1993

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.

FREITAG Brothers

TOPCAT Messenger Bag

1999

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.

2000

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

Online Store

2003

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

MoMa Collection

2006

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.

Flagship Store Zurich

2011

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.  

2014

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. 

2015 

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.

2016

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

2019

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.

S.W.A.P.

2020

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.

2021

We initiate the development of a circular, PVC-free tarp, the Circular Tarp,  so that in the future, truck tarps will not only enjoy a second life as FREITAG bags but an eternal one. 2022After 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. 

2023

In the summer of 2023, our first circular backpack made from a single material goes into production and starts a new cycle. FREITAG Mono[PA6] backpacks are fully recyclable and expected to be available from spring 2024.