Emirates has announced a new closed loop recycling initiative aimed at reducing plastic waste. Starting in June 2023, millions of plastic items used onboard, including trays, bowls, snack dishes, and casserole dishes, will be recycled locally and transformed into fresh meal service products for Emirates flights.
Aligned with the United Nations World Environment Day theme of #BeatPlasticPollution, the initiative reflects Emirates’ commitment to responsible consumption and the principles of a circular economy, focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling. Damaged and old meal service items from Economy and Premium Economy Class will be collected, cleaned, checked, and transported to a recycling facility in Dubai. There, they will be ground down, reprocessed, and manufactured into new dishes, bowls, and trays before being returned to Emirates Flight Catering for use in-flight.
Emirates has partnered with deSter FZE UAE, a leading provider of serviceware concepts in the aviation industry, for this closed loop manufacturing process. By reusing plastic materials that have reached the end of their life, Emirates aims to significantly reduce waste and carbon emissions. The newly produced items will contain at least 25% recycled material and will be gradually implemented on aircraft worldwide.
In addition to the closed loop recycling project, Emirates has already implemented various initiatives to reduce plastic waste. These include replacing single-use plastic items with sustainable alternatives, using blankets made from recycled plastic bottles, producing amenity kits and toy bags from recycled plastic, and recycling glass and plastic bottles.
Emirates’ new recycling initiative is a significant step towards their goal of sustainability and minimizing the environmental impact of their operations.
