EASYJET has announced that 45 recycled plastic bottles are going to be used to make each of its new staff uniforms.
Manufactured by Northern Ireland-based Tailored Image, the new uniform is to be introduced to cabin crew this month.
The airline said the move is estimated to prevent around half a million plastic bottles from ending up as plastic waste each year.
The new fabric was first trialled last year by easyJet in the cabin and flight deck environments. Compared to the non-recycled alternative, it was found to be more abrasion-resistant. The trial also proved it to provide more elasticity, allowing for an improved fit and freedom of movement for enhanced comfort and durability – with the firm saying that the uniform is expected to be long lasting.
The packaging of the uniform has also moved to be more environmentally friendly, with the plastic collar strays being switched for cardboard versions, plastic shirt clips with metal clips, non-recyclable white coated card with recycled cardboard, and polypropylene outer shirt covers with biodegradable covers.
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.
“People have a choice in how they travel, and if people choose to fly with us, we want to be one of the best choices they can make.”
