Companies' efforts between lightweight but comfortable seats, recycled fabrics and upcycling projects ...
Eco-sustainability is now a determining factor in every industry, including aerospace. Flying green is now increasingly possible thanks to technological development and the sensitivity shown by major airlines.
Air traffic is responsible for 2.4 percent of CO2 emissions. Airlines, faced with the challenge of sustainability, are ready with innovative and environmentally friendly solutions designed to provide ever greater passenger comfort and turn flying into a truly green experience.
On board airplanes, there are several aspects that can affect them in a green way, from replacing single-use plastics and junk food with more sustainable meals, to using lighter materials to decrease the weight of the planes and thus reduce pollution, and then to making choices involving the interior design of the planes.
The interior design segment in the aerospace world is not a niche market; on the contrary, consumption is growing and the search for new solutions is constant. In fact, aircraft interior design means particular importance because it contributes to customer satisfaction, which is why aircraft cabins are carefully designed spaces. Nothing is left to chance, from the materials to the weight of the components, from the arrangement of the seats, to the upholstery.
Cabin upholstery involves not only seat covers but also fabrics on walls and bulkheads and carpeting, cushions and blankets. Elements made of technical and high-quality fabrics that are lightweight and durable and, above all, comply with strict safety standards. The walls and bulkheads, which protect against noise, combine a fireproof foam covering with fabrics specially formulated to be durable. Carpeting for aircraft is also specifically made of wool or nylon; it must then be lightweight, durable and comfortable underfoot and be treated to repel stains and microbes that might thrive.
Airplane seats, especially those in Business Class, are design gems in which functionality marries beauty and even eco-sustainability. There are many virtuous examples of this.
Finland's national airline, Finnair, recently unveiled a brand new seating concept le AirLounge, developed in close collaboration with Collins Aerospace. A fixed structure that doubles as a bed, it can offer considerable comfort, more space and privacy. Fabrics are by Finnish fashion house Marimekko, which has created pillows and comforter for Business Class, featuring Maija Isola's iconic designs in relaxing dark colors, and neck pillow and woven blanket for the new Premium Economy seat. Economy Class seats for long-haul flights are lighter and with better ergonomics.
The airline All Nippon Airways (Ana) is reducing its environmental impact by using special vegan leather headrest covers from the company appcycle, Inc and fabrics partially consisting of 100 percent plant-derived Pet2 and recycled Pet made by Toray Industries, Inc. It has also developed several projects from an "upcycling" perspective. Airplane seat covers now deemed unsuitable for in-flight use, instead of being disposed of are being turned into house slippers, limited edition and available for purchase only in Japan are handmade by artisans at a factory in Yamagata Prefecture of the clothing company Onward Trading Co. Prior to the launch of the slippers, the Ana Group had made a collection of recycled bags using clothing discarded by maintenance personnel.
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