These Bags Fly The Eco-Friendly Skies
What do you do with 80,000 decommissioned airline seat covers? Build bags, of course.
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When Southwest decided to improve the fuel efficiency of its fleet by replacing heavier materials with lighter ones—including the fabrics used in seats—a design company called Looptworks saw more than a plush landfill. Specializing in high-end repurposed goods, the Portland-based outfit worked with Southwest to acquire as much of the airline’s retired leather as possible. Then it started converting this well-traveled upholstery into luggage for well-heeled travelers.
Called Project Luvseat, the collaboration between Looptworks and Southwest includes bags such as the Weekender Duffle ($225) and the Convertible Tote ($150). The duffle accommodates enough gear in the main storage for a long weekend away from home, and it has a secure internal pocket to keep the small stuff organized. The Convertible Tote has a snap closure, expandable side-zippers, and a simple organization system inside. Both bags have grip-friendly Bombay handles. Each bag needs about 4,000 fewer gallons of water to make than non-up-cycled luggage, according to the company.
If you dig the Looptworks mission and aesthetic, check out the company’s iPad sleeves that use excess belt leather and neoprene laptop cases made from spare wetsuit materials.