Refashioned: from airline cast-off to eco-accessory

Published Date: 03 September 2008
By ALASTAIR DALTON
TRANSPORT CORRESPONDENT

THEY started life as aircraft seat covers, bicycle tyre inner tubes and car seat belts – but have been reborn as bags and shoes.
Humble components from the transport industry are being recycled into fashion accessories to reduce their contribution to landfill.Worn-out army kitbags have also been pressed into new service, along with tents abandoned by festival-goers leaving Glastonbury.David Cameron, the Conservative leader, was among the most high-profile exponents of such eco-fashion when he sported a pair of trainers made from firefighters' clothing and car seats last year.Other trainers, made from tweed suits, have been worn by film and music stars such as Cate Blanchett and Fat Boy Slim.In the latest move, Virgin Atlantic is donating 1,000 used seat covers from its aircraft to be made into a range of the "ultimate eco It bags".Worn Again, an ethical clothing firm based in east London, will use the durable, fire-retardant seat fabric, seat belts from cars and bicycle inner tubes to make a range of handbags and washbags.Each bag has an "ingredients" label which lists the source of its components. They are available online and at some John Lewis branches.The Virgin Atlantic move is part of the airline's aim of halving waste from its aircraft by 2012.The airline replaces its seat covers and curtains every two years, and previously donated them to charities such as animal groups for bedding and heritage railways for cleaning rags.Environmental and ethical campaigners gave the move a cautious welcome, but urged consumers to check firms' green claims.A spokesman for Friends of the Earth Scotland said: "Ethical fashion is mushrooming, with a sustainable textiles course being launched at Goldsmiths College in London. "However, it is worth researching firms before buying their products to check for 'greenwash' in their claims."Martin Hearson, of Labour Behind the Label, the UK arm of the international Clean Clothes Campaign, which aims to improve conditions in the garment industry, said: "Consumers need to be aware that what's good for the environment may not be good for workers. There could be problems wherever firms move their factories."Worn Again has been criticised for working conditions in its factory in China, where Mr Cameron's trainers were made. However, the firm said it was transferring production to Portugal, where the seat-cover bags will be made. It hopes to open a factory in Britain in three years.To minimise transport, the seat belts and inner tubes are culled from Portuguese scrapyards. The seat covers will be transported by land.Cyndi Rhoades, director of Worn Again, said the company had approached Virgin Atlantic because of its reputation for being "at the forefront of change". She said the firm had also been in contact with other Virgin Group companies and another airline, which she declined to name.She said: "We're pleased to be partnering with such a pioneering global brand as Virgin Atlantic at a time when environmental issues are at the top of corporate agendas."For us, it is a great opportunity to offer a design-led and innovative solution to waste, with the end product being the ultimate 'eco It bag'." Lysette Gauna, the airline's creative director, said: "Virgin Atlantic is committed to taking practical steps to make sure its business is as sustainable as possible. "From investing in new technologies to lobbying the aircraft manufacturers through to championing new ideas, we believe actions speak louder than words."This is a fun and creative way to recycle our waste