Emirates Airlines recycles 88 tons of plastic used in meals on its planes

Last year, Emirates Airlines succeeded in recycling and reusing more than 88,000 kilograms of plastic materials used in meal service utensils on board Economy Class, and transforming them into new products that are used again on its flights.

The carrier highlights the tangible impact of its recycling program, which the carrier launched for the first time in June 2023, in celebration of World Environment Day, which falls on June 5 of each year.

Emirates Airlines has invested more than 50 million dirhams in switching to a manufacturing model that relies on a closed recycling system for food service tools on board, as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Damaged or unusable trays, food containers and snack plates are collected in Economy Class after flights, then transported to a specialized facility in Dubai where they are cleaned, inspected, reprocessed and transformed into new meal service items containing at least 25% recycled materials.

These products are then returned to Emirates flight catering facilities to be reused on thousands of flights.

The program contributes to supporting the principles of the circular economy and significantly reducing plastic waste sent to landfills, in addition to reducing emissions associated with transportation operations by implementing recycling and manufacturing operations locally.

The program is implemented in cooperation with deSter Emirates, a global provider of service tools for the aviation sector and specialized in manufacturing solutions within a closed recycling system.

deSter is a member of the CE100 network, which includes a number of the most prominent global institutions specialized in the circular economy, and has also obtained a gold rating for sustainability from Ecovadis, one of the most prominent global accreditors in the field of sustainable practices.

Emirates Airlines chose to cooperate with deSter after its facility in the UAE was ready to meet the requirements of the large-scale program needed by the carrier, which contributed to reducing the carbon footprint resulting from transporting materials abroad for recycling. The facility also adopts a set of sustainable practices, including the use of solar energy, the application of effective water management solutions, and the adoption of advanced procedures to reduce waste and enhance the efficiency of resource use.

To celebrate the centenary of David Attenborough’s birth, and a century of outstanding achievements in photographing the natural world, Emirates is showing 100 episodes of the Attenborough on Ice series throughout June and July.

The new range of children’s products on board Emirates flights includes bags and cotton toys made from at least 50% recycled materials, including recycled polyester. The children’s magazine and stickers are made from paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.

First-class mattress bags, sheets and duvets have been replaced with luxurious reusable packaging, made from recycled polyester.

The packaging of headphones used in Business Class, Premium Economy Class, Economy Class and children’s headphones is now made of 100% recycled low-density polyethylene.

The personal care bags provided to passengers in first and business classes include a set of more sustainable materials, as first class bags are made from recycled materials, while business class bags are made from fabrics containing recycled materials. Some products have also been redesigned with a focus on sustainability, including combs, foldable brushes, and mirrors in women’s bags in business class.

The reusable amenity bags in Premium Economy and Economy Class feature innovative bio-based materials, including alternatives made from aloe vera, which contribute to reducing reliance on plastics made from fossil fuels. The bags also contain products made from 100% recycled polyester, while socks and eye covers are made from recycled polyester.

The exterior designs are printed using non-toxic soy-based inks, and the accompanying information cards are made from paper sourced from responsibly managed materials.

The blankets offered in Premium Economy and Economy Class are made from recycled polyester fibres, with each blanket containing the material equivalent of approximately 28 recycled plastic bottles.

The loungewear, slippers and eye masks offered to First and Business Class customers are designed using ultra-soft fabrics that combine a luxurious feel, excellent breathability and light weight, and made from responsibly sourced plant fibres.

Emirates Airlines has completely eliminated plastic straws on its flights, replacing them with approved, environmentally friendly paper alternatives.

It also works closely with its suppliers to adopt alternative packaging solutions whenever possible. Plastic bags used for duty-free purchases on board have been replaced with paper bags, and paper alternatives have also been introduced in the packaging materials for shower spa amenities and dental care sets.

Current on-board initiatives include sorting plastic and glass bottles on incoming flights to Dubai, whenever operational conditions permit, supporting more efficient sorting and recycling operations through Emirates Flight Catering and its local waste management partners.

First Class menus are printed on Forest Certification Scheme-certified paper, sourced from forests managed according to responsible and sustainable practices, in confirmation of Emirates’ commitment to adopting sustainable sourcing.

As of August 1, the same standard of approved paper will be used for menus in business class, premium economy class, and economy class as well.