Emirates Achieves Major Recycling Milestone with 88,000 Kg Plastic

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Emirates has celebrated a significant achievement in its closed-loop recycling initiative, first initiated in June 2023, as part of its dedication to sustainability, coinciding with World Environment Day on 5 June.

Throughout the previous year, the airline has successfully recycled over 88,000 kilograms of plastic sourced from Economy Class inflight meal services. This material has been repurposed into new inflight products, aiding in waste reduction and bolstering the principles of a circular economy.

Emirates has allocated over AED 50 million to develop a closed-loop manufacturing framework for inflight serviceware. After flights, used Economy Class trays, bowls, and other items are collected, cleaned, sorted, and processed at a specialized facility in Dubai. They are remade using up to 25% recycled content and redispatched for onboard use.

The program collaborates with deSter FZE UAE, a prominent provider of aviation serviceware and member of the CE100 circular economy network. The facility has earned a Gold sustainability rating from EcoVadis and employs eco-conscious systems such as solar energy, efficient water usage, and waste minimization practices.

Emirates’ Broader Sustainability Initiatives Onboard

In addition to this effort, Emirates is further enhancing sustainability within its inflight experience:

• Emirates ice is featuring 100 BBC Earth episodes presented by Sir David Attenborough to honor his legacy and encourage environmental awareness.

• Children’s bags and toys now comprise at least 50% recycled materials while minimizing plastic packaging.

• First Class bedding is now packed in reusable recycled polyester bags instead of plastic.

• All cabin headsets are packaged with 100% recycled LDPE plastic.

• Amenity kits in all cabins feature recycled components like bio-based alternatives from cactus, recycled fabrics, and kraft paper packaging.

• Premium Economy and Economy kits, created in partnership with United for Wildlife, spotlight endangered species and utilize eco-friendly materials and soy-based inks.

• Fleece blankets in Premium Economy and Economy classes are fashioned from recycled polyester, equivalent to about 28 plastic bottles each.

• First and Business Class loungewear, slippers, and eye masks are crafted from sustainable modal fabric sourced from certified plants.

• VOYA skincare products incorporate organically harvested seaweed sourced from Ireland.

• Paper straws have entirely replaced plastic ones.

• Duty-free plastic bags are swapped for paper alternatives, with some packaging employing stone paper.

• Onboard recycling includes sorting of plastic and glass during flights to Dubai where feasible.

• All cabin menus are now produced on responsibly sourced paper.

Through these initiatives, Emirates is diligently working to minimize single-use plastics, encourage recycling, and advance towards a more sustainable inflight experience worldwide.

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