Summary United Airlines turns expired life jackets into stylish bags, diverting tons of trash from landfills in a sustainable effort. Collaboration with Bag to Life results in upcycled bags, showcasing the airline's commitment to environmental responsibility. United Airlines empowers employees to drive innovative sustainability initiatives, promoting a culture of creativity at all levels.
In an era when sustainability is more important than ever, United Airlines is making tremendous progress with an innovative program that transforms expired life jackets into attractive, practical bags. This effort diverts tons of trash from landfills, which complements the airline's overall commitment to sustainability. United Airlines' innovative strategy not only addresses the aviation industry's waste concerns but also sets a new benchmark for environmental responsibility.
A new lease on life for expired gear Airlines must replace life jackets onboard their aircraft every eight to ten years, per safety requirements. While these life vests may never have been used, they are still considered expired and would typically end up in landfills, adding to the enormous waste generated by the aviation industry. Recognizing the challenge, this Star Alliance member sought a solution that would not only keep these life jackets from becoming waste but also help their overall sustainability goals.
United found the answer in collaboration with Bag to Life (B2L), a German upcycling company that turns disc.