IATA Proposes Strategies to Curb Single-Use Plastics in Aviation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled a pioneering report, compiled with insights from Travel Without Plastic (TWP), detailing a comprehensive strategy for the aviation industry to minimize the reliance on single-use plastic products (SUPPs) on flights. This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the environmental impact of the aviation sector, offering a roadmap for airlines, regulators, and supply chain stakeholders to implement more sustainable practices.

SUPPs, while advantageous for their durability and lightweight properties, have long posed environmental challenges due to their extensive use in aviation and the difficulties associated with recycling and waste management. The aviation industry, in its quest for improved cabin waste performance, is keen on transitioning towards more sustainable alternatives without compromising on safety, security, or operational efficiency.

IATA's report emphasizes the critical need for collaborative efforts across the entire aviation value chain to embrace the principles of a circular economy, thereby enabling the reduction and eventual elimination of SUPPs on commercial flights. The association's recommendations are aimed at fostering solution-oriented dialogues among stakeholders and promoting investments to enhance recycling and circularity within the sector.

Among the key recommendations, IATA advises airlines to:

• Undertake waste reduction and reuse assessments to minimize the necessity for SUPPs.
• Set and disclose ambitious targets for the reduction, elimination, and tracking of SUPPs.
• Explore the introduction of reusable items, despite potential logistical hurdles and the implications for fuel consumption and emissions due to increased aircraft weight.

For regulators, IATA calls for the development of harmonized regulations and guidance for alternative products to SUPPs, alongside infrastructure improvements to support reuse models. This approach is crucial for facilitating a smoother transition for international airlines navigating the complexities of global operations.

The report also highlights the importance of waste segregation onboard aircraft, suggesting that airlines perform waste composition audits to better understand and manage cabin waste.

Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Economist, underscores the proactive stance of airlines towards sustainability, including efforts to mitigate the environmental footprint of SUPPs. The recommendations aim to guide the industry in navigating the challenges associated with reducing SUPP usage, advocating for a unified regulatory framework and enhanced sector-wide cooperation.

This strategic initiative by IATA not only addresses the environmental concerns associated with plastic waste but also aligns with the broader goals of sustainability and responsible resource management in the aviation industry.