The announcement coincides with World Environment Day on June 5th and highlights the progress of Emirates’ closed-loop recycling programme, launched in June 2023 as part of the airline’s broader sustainability strategy.

To support the initiative, Emirates has invested more than $13.6 million in transitioning its inflight dining serviceware to a closed-loop manufacturing model.

Under the programme, damaged and unserviceable Economy Class trays, casseroles, snack dishes and bowls are collected after flights and sent to a specialist recycling facility in Dubai. The items are cleaned, inspected and processed into new meal service products that contain up to 25% recycled material before being returned to Emirates Flight Catering for reuse onboard.

The airline says the initiative helps address the environmental impact of the millions of trays, bowls and dishes used annually across its global network. By recycling materials locally and reintroducing them into service, the programme reduces plastic waste sent to landfill while also lowering transportation-related emissions.

The recycling programme is delivered in partnership with deSter FZE UAE, an aviation serviceware provider specialising in closed-loop manufacturing. The company is a member of the CE100 network, a global community of organisations focused on advancing circular economy solutions.

The Dubai-based facility also incorporates several sustainability measures, including solar energy systems, efficient water management processes and waste reduction practices, supporting Emirates’ broader environmental objectives.

The initiative forms part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations and reduce the environmental footprint of onboard services.