nt that it should not be compromised in the name of sustainability. Their hardshell suitcase — which averages 3kg for a carry-on to nearly 5kg for check-in options — are, in Chiang’s own words, not the lightest around. He emphasised: “We try to find the most optimal balance between durability, functionality and weight without jeopardising durability.”
As a result, recycled materials are used judiciously: The Cubo’s shell is made out of 50 per cent recycled polycarbonate, the maximum they will go for now as a balance to quality.
Chiang explained: “Sustainability is more than being concerned about environmental impact; it’s about creating a future where companies like ours can exist responsibly.” Lojel has a network of servicing hubs for customers to fix their luggage easily wherever they are in the world, either through self-repair kits or in-store services.
CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
In many family businesses, transitions between the old guard and the new can be fraught with struggles. The family was closely knit and Chiang fondly recalled visits to the local markets with his father and grandfather whenever they visited him in the UK during his undergraduate days. However, when he took over the reins, he frequently found himself clashing with his father over operations and vision.
He finally put his foot down. “At one point, I told my father, ‘If you touch Lojel again, I won’t.’ He gave up then. It was a turning point as I had to be 100 per cent responsible for every decision I made and that made me grow.”
