You are standing in line to get off a United Airlines plane when you see a piece of bright – Really bright yellow fabric sticks out from the pocket of the person in front of you.

The fabric features step-by-step illustrations of how to secure a life jacket. You call over the nearest flight attendant, proud that you prevented a theft.

You should have minded your own business. As it turns out, the bag is part of United’s “Upcyled” line, a line of products introduced last year that are made from the airline’s old life jackets. For $13, you can buy a recycled key holder or a carry-on cosmetic bag for $36. The airline offers four items in total, but says it’s looking to expand the line.

The yellow vests have a life expectancy of eight to ten years, according to the airline’s website. That means United discards about 19,000 vests a year – from its Boeing 737 fleet alone. That doesn’t include vests for crew or small children, according to the airline.

“As I worked to dispose of expired life jackets, I wanted to find a more creative solution to keep this material out of the landfill,” says Erin Taylor, United’s environmental manager, on the United website. “Fortunately, I was able to connect with a company that upcycles life jacket material into fun and practical products that are then sold. I hope this project sparks further discussion about our waste streams and other potential upcycling opportunities.”

Taylor spoke about Bag2Life, a Germany-based company.

“Since 2010, we have given new life to more than 145 tons of original aviation materials through our B2L and BAG TO LIFE brands,” says the company’s English-language website, bag2lifeamerica.com. Bag to Life offers dozens of items, from bags to oven mitts to aprons.

The company only manufactures United’s product line, but does not sell it.

For more information, visit unitedshop.com.