Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) is enhancing its waste management strategy through the introduction of a custom-built biodigester, notable for its substantial commercial scale and capacity. The Power Knot LFC-3000 biodigester, located at EKFC’s Central Commissary Unit, facilitates on-site processing of organic waste, treating it at the source rather than redirecting it to landfills.
The biodigester operates via aerobic digestion, utilizing oxygen, heat, and microorganisms to decompose organic waste. This natural process results in the production of grey water, which can be reused for non-potable purposes. Unlike mechanical systems that become less effective over time, the biodigester gains efficiency as its microbial culture evolves and adapts to a broader range of feedstock.
Shahreyar Nawabi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Flight Catering, stated, “At EKFC, when we look at where we can make the greatest difference, it’s in how we handle waste by treating it responsibly, diverting it from landfill, and finding ways to put it back into productive use. Commissioning a biodigester of this scale is a major operational milestone for us as we accelerate EKFC’s landfill diversion efforts. The strong cross-functional collaboration from every part of the business, in addition to consistent waste segregation efforts of teams on the ground were also key drivers of this project’s successful delivery. The combination of innovation and operational commitment will continue to drive our progress on sustainability.”
Since its commissioning in December 2025, the system’s throughput has steadily increased, now processing an average of up to 3.5 tonnes of waste per day. Current projections suggest that the biodigester at EKFC will reach a capacity of around 6 tonnes of food waste per day, subject to biological maturity and feedstock composition.
Utilizing conversion factors aligned with the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), EKFC estimates that diverting one tonne of food waste from landfill prevents approximately 0.7 tonnes of CO2e per tonne, primarily by averting methane emissions from decomposition in landfills. At full capacity and biological maturity, the biodigester could prevent more than 2,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually.
The biodigester is part of EKFC’s broader initiative to integrate sustainability into its daily operations. EKFC is making strategic investments in energy and fleet enhancements, including the installation of solar panels, which generated 4,000 MWh last year, preventing 1,600 tonnes of CO2e emissions. The introduction of electric vehicles across operations is underway, with the region’s first proof-of-concept electric hi-loader expected by mid-2026.
In terms of waste and circularity, EKFC processed nearly 75,000 kg of food waste through its initial LFC-50 biodigester last year and eliminated 45,000 kg of plastic annually through packaging modifications. The company has also developed 47 recipes utilizing production trimmings to repurpose potential waste, and pesticide-free lettuce from Bustanica was used for 28,000 Emirates salads daily last year. AI-driven automation and smart camera technology further bolster production quality and waste reduction efforts.
