Emirates recycles and reuses 88,000 kilos of plastic from inflight dining | News
In celebration of World Environment Day on June 5, Emirates is highlighting the significant impact of its closed-loop recycling program, which was first launched in June 2023. Over the past year, the airline has reused more than 88,000 kilograms of plastic from Economy Class meal service items and converted it into new products for onboard use.
As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, Emirates has invested more than AED 50 million in transitioning to a closed-loop production model for inflight dining tableware. Damaged and unusable Economy Class trays, casseroles, snack trays and bowls are collected after flights, cleaned, inspected and processed at a specialist facility in Dubai, where they are turned into new meal service items containing up to 25% recycled material. These products are then returned to Emirates Flight Catering and put back into use on thousands of flights. With millions of trays, bowls and bowls used across Emirates’ global network every year, the program supports the principles of the circular economy, significantly reducing plastic waste sent to landfills and lowering transport emissions through local recycling and production.
The program is delivered in collaboration with deSter FZE UAE, a leading supplier of aviation serviceware and expert in closed-loop manufacturing. deSter is a member of the CE100 network, which includes some of the world’s leading circular economy organizations, and has been awarded the ‘Gold’ Sustainability Rating by Ecovadis – a globally recognized certification for sustainable practices. The facility also incorporates sustainable design principles, including solar energy, efficient water management and waste minimization.
Environmental efforts during the Emirates inflight experience
100 episodes of David Attenborough on ice
To mark Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday and a century of extraordinary achievements in bringing the natural world to audiences around the world, Emirates Ice will host 100 episodes from the Attenborough Collection in June and July. The critically acclaimed BBC Earth titles, all narrated by Sir David, invite customers on remarkable journeys through some of the planet’s most spectacular landscapes and ecosystems.
Emirates children’s toys and bags
Emirates’ latest children’s collection includes bags and cuddly toys made with at least 50% recycled material and recycled post-consumer polyester. Children’s magazines and product labels are made wherever possible with paper that comes from responsibly managed forests. Emirates has also removed unnecessary plastic packaging from children’s bags and blankets, reducing single-use plastic on board.
Premium bedding bags
Plastic packaging has been removed from the packaging of First Class mattresses, duvets and blankets and replaced with high-quality reusable bags made from recycled polyester material.
Headset packaging
The headset packaging used in Business Class, Premium Economy, Economy Class and Emirates children’s headphones is now made from 100% recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
First and Business Class bags for amenity packages
Emirates continues to use more responsible materials in its luxury cabin amenities. First Class equipment bags and Business Class equipment bags are made from fabrics that contain recycled content. Folding combs and brushes, mirror covers in the Women’s Business Class kits and select kit accessories have also been redesigned using materials with recycled content, while dental kit packaging is made from kraft paper.
Premium Economy and Economy Class toiletry bags
The reusable amenity packs offered in Premium Economy and Economy Class have been launched in partnership with United for Wildlife, to raise awareness of the world’s most endangered species; integrate bio-based materials, including cacti-based alternatives, reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based plastics. The contents of the kit, including socks and eye shields, are made from 100% recycled post-consumer polyester (rPET). The outer designs are printed with non-toxic soy-based ink, and the accompanying story cards are made from kraft paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.
Premium Economy and Economy Class fleece blankets
Premium Economy and Economy Class fleece blankets are made from recycled polyester fleece, with each blanket containing material equivalent to approximately 28 recycled plastic bottles.
First and Business Class loungewear, slippers and eye masks
The loungewear, slippers and eye masks offered in First and Business Class are designed with lightweight, breathable modal fabric sourced from certified botanical fibers.
VOYA well-being products
VOYA’s skincare range in First and Business Class utilizes the nourishing properties of organic seaweed that is sustainably hand-harvested on the west coast of Ireland.
Paper straws
Plastic straws have been phased out throughout the onboard experience and replaced with certified paper alternatives.
Less plastic and packaging on board
Emirates works closely with suppliers to introduce alternative packaging solutions where possible. Plastic carrier bags used for duty-free onboard purchases have been replaced with paper bags, while packaging for shower spa facilities contains stone paper.
Recycling on board
Existing inflight initiatives include the separation of glass and plastic bottles on flights arriving in Dubai, where operationally feasible, and supporting more effective sorting and recycling through Emirates Flight Catering and local waste management partners.
First class menus
Emirates’ First Class menus are printed on paper sourced from responsibly managed forests, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to sustainable sourcing. The Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class menus have also switched to the same responsibly sourced paper.
