Seat leather becomes a travel bag, so the company helps women win their battles

Southwest Airlines has announced a decidedly interesting new collaboration. The famous carrier once again demonstrates its ability to do business differently than its competitors. In fact, the gaze is turned not only to the world of travel, but to different aspects of life in today's society. This is demonstrated by the fact that the new partner chosen is. Unshattered, included in the already large family Repurpose with Purpose (which could be literally translated as 'reuse with a purpose').

Before going into detail and explaining what this new collaboration consists of, it is good to say a few words about the global sustainability initiative launched by Southwest Airlines. The basic idea is to put items back into circulation that would otherwise be destined for the scrap heap. Just think of the leather covering of airplane seats. All of this gets new life, going on to generate products to be offered for sale or donated to help entire communities through job offers, acquisition of specific skills and, in general, donation of remanufactured items.

The Unshattered Project

The latest nonprofit organization, chosen for its demonstrated social impact over time, is Unshattered. It is based in New York City, specifically in Hopewell Junction, and involves only women in a recovery phase. They all make bags and accessories of various kinds using only recycled materials. A mission within a mission, then. While on the one hand there is a reuse project, which aims to pollute less and offer a good example in contrast to well-known consumerist habits, on the other hand there is a hand extended to those in need. Unshattered stands as a barrier between a new life and a possible relapse into addiction Of the women who are employed. They are offered practical help, which comes through a daily activity aimed at economic stability, but more importantly, long-term sobriety (from all kinds of substances). Here is what is offered to the employees:

• Job
• Training
• Community
• Second chance

Notice anything familiar about these travel bags? That's because they were made using upcyled seat leather from our planes! But that's not the only thing special about them. Read about the redemptive story behind the women who created them: https://t.co/01XMi74Gi6 #SouthwestHeart pic.twitter.com/FAySxrjNVA

- Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) February 21, 2022

Southwest Airlines: bags for sale

Through a collaboration with Southwest Airlines, taking part in the Repurpose with Purpose project, Unshattered has launched a new collection, named Possibilities Take Flight (literally translatable to 'possibilities take flight'). The production is all about travel bags and useful accessories to carry on an airplane.

Buying one of these products means taking home a unique item, as it is handmade. Each bag or accessory also has a story of rebirth behind it. Not only do the raw materials find a purpose, but the same can be said for the skilled craftswomen who are part of the nonprofit organization. Women who have been able to leave behind their addictions, learning a craft that is also an art form. Indeed, these are fine bags that pay homage to the famous Japanese art form of Kintsugi. Tradition dictates that broken pottery is repaired by highlighting its cracks with gold lacquer. The final effect is breathtaking, and the same can be said for Unshattered's accessories. In fact, they all feature a seam of gold thread, which becomes a metaphor for artisan women who are better today after having been broken in the past.

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