LATAM will eliminate 100 percent of single-use plastics used in operations by 2023 through initiatives such as changing onboard materials, incorporating more sustainable elements and via the Group’s recycling and reuse programs.
On Thursday (June 23, 2022), LATAM announced their intention to eliminate 100 percent of single-use plastics in operations by 2023. The commitment will be achieved through a variety of initiatives such as changing onboard service materials, incorporating more sustainable elements, and through the Group’s recycling and reuse programs. Additionally, in Premium Business cabins, more sustainable items have been incorporated as bags for blankets and rest items are gradually being replaced. Gradual changes have already been implemented onboard, and from June 1st, all international flights will have reusable bags to cover rest items in the Premium Business cabin. LATAM also recently launched new Premium Business amenity kits, which have more sustainable elements such as bamboo toothbrushes and kraft paper wrappers.
In Thursday’s announcment, LATAM Airlines Group’s Vice President of Customers, Paulo Miranda, said,
“The proposed goals have challenged us to rethink the design, materiality, and protocols of our onboard service. We are aware that this is a gradual process, where we still have a lot to learn, but we will continue working to implement concrete changes that allow us to generate a greater impact for the benefit of our communities and ecosystems.”
In the Economy Class cabin, changes will be announced in the coming weeks regarding plastic materials used for all elements of service such as cups, cutlery and tableware, which will now be replaced with reusable and/or recyclable materials. By changing onboard service elements in Economy, approximately 1,000 tons of single-use plastics will be eliminated, the equivalent of 36,000 500ml plastic bottles. LATAM Cargo is also implementing five pilot projects which are expected to reduce the use of single-use plastic by over 60 percent. One example is replacing plastic used for wrapping cargo loads with reusable blankets or waterproof covers.
LATAM is also focusing on recycling and reuse initiatives. On Domestic flights in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador, the carrier is operating their ‘Recycle Your Trip’ program, through which cabin crew members separate plastic and aluminum onboard. In Colombia, the separation process takes place on the ground. The Group, together with female entrepreneurs and partner organizations, also continues to operate their uniform reuse program in Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil, giving a second life to employee uniforms. All of these initiatives are part of LATAM’s sustainability strategy with the goals of achieving zero waste to landfill by 2027, offsetting 50 percent of emissions by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
1) LATAM Cargo Replaces Plastic Used for Wrapping Loads With Reusable Blankets or Waterproof Covers. 2) Female Entrepreneurs and Partner Organizations Operate LATAM's Uniform Reuse Program in Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil. - Courtesy LATAM
LATAM Airlines Group S.A. is the leading airline group in Latin America, offering service in five domestic markets (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) as well as international service within Latin America and to Europe, Oceania, the United States and the Caribbean. The Group operates a fleet of Boeing 767, 777, and 787s, as well as Airbus A319, A320, A320neo, A321 aircraft. LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia and LATAM Cargo Brazil are the LATAM Airlines freight subsidiaries. In addition to passenger aircraft belly hold cargo capacity, the Group operates a fleet of 13 dedicated freighters, which will be expanded to 21 freighters by 2023.
Source: LATAM