has announced that it recycled more than 88 tonnes of plastic used in onboard catering services over the past year, transforming end-of-life plastic products into new onboard service items as part of its sustainability initiatives.
Marking World Environment Day, the airline shared the results of its closed-loop recycling programme, which was launched in June 2023. Through the initiative, more than 88,000 kilograms of plastic from Economy Class meal service equipment were collected, processed, and converted into new products for use onboard Emirates flights.
As part of its environmental sustainability strategy, Emirates invested more than AED 50 million to implement a closed-loop production model for onboard catering equipment. Used or damaged Economy Class trays, meal dishes, snack service items, and bowls are collected after flights, cleaned, inspected, and reprocessed at a specialized facility in Dubai. The resulting products contain up to 25 percent recycled material and are returned to service through Emirates Flight Catering.
With millions of trays, bowls, and catering items used across its global network every year, the programme aims to significantly reduce plastic waste while also lowering logistics-related emissions through local recycling and manufacturing.
The initiative is carried out in partnership with , a company specializing in closed-loop production systems for the aviation industry. A member of the CE100 circular economy network, deSter has been awarded the Ecovadis Gold sustainability rating and operates facilities incorporating solar energy, efficient water management, and waste-reduction practices.
Emirates’ Sustainability Initiatives Across the Passenger Experience
In addition to its recycling programme, Emirates continues to introduce sustainability measures across multiple areas of the passenger journey:
• Children’s bags and plush toys contain at least 50% recycled materials, while unnecessary plastic packaging has been reduced.
• Plastic packaging has been removed from First Class bedding products and replaced with reusable bags made from recycled polyester.
• Headphone packaging in Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class is made from 100% recycled plastic.
• First and Business Class amenity kits feature fabrics with recycled content and more sustainable materials.
• Premium Economy and Economy Class amenity kits incorporate bio-based materials, while socks and eye masks are made from 100% recycled polyester.
• Each Premium Economy and Economy Class blanket contains material equivalent to approximately 28 recycled plastic bottles.
• Pyjamas, slippers, and eye masks in First and Business Class are produced using modal fabric derived from certified botanical fibres.
• VOYA skincare products offered in First and Business Class contain organically harvested seaweed sourced through sustainable methods.
• Certified paper straws have replaced plastic straws on board.
• Glass and plastic bottles from flights arriving in Dubai are separated and recycled whenever operationally feasible.
• Menus across all cabin classes are printed on sustainably sourced paper.
