Travellers heading to Japan can now enjoy a more sustainable and hassle-free experience thanks to a new initiative by Japan Airlines (JAL).
In partnership with trading house Sumitomo Corporation, JAL has launched the Any Wear, Anywhere clothing rental service. This innovative programme aims to reduce travellers’ carbon footprint by offering them the option to rent clothes tailored to their seasonal needs instead of packing them in their luggage.
The service, which started on 5 July 2023, allows travellers to submit their flight details, duration of stay, and preferred clothing size at least a month in advance. The rented clothes are then delivered directly to their hotels in Japan. Rental costs start at 4,000 yen (US$29) and vary depending on the number of items chosen.
Initially, the service will be available only on JAL flights to Japan until August 2024, according to Nikkei Asia. However, Sumitomo Corporation is considering extending the service to other airlines in the Oneworld alliance, which includes carriers such as Qatar Airways, Qantas, British Airways, and Malaysia Airlines.
The primary objective of the Any Wear, Anywhere service is to reduce luggage weight and, subsequently, cut greenhouse gas emissions. JAL highlights that reducing 1kg of weight on a flight from New York to Tokyo can result in a reduction of 0.75kg of carbon dioxide emissions, as the aircraft consumes less fuel.
Beyond environmental benefits, the clothing rental initiative also aligns with Sumitomo Corporation’s efforts to combat wardrobe waste and the increasing problem of discarded fast fashion items. The Any Wear, Anywhere service collaborates with Japanese dry cleaner Hakuyosha and local lifestyle brand Wefabrik to offer both used and new clothing items.
As more people resume travel after the Covid-19 pandemic and sustainability becomes a global priority, JAL recognises the growing demand for environmentally friendly travel options. By offering the Any Wear, Anywhere service, JAL aims to transform travel and business trips into more sustainable experiences, encompassing clothing, food, and accommodation choices.
The trial period for the Any Wear, Anywhere service is set to run until 31 August 2024. To access the service, travellers can visit the reservation site, Anywearanywhere.store, and select the clothing set that suits their season and purpose of travel. Reservation details, including flight booking number, pickup and return dates, and destination information, need to be provided at least one month in advance. Upon arrival, travellers can collect and return their reserved clothing sets at their hotels.
