United Airlines, Columbia College and Re:new Project team for sustainable travel bags

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Oct 15, 2015

United Airlines on Thursday announced the release of its sustainable bag collection made in collaboration with Columbia College Chicago Department of Fashion Studies and the Re:new Project, a nonprofit that provides employment opportunities for refugee women.

The three parties recycled 20 large banners from Chicago O’Hare Airport by transforming them into 100 eco-friendly bags. United challenged Columbia College students to create from the banners carry-on bags that could fit under an airplane seat, be durable, wearable, economical and attractive. The Airline selected the winning designs for Re:new to produce. Each bag is one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn and feature distinct skyline images from the airline’s hub cities.
 
"United is committed to operating sustainably and responsibly, and that means finding creative ways to further reduce our impact on the environment," said the airline's Managing Director of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability Angela Foster-Rice. "As part of our Eco-Skies commitment, we are excited to give these banners a second life, and know our customers will enjoy taking home a piece of the friendly skies."

The sustainable travel bag capsule collection will be available on the United Shop website beginning October 16. The proceeds from the sales will benefit Re:new and the Alto Mayo Forest Carbon Project in Northern Peru.