Emirates Recycles Over 88,000 Kilograms of Plastic Service Items Used in Economy Class
- Joe Breitfeller
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Emirates has today announced that in celebration of World Environment Day on June 5th, they are showcasing their closed-loop recycling program launched in 2023. Over the past year, the carrier has repurposed 88,000 kg. of plastic from Economy Class service items.
On Thursday (June 4, 2026), Emirates announced that in celebration of World Environment Day on June 5th, Emirates is showcasing the significant impact of their closed-loop recycling program, originally launched in June 2023. Over the past year, the airline has repurposed more than 88,000 kg. of plastic from Economy Class inflight meal service items, transforming them into new products for use onboard. As part of their commitment to environmental stewardship, Emirates has invested over AED 50 million (US $13.6 million) in transitioning to a closed-loop manufacturing model for inflight dining service ware.
Under the program, damaged and unserviceable Economy Class trays, casseroles, snack dishes and bowls are collected after flights, cleaned, inspected and processed at a specialist facility in Dubai, where they are transformed into new meal service items containing up to 25 percent recycled material. These products are then returned to Emirates Flight Catering and reintroduced into service onboard thousands of flights. With millions of trays, bowls and dishes used every year across Emirates' global network, the programme supports circular economy principles, significantly reducing plastic waste sent to landfill while lowering transport emissions through local recycling and manufacturing.
Examples of Emirates' Sustainably-Sourced Onboard Service Items - Courtesy Emirates
Emirates’ recycling program is delivered in partnership with deSter FZE UAE, a leading aviation service ware provider and expert in closed-loop manufacturing. deSter is a member of the CE100 network, which includes some of the world’s leading circular economy organisations, and has been awarded the ‘Gold’ Sustainability rating from Ecovadis – a globally recognised certification for sustainable practices. The facility also incorporates sustainable design principles, including solar power, efficient water management and waste minimization practices.
Emirates’ latest children’s collection includes bags and plush toys made with a minimum of 50 percent recycled content, incorporating recycled post-consumer polyester. Children’s magazines and product tags are produced using paper sourced from responsibly managed forests where feasible. Emirates has also removed unnecessary plastic wrapping from children’s bags and blankets, helping reduce single-use plastic onboard. Additionally, plastic packaging has been removed from the wrapping of First Class mattress toppers, duvets and blankets and replaced with premium reusable bags made from recycled polyester material. Headset packaging used across all cabins is now also made from 100 percent recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
Emirates continues to incorporate more responsible materials across their luxury cabin amenity kits. First and Business Class kit bags feature fabrics containing recycled content. Foldaway combs and brushes, case covers of mirrors in the women’s Business Class kits and selected kit accessories have also been redesigned using materials with recycled content, while dental kit packaging is made from kraft paper.
The reusable amenity kits offered in Premium Economy and Economy Class were launched in partnership with United for Wildlife, to highlight the most endangered species on the planet; incorporate bio-based materials, including cactus-based alternatives, helping reduce reliance on fossil-based plastics. Kits include socks and eyeshades are made from 100 percent recycled post-consumer polyester (rPET). Outer designs are printed using non-toxic soy-based inks, and accompanying story cards are made from kraft paper sourced from responsibly managed forests.
Premium Economy and Economy Class fleece blankets are made from recycled polyester fleece, with each blanket incorporating material equivalent to approximately 28 recycled plastic bottles. The loungewear, slippers and eye masks offered in First and Business Class are designed using lightweight, breathable modal fabric sourced from certified botanic fibers. Additionally, the VOYA skincare range featured in First and Business Class harnesses the nourishing properties of organic seaweed sustainably harvested by hand from the west coast of Ireland. Plastic straws have also been phased out across the onboard experience and replaced with certified paper alternatives.
As part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability, Emirates works closely with suppliers to introduce alternative packaging solutions wherever possible. Plastic carrier bags used for inflight duty-free purchases have been replaced with paper bags, while packaging used for shower spa amenities incorporates stone paper. Current onboard initiatives include the segregation of glass and plastic bottles on flights arriving into Dubai, where operationally feasible, supporting more effective sorting and recycling through Emirates Flight Catering and local waste management partners. Emirates’ onboard menus are also printed on paper sourced from responsibly managed forests, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to sustainable sourcing.
Source: Emirates
