All Nippon Airways has transformed discarded aircraft seat covers into slippers as part of an upcycling initiative to reduce waste.
The limited-edition ANA house slippers were developed in partnership with apparel company, Onward Trading Co. Ltd, and the initiative is part of the carrier’s Future Promise programme.
The dark blue slippers are crafted from the usable portions of seat covers that had become faded, torn or otherwise unsuitable for aircraft use.
The products are handmade by craftsmen at a factory in Yamagata Prefecture, which produces the largest number of slippers in Japan according to ANA. Molding, cutting, and sewing are all done by hand to take out the best of the fabric and assure the highest quality.
Due to the limited availability of fabric, the airline is beginning by selling 50 pairs of slippers within Japan only, but plans to introduce various types of slippers with different patterns depending on the available seat covers.
Those interested in the footwear can sign up for the ‘reservation lottery sales’ at ANA Up-Cycle Project Shop. The result of the lottery will be announced after 1500 on November 17, 2022, and the prize will be notified to the registered e-mail address.
Junko Yazawa, executive vice president, Customer Experience Management and Planning of ANA, commented:
“This product is a true collaboration, with the initial project idea designed by ANA employees as part of an internal proposal program.
“We are honoured to work with Onward Trading Co., Ltd. to bring together both our missions and create a product that aligns with our customers values but also sets an example for sustainability initiatives in the airline industry.”
In May the carrier produced handmade bags from discarded mechanics’ uniforms in partnership with tote bag brand Rootote, with the up cycled products selling out within nine hours.
Employees at ANA suggested the ideas for both the totes and slippers as ways to further the airline’s sustainable measures.
The carrier has introduced several sustainable initiatives in recent months, including the expansion of SAF to corporate travel clients and provision of environmentally friendly kale and bamboo inflight meals in its international first class cabin.
The airline also began operations on its ‘Green Jet’ aircraft last month, the surface of which features a special ‘shark fin effect’ riblet film material designed to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions through the decrease of air friction resistance during the flight.
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