Finnair is giving old uniforms a new lease of life by both recycling and upcycling clothing. All uniform parts that remain in good condition are being refurbished so they can be reused by employees, while worn-out uniforms are being transformed by Finnish work-clothing manufacturer Image Wear into garden furniture such as pots, tables and benches.
The manufacturer is combining shredded textiles with recycled plastic particles to create new composite materials, which are then used to create the hard-wearing outdoor items.
Merja Lindberg, Finnair’s uniform manager, said: “Finnair takes sustainability seriously and we make sure our stylish high-quality crew uniforms are long-lasting and able to be refreshed and reused for years to come.”
Kati Tukiainen, Image Wear’s responsibility manager also added: “Composite products are durable – their estimated lifespan is around 50 years, and at the end their lifecycle, they can still be recycled into new products.”
The current cabin crew uniform, introduced in 2011, was designed by Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen and features a combination of dark blue and white clothing.
Image Wear’s products are largely for commercial use, however more information can be found on their website
To find out how we can help you and your business achieve your sustainability goals speak to a member of the CT Business Travel Team on 01892 673422 or enquire here.
