Asiana Airlines has found a novel and sustainable use for its old uniforms. Instead of simply throwing the used garments away, the Korean carrier has elected instead to upcycle them to make sleeves for tablet computers. Asiana doesn't plan on selling them for the time being, but may do so later depending on demand. Let's take a closer look.

Making use of old uniforms

Nowadays, airlines are placing an increasing emphasis on operating sustainably. Usually, this topic brings to mind large-scale aspects, like the use of sustainable aviation fuel and hybrid or other alternative propulsion technologies. However, sustainability can also begin at a smaller level, such as cutting down on the use of single-use plastics onboard.

Asiana Airlines has now revealed an interesting new initiative in an area that perhaps isn't the first that springs to mind. Specifically, Korea JoongAng Daily reports that the airline is upcycling its old uniforms to create subtle but stylish sleeves for tablet computers.

The South Korean carrier, which is looking to merge with national airline Korean Air, reportedly throws away some 30,000 old uniforms a year. These come from customer-facing employees like flight attendants and airport staff, as well as its maintenance teams.

Given away to lucky staff and customers

As seen above, the tablet sleeves incorporate materials from both jackets and scarves worn by Asiana's employees. They can accommodate devices with screens up to 11 inches across. Other environmentally friendly products may follow further down the line. The head of Asiana's Environmental, Social and Governance taskforce, Choi Suk-Byung, explained:

"We came up with the idea to make upcycled products because using materials that are thrown out is good for the environment We also plan on using them as an opportunity to make our employees participate in environmental, social, and governance management."

While airline merch tends to generate interest from enthusiasts, the sleeves won't immediately go on sale. For now, Asiana will gift them to lucky passengers and staff. However, reports suggest that sufficient demand could see them sold at a later date.

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Other upcycling initiatives

As it happens, Asiana is, in fact, the latest of several aviation companies to have engaged in upcycling initiatives. For example, Airline Trends notes that Boeing has worked with Russell Athletic to use leftover carbon fiber in the manufacturing of shoulder pads for American football. Several elite college-level players have worn these.

Elsewhere in the US, Delta and Southwest have upcycled seat covers into bags and footballs. In Europe, bags have also been created from Air France's life jackets and KLM's uniforms. Finnair has upcycled in various ways, using its seatbelts to create toilet bags, while also finding a use for an impressive 99.2% of a retired Airbus A319's components last year.

What do you make of this initiative? How else would you like to see airlines upcycle old uniforms? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.