It is with great excitement that today, we’re launching LUV Seat: Repurpose with Purpose, our Company’s newest global sustainability initiative that will upcycle the used leather seat coverings from the Evolve retrofit into brand new products that support local communities. Through the pilot of this initiative, the products will benefit communities in Kenya, Malawi, and the United States by providing access to employment, skills training, and livelihoods.
Upcycling – not to be confused with recycling – is the process of converting waste materials into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value. With 43 acres worth of leather seat covers coming off our aircraft through Evolve, we knew we didn’t want to just discard it in a landfill or shred it. We wanted to do something better with it. And, that is exactly what we are doing through LUV Seat.