Clip, the smart solutions provider, showcased a modular noise cancelling earphone at the 2024 IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California.
The product allows elements of the earphones to be replaced rather than for the entire unit to be discarded when pieces such as the connecting cable or ear pad get damaged and no longer function, explained Cindy Lam, Director at Clip: “The whole idea is that it can be taken apart and parts can be replaced rather than chucking the whole thing away.”
“The cable is what gets damaged most. It tends to get tied up, pulled and damaged,” she added and explained that, to airlines, it represents a significantly lower initial outlay on hardware.
The development means that airlines can purchase “maybe 50 to 60% of their annual headphone quantity” along with spare parts. It enables broken parts to be replaced and recycled through the repair of headphones.
Nothing on the market at present offers the same degree of modularity, asserted Lam, who demonstrated that the headphones can be quickly disassembled, parts changed and then reassembled.
The headphones, which have a premium feel, can be customised with colours on the plastic surface. Logos and print among the options available.
