31 Aug EasyJet Cabin Crew Uniforms Are Designed From Recycled Plastic Bottles
EasyJet has announced that it is introducing a new uniform for cabin crew and pilots, each made from around 45 recycled plastic bottles as part of its commitment to mitigate waste.
Manufactured by Northern-Ireland based Tailored Image, the new uniform will be introduced into cabin crew circulation this month.
The new material is made using renewable energy sources and has a 75% lower carbon footprint than traditional polyester.
The airline has also replaced plastic in all clothing-related packaging in favour of recyclable and biodegradable materials, for instance replacing plastic collar strays with recyclable cardboard ones, plastic shirt clips with metal shirt clips, non-recyclable white coated card with recyclable cardboard card and polypropylene outer shirt covers with biodegradable shirt covers.
This follows steps already taken by the airline to reduce plastic waste onboard, such as introducing a small plant-based bowl as a teabag holder, removing over 27 million individual items of plastic from its inflight retail operation in 2020, and offering a 50p discount on hot beverages for customers who bring their own reusable cup.
Tina Milton, Director of Cabin Services at easyJet, said: “Climate change is an issue for all of us, and at easyJet, we are looking at all parts of our operation to see where we can reduce carbon emissions and reduce waste.
“We are excited to be debuting this new pilot and cabin crew uniform made from recycled plastic bottles and to introduce it for our pilots and cabin crew colleagues. We know that sustainability is an important issue for them and also for our customers.
“It is a priority for us to continue work on reducing our carbon footprint in the short term, coupled with long-term work to support the development of new technology, including zero-emission planes which aspire to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation radically. We continue to work with innovative technology partners Wright Electric and Airbus. Each of them has set out its ambitious timetables for bringing zero-emission aircraft into commercial service to become a reality.”