Recyclers at Emirates. Photo: Emirates Ahead of World Environment Day on June 5, Emirates is revealing the results of its Closed-Loop Recycling program, which has transformed more than 88,000 kilograms of plastic from economy class catering equipment into new products for reuse on flights over the past year.
Launched in June 2023, the program involves collecting damaged or worn-out trays, bowls, and serving utensils, cleaning them, and processing them at a dedicated facility in Dubai. They are then transformed into new service products containing up to 25% recycled material and reused on the airline’s aircraft.
Emirates notes that more than 50 million dirhams ($13.6 million) have been invested in the project, which is designed to reduce plastic waste sent to landfill and reduce emissions resulting from transporting equipment.
Recyclers at Emirates. Photo: EmiratesThe program is being implemented in collaboration with deSter, a company that specializes in circular production solutions for the aviation industry and operates a facility that also adheres to principles of water conservation, waste reduction, and solar energy use.
Alongside the recycling project, Emirates continues to expand other environmental initiatives. Among other things, the fleece blankets in Economy and Premium Economy classes are made from recycled polyester equivalent to approximately 28 plastic bottles per blanket, amenity kits include recycled or plant-based materials, and plastic straws have been completely replaced with paper alternatives.
During June and July, the company's entertainment system will offer 100 episodes from David Attenborough's program collection, to mark his 100th birthday, as part of highlighting themes of nature, the environment and biodiversity conservation.
The company emphasizes that the integration of these initiatives is part of a broad strategy to promote a circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of its global operations.