Virgin Atlantic announced this week, the launch of a new project with British clothing company Worn Again, that will see the airline recycling aircraft seat covers to create new bags.

The Worn Again Virgin range, which includes the ‘Ollie’ wash bag, the ‘Sherman’ male messenger bag, and the ‘Lydia' and 'Romero' ladies handbags, are available to buy from 1 September 2008. The bags include an ‘Ingredients’ label which lists the all the materials that make up the bags – such as Virgin Atlantic seat covers, car safety belts, Glastonbury tents and bicycle tires.

Worn Again Virgin bags will be available at Terra Plana stores around the world and on the Worn Again website (www.wornagain.co.uk). The bags will also be available in John Lewis stores as well as stores in Romania, Israel and The Philippines.

Lysette Gauna, Creative Director for Virgin Atlantic, commented: "Virgin Atlantic is committed to taking practical steps to make its business as sustainable as possible. From investing in new technologies, to lobbying the aircraft manufacturers, through to championing new ideas - we believe that actions speak louder than words. This is a fun and creative way to recycle our waste and we are sure these fabulous limited edition bags will be very popular as well as giving people the chance to own a little piece of Virgin Atlantic history.”

Waste reduction is a big focus for Virgin Atlantic. The airline has successfully reduced the waste it produces in its offices and ground operations significantly and continues to work hard to reduce the waste its produces in the air. The airline has set itself a very ambitious target to reduce the waste it sends to landfill from its aircraft by 50% by 2012.

A total of 2000 limited edition bags has been produced with materials from approximately 1000 seats. The materials were donated by Virgin Atlantic to Worn Again following the refit of its economy cabin.