Solar Sands Creates BermudAir Glassware
An American glass-making company has partnered with BermudAir to create 500 custom recycled-glass pieces as part of the airline’s onboard experience.
Massachusetts-based Solar Sands is known for transforming discarded glass into functional and decorative objects through artisan glassmaking, which its describes as turning “waste into wonder”.
The airline has already introduced the pieces in its business class service and plans to expand its use to economy class.
James McLeod, the creative director and co-founder of Solar Sands, said the partnership began after BermudAir founder and chief executive Adam Scott encountered the company’s work while staying at Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel in Anguilla.
The company has also helped transform waste on the Caribbean island by creating glassware and other products for the luxury resort, including glasses and tableware, room amenities and spa items.
“The concept behind our company is that we work with coastal communities to upcycle waste glass before it ends up in the ocean or becomes garbage,” Mr McLeod told Bernews.
“Adam Scott and several members of the BermudAir team were in Anguilla after branching out with AnguillAir.
“They were staying at Cap Juluca and saw our glasses. Our story really resonated with them.
“BermudAir is doing everything it can to reduce waste across its airline, so partnering with the airline was a no-brainer.”
Mr McLeod said Mr Scott subsequently introduced him to Karen Pilanthos, founder of the non-profit organisation Cash, Trash, Bash.
“Every August, Karen and her team dive around Bermuda collecting rubbish from the island’s coastline and surrounding waters,” he said.
“For every dollar raised, a pound of trash is removed.
“We wanted some of the glasses to be made from glass collected in Bermuda, and teaming up with Karen and her team seemed like a fascinating way to do it.
“I flew out there with my family in January, and together with Karen’s family we collected waste glass from Bermuda’s reef system.
“We gathered around a metric ton of glass. It was incredible how much was out there.”
Mr McLeod said the company hopes to expand its presence in Bermuda and work with hotels on the island.
He added that Solar Sands is also in discussions with the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute about establishing a mobile glass-making studio on the island.
Instagram: @solar_sands_glassworks
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