On the occasion of World Recycling Day, Iberia took stock of its Zero Waste in Cabin project and its initiative to reduce single-use plastics on its flights.
Both are part of its goal to offer customers a more sustainable travel experience, which is also one of the pillars on which it is developing its sustainability strategy.
200 tons less plastic per year
Specifically, by 2023 Iberia estimates that the reduction of plastics on board will reach 200 tons thanks to all these initiatives launched by the company:
- Replacement of plastic cutlery, stirrers and straws with others made of more environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo or paper.
- Cardboard strips instead of plastic bags to wrap blankets and quilts for onboard clothing.
- Elimination of plastic wrapping for headphones, children’s kit and some toiletry bag items.
- Use of thinner plastic bags to hold linens (blankets, comforters and pillows) during aircraft cleaning.
In addition, plastic cup wrappers and caps and some food items will be replaced this year with more sustainable alternatives.
Recycling 62 tons of glass
In addition to the progressive elimination of plastics on board, Iberia continues to make progress in its Zero Cabin Waste onboard waste management project and, by 2022, managed to recycle 43% of cabin waste, which will have a new life.
As part of the Zero Cabin Waste program, Iberia included last year the selective collection of glass generated on board, which allowed 62 tons of this material to be managed and recycled at the catering supplier’s facilities in Madrid.
