Emirates recycles and reuses 88,000 kilograms of plastic from inflight dining
Dubai: In celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June, Emirates is highlighting the significant impact of its closed-loop recycling programme, first launched in June 2023. Over the past year, the airline has repurposed more than 88,000 kilograms of plastic from Economy Class inflight meal service items, transforming them into new products for use onboard.
The initiative transforms used Economy Class trays, casseroles, bowls and snack dishes into new onboard service products containing up to 25 percent recycled material. The programme forms part of Emirates’ broader commitment to environmental stewardship and circular economy practices.
The airline has invested more than AED 50 million to transition toward a closed-loop manufacturing model for inflight serviceware. Used items are collected after flights, cleaned, processed and remanufactured at a specialist facility in Dubai before being reintroduced onboard Emirates flights. The initiative significantly reduces plastic waste sent to landfill while lowering transport emissions through local recycling and production.
Alongside recycling efforts, Emirates continues to introduce a wide range of environmentally conscious initiatives across its inflight experience.
To celebrate renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, Emirates’ inflight entertainment system ice will feature 100 BBC Earth episodes narrated by Attenborough throughout June and July.
The airline has also expanded the use of recycled and sustainable materials across several onboard products. Emirates’ latest children’s bags and toys contain at least 50 percent recycled content, while Premium Economy and Economy Class fleece blankets are made from recycled polyester equivalent to around 28 plastic bottles per blanket.
Plastic packaging has been removed from First Class bedding products and replaced with reusable bags made from recycled polyester. Headset packaging across multiple cabin classes is now produced using 100 percent recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
In addition, Emirates has phased out plastic straws in favour of certified paper alternatives and continues to reduce unnecessary plastic packaging across its onboard services. Amenity kits in different cabin classes increasingly incorporate recycled and bio-based materials, while onboard recycling programmes support the segregation and recycling of glass and plastic bottles on selected flights.
Through these initiatives, Emirates continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainable aviation and responsible environmental practices across its global operations.
