British Airways and Bags of Ethics have partnered to implement a large-scale uniform upcycling programme. The initiative involves repurposing over 16,000 decommissioned airline uniforms into new, functional products, demonstrating an application of circular design principles within the textile sector.

Integration of Circular Design

In 2023, British Airways replaced its Julien Macdonald-designed uniforms, in use since 2003, with new designs by Oswald Boateng. To avoid sending obsolete garments to landfill, the airline initiated a reuse strategy aligned with its ‘BA Better World’ sustainability framework. Bags of Ethics, a UK-based manufacturer specialising in reusable textiles and packaging, facilitated the upcycling process.

The uniforms were manually disassembled to recover usable materials. Components such as zippers, buttons and embroidered logos were separated, and the remaining fabrics were sorted by size, type and colour. Larger sections were used to produce picnic blankets, while smaller remnants were made into luggage tags and document holders. The design process prioritised material preservation and product functionality.

Outcomes and Production Practices

The programme diverted approximately eight tonnes of textile waste from landfill and generated more than 10,000 new items. Manufacturing took place in the company’s production facility in Pondicherry, India, which employs over 80% women. Investments were made in sortation machinery and worker training to support scalability and improve processing efficiency.

The approach combined manual garment breakdown with pattern development for mass production. The initiative integrated principles of ethical labour, low-waste design, and circular economy models.

Broader Industry Context

According to WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), the UK generates approximately 1.45 million tonnes of post-consumer textiles annually, highlighting the need for responsible end-of-life solutions. This project reflects one possible strategy to reduce textile waste and retain material value through upcycling.

The outcomes provide a potential reference for other sectors, including fashion, interiors, packaging and product design. The collaboration presents an example of how existing resources can be redirected into new applications through design, infrastructure, and supply chain adjustments.

Source & image: Bags of Ethics / Supreme Creations