Emirates creates ‘eco’ suitcase collection

Emirates airline has unveiled a unique capsule collection of suitcases, bags and accessories made from recycled aircraft cabin elements. In doing so, the carrier has demonstrated its commitment to innovation and responsible consumption.

The limited edition collection includes suitcases, backpacks, ladies’ and travelling bags, business card holders, belts and even shoes – all designed and handcrafted by Emirates tailors in a special workshop located at Emirates Engineering in Dubai.

The bags and accessories will go on sale in official Emirates shops in 2024, with all proceeds donated to children in need through the Emirates Airline Foundation. The new collection will also be showcased at the Emirates stand at the Dubai Airshow at Al Maktoum International Airport from 13 to 17 November.

To create the product line, the company used parts from the iconic A380 and Boeing 777 airliner: aluminium headrests, leather from the sofas from the lounge area on board the A380, seat belts and even fur from the captain’s seat.

In this way, Emirates has already given a second life to more than 14,000kg of materials from the 16 converted aircraft. As the project progresses, the airline plans to recycle up to 270kg of leather and 627kg of seat fabric from each such aircraft.

As each item is handmade, customers can order exclusive laser engraving on some unique bags, suitcases or document folders. Aviation fans can place a purchase order on the Emirates Store website as soon as possible, but quantities are limited.

The airline has used high quality leather from the First Class seats, fabrics from the seats made from 95% wool as materials. All materials are thoroughly washed in a specialised centre, then hand-cleaned, treated with leather conditioner if necessary, and disinfected before the unique items are sewn. Brand new lining and functional zips are added to the bags.

Emirates employs a team of 14 ‘tailors’, whose official title is maintenance assistants. Their direct duties include fixing and repairing any imperfections in the cabins of Emirates’ many airliners.

Four of these professionals are now fully engaged in a recycling initiative to recycle materials and create new products from them. They are working with suppliers to develop ideas for reusing different materials.

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