Post by : Badri Ariffin

Emirates has achieved a significant milestone in its closed-loop recycling programme, which began in June 2023 as part of the airline's dedication to sustainability and in honor of World Environment Day on June 5.

In the past year, the airline has recycled over 88,000 kilograms of plastic used in Economy Class inflight meal services. This material has been repurposed into fresh inflight items, reducing waste and endorsing circular economy practices.

Emirates has invested more than AED 50 million in creating a closed-loop manufacturing system for inflight serviceware. After flights, Economy Class trays, bowls, casseroles, and snack dishes are collected, cleaned, sorted, and processed at a specialized facility in Dubai. Up to 25% of recycled materials are then used to remanufacture these items for onboard use.

This initiative is facilitated in partnership with deSter FZE UAE, a premier aviation serviceware company and member of the CE100 circular economy network. The facility has secured a Gold sustainability rating from EcoVadis, employing eco-friendly practices such as solar energy, water efficiency, and waste minimization.

Broader Sustainability Initiatives at Emirates

Emirates is also enhancing sustainability within its onboard services:

• Emirates Ice features 100 episodes of BBC Earth narrated by Sir David Attenborough, promoting environmental consciousness.

• Children's bags and toys utilize at least 50% recycled materials, alongside reduced plastic packaging.

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

• All cabin headsets come in packaging made from 100% recycled LDPE plastic.

• Amenity kits throughout the cabin incorporate recycled materials, including eco-friendly cactus alternatives, recycled fabrics, and kraft paper packaging.

• Premium Economy and Economy kits, developed with United for Wildlife, spotlight endangered species while utilizing sustainable materials and soy-based inks.

• Fleece blankets in Premium Economy and Economy are crafted from recycled polyester, equivalent to around 28 plastic bottles each.

• Loungewear, slippers, and eye masks in First and Business Class are made from sustainable modal fabric sourced from certified plants.

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

• Plastic straws have been switched to paper alternatives.

• Duty-free plastic bags are now replaced with paper, and some packaging utilizes stone paper.

• Onboard recycling efforts include segregating plastic and glass during flights to Dubai when feasible.

• All cabin menus are printed on responsibly sourced paper.

These initiatives allow Emirates to significantly minimize single-use plastics, advocate for recycling, and enhance the overall sustainability of its inflight experience across global operations.

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