Emirates Highlights Their Green In-Flight Initiatives Ahead of World Environment Day
Saturday 4th of June 2022
Globally celebrated airlines, Emirates, has announced their support for the theme of World Environment Day 2022, Only One Earth, with onboard and ground initiatives that will make a significant difference. The airline's environmental strategy focuses on three areas: emissions reduction, responsible consumption, and wildlife and habitat preservation.
When it comes to developing in-flight products and services, an in-house team of sustainability experts contributes from the start. Following the waste management hierarchy, the team prioritizes waste prevention before determining whether or not products can be reused. If not, it is re-cycled, and the final option is to dispose of it responsibly.
Plastic straws and stirrers were replaced with responsibly sourced paper and wooden alternatives under this directive. Emirates' cozy sustainable blankets in Economy Class are made from 28 recycled plastic bottles each and are a customer favorite. Through these initiatives, Emirates will have diverted 150 million single-use plastic items from landfill by the end of the year.
Before being introduced on board, Emirates' new Economy Class amenity kits were also put through a sustainability review. These reusable kits are made of washable Kraft paper and include long-lasting travel essentials made of Eco-friendly materials. Rice paper makes up 90% of the packaging for the dental kit, socks, and eyeglasses. The toothbrush is made from a mix of wheat straw and plastic, while the socks and eye-wear are made from recycled plastic bottles (recycled polyethylene terephthalate).
Moreover, Emirates' complimentary toy bags, baby amenity kits, and plush toys are all made from recycled plastic bottles for the airline's youngest passengers. The swing tags for the bags, kits, and toys are made from recycled cardboard, and the print is done with non-toxic soy-based inks, keeping the product's entire life cycle in mind.
Every product on board is scrutinized by Emirates with the goal of reducing resource consumption wherever possible. To reduce the environmental impact of its supply chain, it works with a diverse range of suppliers, sourcing locally or regionally whenever possible. Suppliers are also assessed against the airline's sustainable sourcing standards, which include the consideration of social, ethical, and environmental factors.
Economy Class paper menus were replaced with digital menus in April 2020, saving 44 tonnes of paper per month and supporting Emirates' overall efforts to reduce excess weight, save fuel, and reduce emissions. Instead, passengers use the onboard WiFi to view the menu on their phones.
Emirates looks for ways to up-cycle and recycle whenever possible. Before being sent to a recycling plant in Dubai, glass and plastic bottles are sorted on board. As a result, Emirates and Emirates Flight Catering divert approximately 150,000 plastic bottles and 120 tonnes of glass from landfills each month!