"Any Wear, Anywhere" – The Latest Initiative By Japan Airlines

In a surprising new program, used and surplus garments will be collected by Japan's biggest trade company, Sumitomo, which will also be responsible for acquiring, washing, and distributing the clothing.

 

The goal of the "Any Wear, Anywhere" initiative is to reduce the weight of passengers' and airplanes' luggage. During the 14-month test, JAL intends to track the average weight of passengers' checked bags to see how this variable impacts the plane's carbon footprint.

The program provides apparel in "casual" and "smart casual" designs in sizes ranging from small to extra-large. The lowest-priced item is about $28.

“With more and more people flying again after the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the recent emphasis in sustainability, there is a growing movement around the world to promote sustainable tourism. Travellers increasingly desire to make more sustainable choices, but they still lack sufficient options.

“The concept of the service is therefore to provide a travel experience with minimal luggage by offering clothing rentals at the destination, thereby creating environmental value”, JAL stated.

Despite the high emission levels of the sector, airlines are taking up green initiatives like this one to improve their public image, as Japan aims to mandate that 10 percent of the fuel used on foreign flights be sustainable. Several major airlines have already made commitments to make the switch. They have also begun carbon-offset initiatives, which have come under fire from industry professionals.

Yet the initiative may struggle to gain popularity among travellers, it is hoped that it could raise awareness around emissions related to weight and distribution.

Senior analyst at Euromonitor International Prudence Lai welcomed the program for being "relatable and simple to grasp" for travellers. She said that "lowering weight is the most time- and cost-efficient approach to be sustainable among aviation operators" since acquiring SAF is still extremely expensive.

Like many sustainability projects, JAL's program boasts lofty goals. According to the rental service, the carbon emissions saved by not bringing along an extra 22 pounds of baggage on a journey from New York to Tokyo is comparable to not using a hair dryer for 78 days.

In addition, the company announced that it is looking at "sustainable transportation solutions" and other ecologically friendly delivery possibilities for the rental project.

 

source: washingtonpost.com