In observance of World Environment Day on June 5, Emirates is emphasizing the positive effects of its closed-loop recycling initiative, which began in June 2023. Over the past year, the airline has successfully repurposed over 88,000 kilograms of plastic derived from its Economy Class inflight meal service, converting it into new onboard products.
Demonstrating its dedication to environmental sustainability, Emirates has allocated more than AED 50 million to develop a closed-loop manufacturing system for inflight dining serviceware. After flights, damaged and unusable Economy Class trays, casseroles, snack dishes, and bowls are collected, cleaned, inspected, and processed at a specialized facility in Dubai. This process transforms them into new meal service items that include up to 25% recycled materials. These new products are then sent back to Emirates Flight Catering and reintegrated into service across thousands of flights. With millions of trays, bowls, and dishes in use annually across Emirates’ expansive network, this program adheres to circular economy principles, substantially minimizing plastic waste sent to landfills and reducing transportation emissions through localized recycling and manufacturing.
The initiative is executed in collaboration with deSter FZE UAE, a prominent provider of aviation serviceware and a specialist in closed-loop manufacturing. deSter is part of the CE100 network, which comprises some of the leading organizations championing the circular economy, and has received a ‘Gold’ sustainability rating from Ecovadis, an internationally recognized certification body for sustainable practices. The processing facility is also designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating solar energy, efficient water management, and waste reduction strategies.
In addition to its recycling efforts, Emirates is enhancing its inflight experience with environmentally friendly initiatives. To celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday and his remarkable contributions to wildlife broadcasting, Emirates ice is showcasing 100 episodes from the Attenborough Collection throughout June and July. These acclaimed BBC Earth episodes, narrated by Sir David, take viewers on extraordinary explorations of the planet’s stunning landscapes and ecosystems.
The airline’s latest children’s product line features bags and plush toys crafted from at least 50% recycled materials, utilizing recycled post-consumer polyester. Moreover, children’s magazines and product tags are produced from paper sourced from sustainably managed forests when possible. Emirates has also eliminated unnecessary plastic wrapping on children’s bags and blankets, contributing to the reduction of single-use plastics onboard.
In First Class, the airline has substituted plastic packaging for mattress toppers, duvets, and blankets with high-quality reusable bags made from recycled polyester. Furthermore, headset packaging across all classes, including Business and Premium Economy, is now made from 100% recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
Emirates continues to enhance its luxury cabin amenity kits by incorporating sustainable materials. The bags for First Class and Business Class amenity kits are made from fabrics that include recycled content. Components such as foldable combs, brushes, and mirror covers in the women’s Business Class kits have been redesigned with recycled materials, while dental kit packaging is now crafted from kraft paper.
The reusable amenity kits provided in Premium Economy and Economy Class were developed in partnership with United for Wildlife to raise awareness about endangered species. These kits utilize bio-based materials, including alternatives made from cactus, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Contents such as socks and eyeshades are made from 100% recycled post-consumer polyester, and the outer designs are printed with non-toxic soy-based inks, with accompanying story cards made from responsibly sourced kraft paper.
Fleece blankets in Premium Economy and Economy Class are constructed from recycled polyester fleece, with each blanket containing the equivalent of around 28 recycled plastic bottles. Additionally, First and Business Class loungewear, slippers, and eye masks are crafted from lightweight, breathable modal fabric sourced from certified botanical fibers.
The VOYA skincare line offered in First and Business Class utilizes the beneficial properties of organic seaweed that is sustainably harvested by hand from Ireland’s west coast. Furthermore, plastic straws have been replaced with certified paper alternatives throughout the inflight experience.
Emirates collaborates closely with its suppliers to explore alternative packaging solutions whenever feasible. For instance, plastic bags utilized for inflight duty-free sales have been replaced with paper alternatives, and the packaging for shower spa amenities is made from stone paper.
Onboard recycling initiatives currently include the segregation of glass and plastic bottles on flights arriving in Dubai, where operationally feasible, to enhance effective sorting and recycling through Emirates Flight Catering and local waste management partners.
Finally, Emirates’ First Class menus are printed on paper sourced from responsibly managed forests, further underscoring the airline’s commitment to sustainable sourcing practices. Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class menus have also transitioned to this responsibly sourced paper.
