France 
Across fashion, travel, and hospitality, upcycling is emerging as a powerful way to rethink waste. In Condé Nast Traveller, brands that give discarded materials a second life are celebrated, including British Airways and Bags of Ethics (Supreme Creations).
This collaboration transforms surplus British Airways uniforms into functional travel pieces designed for everyday use. Over 16,000 uniforms have been repurposed into travel accessories such as luggage tags, picnic blankets, and more, proving that thoughtful design can turn waste into something both practical and valuable.
Made at an 80% women-led manufacturing facility in Pondicherry, India, each item reflects skilled craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainable production. Teams are trained to carefully dismantle garments, ensuring fabrics are reused efficiently while reducing environmental impact.
The project highlights how large, recognisable brands can help lead the conversation on circularity. By reimagining what happens to unused materials, British Airways and Bags of Ethics are helping to set a more responsible direction for the travel industry.
Learn more about this circularity project.
Read the Condé Nast Traveller feature.
Discover how Bags of Ethics and British Airways are redefining upcycling by transforming retired uniforms into sustainable travel accessories.
