Delta is Upcycling 350k Pounds of Clothes Into This

Delta Airlines is doing its part to save resources by upcycling 350k pounds of retired uniforms and making them into passport covers, backpacks, travel bags, and other accessories.

It’s being called the “largest single company textile diversion programs in U.S. history.”

The company has partnered with a manufacturer called Looptworks to “upcycle” and repurpose more than 350,000 pounds of clothing.

“The amount of textile waste generated each year in the United States has doubled over the last 20 years, and we won’t add to that number,” explained Ekrem Dimbiloglu, Delta’s director for uniforms.

“By partnering with Looptworks, we found a creative way to give the old uniforms a new life,” he added.

The company intends to upcycle leather from retired aircraft seats into select products which will be available to purchase in October.

“The value of this collaboration goes beyond waste diversion and the reuse of upcycled items. It also conserves a significant amount of water and eliminates carbon emissions,” said Looptworks CEO Scott Hamlin.

Disclaimer: We have no position in Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE: DAL) and have not been compensated for this article.