Japan Airlines trials clothes rental service to reduce luggage and support the environment

Japan Airlines (JAL) is trialling an innovative clothes rental service to encourage business travellers and tourists to Japan to reduce the amount of luggage they carry and their impact on the environment. 

Renting clothing for a holiday or business trip is becoming increasingly popular but the airline is taking the concept one step further by encouraging passengers to travel light and rent clothing – from a selection based on excess inventory and pre-owned items – at their destination.

Called 'Any Wear, Anywhere' the scheme will run until 31 August and the airline will assess its impact by monitoring changes in passengers' checked-in baggage weight and verify the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions by reduced airplane weight due to use of the service.

The airline said the service is a natural step for a traveller keen to experience local hotels, restaurants and other attractions while travelling and at the same time minimising the impact of their trips.

Sumitomo Corporation will be responsible for developing the reservation system as well as for the procurement, laundering, and delivery of clothes. To use the service travellers need to log on to the Any Wear, Anywhere store and select the clothing set that best suits the season and purpose of their visit.

They must then enter Enter your JAL flight booking number, the date of pickup and return of the clothing set, and information about the destination where they wish to pick up the clothing set (typically it would be delivered to a hotel), and make a payment. Reservations must be made at least a month in advance and the return date must be within two weeks of the pickup date.

How the Any Wear, Anywhere service works

Other partners taking part in the trial include WEFABRIK, which was started in 2005 by former textile trader employee Mr. Fukuya. It operates an online apparel matching platform called SMASELL and will help procure clothes for the service. Cleaning will be provided by Hakuyosha, which opened Japan's first independently developed dry cleaning service in 1906 and is now know for its sustainable cleaning services.

"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. Travelers increasingly desire to make more sustainable choices regarding their travel destinations, accommodations, transportation etc., they still lack sufficient options. For example, most travelers now enjoy eating at restaurants and staying at hotels at their destination, but they generally bring their own clothing from home.

"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. By expanding the use of the Service, we aim to create an environment where travelers can use local options for all aspects of their clothing, food, and accommodation, transforming travel and business trips into more sustainable experiences," the airline said in a statement.