Eurostar upcycles old uniforms & seat covers

Eurostar, the high-speed passenger service linking London, Paris and Brussels is issuing its train managers with a world’s first – bags created entirely from recycled Eurostar staff uniforms and antimacassars.

Working with Upcycling company, Worn Again, which specialises in creating new products from disused materials, the bags were created using old Eurostar raincoats, lining material from old suit jackets and antimacassars (headrest covers).

Created by award-winning designer, Benjamin Shine, a prototype of the bag was displayed last year in the ‘Sustainable Futures’ exhibition at the British Design Museum in London.

From July, passengers will be able to spot the bags when they travel on Eurostar as they are distributed to over 250 train managers in the UK, France and Belgium.

Peter Bragg, Head of Environment and Energy for Eurostar said:

“Our work with Worn Again is part of our commitment to reduce our impact on the environment. We don’t just talk about policies and practices we do everything we can to bring them to life.”

“Eurostar train managers were involved in every stage of the design process and their contribution has helped us create a completely recycled product, that not only meets their needs but is worthy of appearing at the British Design Museum.”

Cyndi Rhoades, CEO of Worn Again said:

“Eurostar is a forward thinking company which delivers on its sustainable objectives. The bags have been a big project and it’s exciting that from next month, Eurostar train managers will be literally wearing the brands commitment to sustainability.”

The bags were made in the UK by Barrow and Gale, a traditional bags manufacturer in Woolwich. The company was established in 1750 and holds the royal warrant to manufacture Royal Maundy purses for HM The Queen.

Recycling and upcycling uniforms and train parts are key elements of Eurostar’s Tread Lightly programme and the commitment across the business to reduce its overall impact on the environment.

This includes reducing usage wherever possible, sourcing supplies responsibly and recycling what is used or produced. Recycling uniforms has helped contribute towards Eurostar reaching its target of zero waste being disposed to landfill and 80% of all waste being recycled.