Bangkok Airways continues to uphold its pledge to become a carbon-neutral airline. Its latest effort is the upcycling of its used staff uniforms to produce various goods. Bangkok Airways is the latest in a growing number of airlines that are turning towards clothing and uniforms to reduce their carbon footprint. Finnair has gone a step further and is turning old uniforms into park benches.
Most airlines have started sustainability initiatives, with most aiming to become carbon neutral by 2050 at least. Passengers prefer to fly more environmentally friendly airlines, so much so that it’s become a selling point. It has forced budding airlines, like Akasa Air, to focus on being sustainable, even though it’s more expensive.
Most airlines have started sustainability initiatives, with most aiming to become carbon neutral by 2050 at least. Passengers prefer to fly more environmentally friendly airlines, so much so that it’s become a selling point. It has forced budding airlines, like Akasa Air, to focus on being sustainable, even though it’s more expensive.
Carbon neutrality
The project is part of the airline’s “Fly Net Zero 2050” campaign, which aims to make Bangkok Airways carbon-neutral by 2050. This initiative will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, reduce microplastics, and save electricity.
The airline has implemented a “Drop Box” project to support its sustainability efforts further. The drop boxes are installed in the BankokAirways’ Boutique Lounges at Suvarnabhumi Airport’s domestic and international terminals. The project encourages passengers to deposit used plastic water bottles and other recyclable materials, which the airline will then utilize the materials in its waste management program.
The airline has also begun its “Waste Segregation for Wonderful Benefits” project. Waste-sorting bins will be installed at the boutique passenger lounges at the Suvarnabhumi Airport and, later, at other hubs.
The details
For this project, Bangkok Airways has partnered with Circular Industry Company Limited, a biotech company, to promote a circular economy. The airline’s sustainability slogan, “Connect Your Happiness,” is meant to reflect this.
Over 150 kilograms of used uniforms were color-sorted and processed without bleaching. The upcycling process also prevents the production of microplastics (PM2.5 particles) and has no negative impact on the environment. The process has produced roughly 300 products, such as aprons for airport lounge staff, tote bags, and water cup bags. The process also saved 307.44 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 1,826 kW of electricity.
The airline’s partnership with the Circular Industry Company Limited allows the recyclable materials deposited in the Dropbox by passengers to produce plastic fibers, which can be used in various applications.
