KLM trials a closed-loop recycling system for its catering supplies
On September 18, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was flying with flight KL0681 from
Amsterdam to Vancouver with catering supplies on board that have mostly been
collected and recycled within a new, closed-loop system. The containers, lids
and glasses were collected earlier this month off four Vancouver Amsterdam
flights. They have now been cleaned and are after recycling being reused on this
flight.
KLM is the first airline in the world to trial the recycling of different
catering items within a closed-loop system.
«KLM is carrying out this trial with recycled catering supplies to research the
effects on the environment and to find out how scalable this closed loop might
be. The test fits in with KLM’s sustainability initiative «Fly Responsibly» and
should contribute to the goal of reducing the volume of waste by 50% by 2030,
compared to the level of 2011.» Martine van Streun, Director Cabin Product &
Service Engineering van KLM
During this innovative test, dessert and salad trays, lids, plastic glasses and
hot meal trays – which, according to European legislation, would have to be
disposed of on flights from outside Europe – can now be washed and recycled.
Cutlery can be reused after it has been washed and checked.
«The material for the products has been adapted especially for the test. The
dessert and salad bowls, lids, and glasses for the flight on 18 December are
made of a material with a lower specific gravity than the original. It now can
be washed in accordance with the law and properly recycled into new catering
equipment. In addition, the material is less harmful to the environment during
production. Lighter materials result in lower carbon emissions. and contribute
to meeting the target 15% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, compared to 2005.
This will also lead to less waste, of course. We therefore expect the overall
environmental impact to be reduced.» Martine van Streun, Director Cabin Product
& Service Engineering van KLM
The trial is being organised jointly with De Ster, which supplies KLM with its
catering materials, and with the meal suppliers Marfo, Izico, Ipack and AA
Bakeries.
About Fly Responsibly
Fly Responsibly is the embodiment of KLM’s commitment to creating a sustainable
future for air transportation. It covers all KLM’s current and future efforts to
make its activities more sustainable. Real progress can only be booked if the
entire sector works together. Through Fly Responsibly, KLM invites private
customers to take part in its CO2 compensation scheme, while business customers
are invited to reduce the carbon footprint caused by their business flights by
taking part in the KLM Corporate BioFuel Programme.
More information about KLM’s initiatives for improving the sustainability of air
transportation is available at http://flyresponsibly.klm.com/Fly Responsibly.
(https://flyresponsibly.klm.com/gb_en#home)
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