Travel accessories specialist Travel Blue has marked a new sustainability milestone, having recycled more than 4.7 million 500ml plastic bottles – totalling over 188 metric tonnes, or roughly the weight of a fully grown blue whale.
Since introducing the Our Blue Way initiative in 2023, the company has advanced its goal of global sustainability leadership in travel retail accessories. The company noted that currently, 50% of its products incorporate recycled or recyclable materials, with ongoing innovation steadily increasing this share.
As part of its sustainability drive, travel pillows feature 93% recycled covers, 100% recyclable foam and 100% recycled packaging.
Adapters, power banks and cables use recycled plastic and wheat-straw biopolymer, a renewable and sustainable plastic alternative. Textile items, including money belts, folding bags, bags and eye masks, are made of recycled materials. The brand’s reusable stainless steel water bottles offer an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic bottles.
Travel Blue Group Managing Director Daniel Levin said: “We are delighted with the rapid progress of Our Blue Way, which has exceeded all our goals and it is making a real difference. Our Blue Way has a triple eco-friendly benefit, offering products that are recycled, recyclable and reducing the use of plastic.
“When Our Blue Way launched in 2023, the reaction from retail partners was extremely positive and within the first few months, eight out of ten of the largest duty-free operators came on board.”
The company claims to be the category leader in recycling and sustainability and introduced recycled cardboard packaging 25 years ago when others were still using plastic. It was also the first in the sector to use soy-based ink.
Travel Blue said that it is now committed to converting as many products as fast as possible and absorbing the additional costs.
Levin commented: “Our core values are innovation, sustainability and social responsibility. We offer products that meet Gen Z shopper eco-credentials, giving operators an enormous opportunity to embrace a sustainable future and ensure continued business success.” ✈
