LATAM Airlines will eliminate all single-use plastics in its operations by 2023, according to the company.
The airline will implement changes regarding materials used onboard its aircraft, incorporate more sustainable elements and support recycling and reuse programs. In this regard, the company highlighted the «gradual changes» it is already working on to improve its waste management and disposal.
Since June 1st, all international flights have had reusable bags to cover the resting elements in the Premium Business cabin. It also launched the new travel kit for that service, which incorporated bamboo toothbrushes and kraft paper wrappers.
On the other hand, the company said it will announce changes for Economy Class in the coming weeks. According to the announcement, it will replace the current onboard service elements with others produced from reusable materials. The initiative would avoid the use of more than 1.000 tons of plastics.
LATAM Cargo is implementing five experimental projects. As a result of these initiatives, the cargo transportation division expects to reduce by more than 60% the use of plastic during its operations and replace it with reusable covers.
Finally, the company highlighted its recycling actions. For example, it is already implementing the «Recicla tu Viaje» (Recycle your Trip) program on all domestic flights of its subsidiaries in Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The initiative stipulates that cabin crews separate waste according to each material. They set aside especially plastic and aluminum cans for subsequent differential treatment on ground.
«The proposed goals have challenged us to rethink the design, materiality and protocols of our onboard service», said Paulo Miranda, LATAM Airlines’ VP of Customers. «We understand that it is a gradual process, from which we still have a lot to learn, but we will continue working in order to implement concrete changes that will allow us to generate a greater impact for the benefit of our communities and ecosystems», he added.
