formaldehyde, phthalates, heavy metals, bisphenol A (BPA), and dioxin—at every level of production. From the person weaving the fabric to the person packing their lunch. 

While it is true that the lighter patterns show stains, they will generally come out quick n' easy in the wash! 🧼

Our lunch bags are not technically waterproof, but they're close! Our lunch bags are double layered. And each layer is woven with an integrated, breathable layer that keeps water out. And no—it's not a water resistant coating.

This means that the only way you'll see leakage is if you carry liquids around all day—so don't use your rü as a soup container, k?

You have two options:

1. Use a cloth/sponge to manually clean your bag; or

2. Pop it in the washing machine on cold-wash. USE COLD WATER. rüs and hot water are not friends.

Then hang to dry.

Absolutely! Your rü lunch bag can easily transform into a wine-carrier, a purse, a laundry bag, a bag of secrets, an actual dry-bag for camping, an adventure bag, and many many other uses.

• Do not put your rü or töte in the microwave or oven. 

• Over-stuffing your bag will wear it down faster.

• Do not clip the buckle with your fingers to close—they may get pinched. Ouchie!

"rü" is short for reuse.

Designed in Canada. Made in Vietnam.

Yes, factory employees earn living wages and have the option to earn overtime (1.5x wages).

They also receive medical insurance coverage. Our manufacturer is audited annually by FairWear to ensure employees remain appropriately compensated. 

Yes. Our manufacturer complies with all local labor laws and ensures safe working conditions including quality equipment and ventilation.

Forced labor and child labor aren't permitted. Employees are allowed to unionize.

Workplace discrimination is not allowed, and employees have access to third parties to ensure recourse. 

A normal work day is 8 hours, with the option to work longer with overtime.

Not yet. We are currently relying on the mentor who referred us (who's visited himself), virtual factory tours, and various certifications and audits.  

As you may or may not know, the pandemic resulted in severe, prolonged lockdowns in many industrial countries including Vietnam. Not only did many brands delay payment to their manufacturers, they failed to pay entirely. Which put factory workers in an even more compromised situation. They're able to do so because factories usually receive most (or all) of their payment after the goods have been delivered.

Instead of waiting for our bags to be delivered, rü advanced payment shortly after lockdowns in Vietnam began—lockdowns which lasted 4 months.