Emirates Recycles 88,000kg of Plastic into New Inflight Dining Products
Emirates has recycled and repurposed more than 88,000 kilograms of plastic from its Economy Class inflight dining service over the past year, marking a major milestone in the airline’s sustainability drive.
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the achievement comes as the carrier celebrates World Environment Day, highlighting the success of its closed-loop recycling programme launched in June 2023.
Under the initiative, damaged and unserviceable meal trays, bowls, casseroles and snack dishes collected from flights are transformed into new onboard service items, each containing up to 25 per cent recycled material.
Emirates said it has invested over AED50 million in the programme, which supports circular economy principles by reducing plastic waste, lowering landfill disposal and cutting transport emissions through local recycling and manufacturing.
The recycling process is carried out in partnership with deSter FZE UAE, a specialist aviation serviceware provider. Used catering items are collected after flights, cleaned, inspected and processed at a dedicated Dubai facility before being remanufactured and returned to service across the airline’s global network.
Beyond inflight dining, Emirates continues to expand sustainability initiatives across the passenger experience. The airline’s latest children’s toys and bags contain at least 50 per cent recycled materials, while Premium Economy and Economy Class fleece blankets are produced from recycled polyester equivalent to approximately 28 plastic bottles per blanket.
Plastic packaging has also been removed from First Class bedding, paper straws have replaced plastic alternatives onboard, and headset packaging across all cabins is now made from 100 per cent recycled low-density polyethylene.
In addition, Emirates has introduced amenity kits made with recycled and bio-based materials, reduced single-use plastics in onboard products and expanded recycling efforts on flights arriving in Dubai.
To mark the 100th birthday of renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough, Emirates’ inflight entertainment system, ice, is featuring 100 episodes from the acclaimed Attenborough Collection throughout June and July, showcasing some of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems and wildlife.
The airline said the initiatives reflect its ongoing commitment to responsible sourcing, waste reduction and environmental stewardship as it works to minimise the environmental impact of its global operations.
