IATA finds new ways for airlines to reduce single use plastics

The IATA has published a new report that outlines how its member airlines could reduce the amount of single-use plastic products (SUPP) onboard an aircraft. The report was done with the help of Travel Without Plastic (TWP). According to IATA, SUPPs are widely used in aviation since the material is strong and light and can meet safety and security regulators. The association noted that the aviation industry faces challenges in improving its cabin waste performance, including replacing SUPPs with sustainable alternatives. At the same time, IATA noted that carriers across the globe are facing technical and operational hurdles, with the lack of a harmonized and risk-based regulatory environment presenting a significant barrier to improving recycling and circularity of waste management. As a result, the current regulatory environment continues to constrain carriers on their efforts to reduce the usability of SUPPs and introduce more environmentally friendly options that would benefit passengers and the environment. IATA called for collaboration across the whole value chain, calling it vital to enable the industry to adopt the principles of a circular economy that would reduce and eventually replace SUPPs onboard commercial flights.<br/>