Emirates is an airline founded in Dubai in 1985. Since its establishment, it has grown rapidly to become one of the world’s largest international airlines, flying to 158 locations in 85 countries and with a fleet of 269 aircraft. Emirates, which has wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 in its fleet, is generally known for its luxurious service approach and global connectivity.
Emirates’ project to turn cabin waste into handmade children’s bags does not reduce the carbon intensity of the aviation sector on its own, but it is a powerful example that “questions the devaluation of waste” and shows how such a strong brand also supports upcycling. Global aviation CO₂ emissions are expected to reach almost 950 Mt in 2023, accounting for 2.5% of global energy emissions.*
The average passenger emits around 90 kg of CO₂ per hour, making long-haul flights extremely carbon intensive.* In an industry of this size, Emirates’ upcycling of over 50,000 kg of materials may seem symbolic, but when similar examples are replicated, it has the potential to create real impacts in terms of both the circular economy and social awareness.
The Emirates Project and Its Symbolic Value
Instead of dumping more than 50 tonnes of fabric and leather from the cabin interior renovation of its 191 aircraft into landfills, Emirates has chosen to turn these into handmade children’s bags. According to the project, 5 tonnes of seat fabric removed from 22 A380s today are meticulously cleaned and disinfected by tailors in the workshop, and given new life by adding new linings and zippers. These fabrics, made of 95% wool and 5% nylon, originate from Germany and Ireland, stand out with their plain weave structure and offer an ideal option for children thanks to their durable features.
The distribution of the bags was coordinated by Emirates’ Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand teams, in collaboration with various NGOs in Africa and Asia. In Asia and India, Smile Foundation, Kanan, Thikana (Shelter Home) and Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari in Bangladesh, and SOS Children’s Villages in Pakistan, a total of 700 bags were distributed to children in need. In Africa, more than 1,300 bags were distributed in partnership with organizations such as St Marcellin’s Children’s Village Trust and Rose of Sharon in Zimbabwe, Kucetekela Foundation and Alliance for Children Everywhere in Zambia, and Bravehearts Ethiopia and Roots Ethiopia in Ethiopia.*
This move does not directly reduce emissions, considering that Emirates carried 51.9 million passengers in the 2023–24 financial year, but as we mentioned at the beginning of our article, it is a good starting point.
Reppatch Radar: Examples Inspired by Waste
Large companies and organizations tend to underestimate the impact of upcycling because it is a production process based on manual labor. As Reppatch, we would like to share with you a few inspiring examples that caught our radar and prove that transformation is not only about materials but also about perception.
Patagonia Worn Wear – Repair, Wear Again
Patagonia tells us the following with its “Worn Wear” program: “Every tear is a memory; every repair is a value.” In 2023, more than 63,000 garments were repaired in their repair centers in Reno alone. This number actually means 63,000 pieces, each of which was saved from going to waste and given a new life. Moreover, thanks to the repair guides they developed in partnership with iFixit, users can also do their own repairs. In other words, not only products but also consciousnesses are being repaired.
Nike Grind – Shoes Are Turning Into Parks
Nike’s Nike Grind program, which was implemented as part of its “Move to Zero” strategy, granulates both production waste and plastic parts of used sneakers and uses them as raw materials for sports fields, floors and new products. In 2023, this system not only reduced carbon emissions; 1.5 million pairs of shoes were brought back to life. Although this program, like sports itself, seems to have established a system that represents sustainability, it cannot be said that it has made a big impact in the face of the fact that Nike produces more than 800 million pairs of shoes. Still, as we always say, it is a good start.
Reppatch x Aksa Generator
In 2024, as Reppatch, we carried out a special upcycling project in cooperation with Aksa Generator, one of the leading generator manufacturers in Turkey and the world. Instead of going to waste, we transformed 2 tons of waste from the company’s logistics processes into functional products that were gifted to employees. This collaboration not only repurposed waste; it also transformed into products that raised awareness for company employees, were used in daily life, and carried environmental responsibility. It also became a strong example for the development of an in-house sustainability culture.
If we look at the examples, each waste can be transformed into an object that is both aesthetic, functional, and awareness-raising with the right design.
Don’t Be Afraid to Dream: The Real Potential of Upcycling with the Example of Emirates
Let’s dream a little, but let’s dream based on data. Emirates Airline’s upcycling project called “Aircrafted KIDS” can be a great starting point at this point. They produce bags for children from unused in-flight fabrics. They have already produced 5,000 bags with 5 tons of fabric from 22 aircraft! What if this project were spread across the entire fleet?
- 50 tons of fabric can be produced from 191 aircraft in the Emirates fleet.
- 100,000 children’s bags can be produced with these fabrics.
- Each bag is produced with 0.7 kg less carbon emission compared to traditional production.
- In other words, a total of 69 tons of CO₂ can be saved.
- Moreover, these bags will support the education of 100,000 children.
What if other airlines follow the same path? If five major airlines participated:
250 tons of fabric → 500,000 bags → 345 tons of CO₂ savings!
Educational support for half a million children and less waste…
That’s why we always say: Upcycling is not just about reusing waste; it’s about reshaping the future. It transforms not only the material, but also our perspective.
