Easyjet has announced plans to roll out new cabin crew and pilot uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles.
The carrier says the partnership with Northern Ireland-based manufacturer Tailored Image will prevent over half a million plastic bottles from ending up in landfill or oceans each year, or 2.7 million bottles over the course of the five-year contract.
The new uniforms – which will go into cabin crew circulation this month – are each made from around 45 bottles, and have a 75 per cent lower carbon footprint than traditional polyester.
Easyjet said that the fabric had been “adapted to the airline’s current style”, and was trialled last year to check its suitability in cabin and flight deck environments.
The airline said that it had been found to be “more abrasion-resistant” than it non-recycled alternative, and “provides even more elasticity, a four-way stretch, improving fit and freedom of movement for enhanced comfort and durability”.
In addition, all plastic clothing-related packaging has been replaced with recyclable and biodegradable materials, including collar stays, shirt clips and shirt covers.
Easyjet said the move builds on other steps already introduced to reduce plastic onboard, including offering a 50 pence discount on hot drinks for customers who bring a reusable cup.
In 2019 the carrier announced plans to offset the carbon emissions from the fuel used on all its domestic and international flights.
Commenting on the news Bernard Birt, managing director of Tailored Image, said:
“Our role as a bespoke uniform and corporate wear provider is to deliver innovative solutions for our clients, built around comfort and practicality for their wearers. The additional challenge with the Easyjet project was to meet their exceptionally high standards in reducing environmental impact.
“By combining the expertise of our design and garment technology teams, we developed a collaborative approach with a mill that is leading the way in the development of sustainable fabrics.
“We were excited from the outset to be involved in this project and are delighted that the success of the new Easyjet wardrobe demonstrates the result of our award-winning customer-focused approach and our ability to meet even the most exacting briefs.”
