Emirates recycles and reuses 88,000 kilograms of plastic from inflight dining

In celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June, Emirates is highlighting the significant impact of its closed-loop recycling programme, first launched in June 2023. Over the past year, the airline has repurposed more than 88,000 kilograms of plastic from Economy Class inflight meal service items, transforming them into new products for use onboard.

Closed-Loop Recycling Programme
- Since launch in June 2023, Emirates has repurposed 88,000 kg of plastic from Economy Class meal service items.
- Damaged trays, bowls, and dishes are collected, processed in Dubai, and reintroduced with up to 25% recycled material.
- Investment: AED 50 million into circular manufacturing, reducing landfill waste and transport emissions.
- Partner: deSter FZE UAE, a CE100 member with Ecovadis Gold sustainability rating.

Entertainment:
100 episodes of David Attenborough’s BBC Earth series on ice to mark his 100th birthday.

Children’s Products:
Bags and plush toys with 50%+ recycled content; magazines printed on responsibly sourced paper.

Cabin Upgrades:
- First Class bedding bags made from recycled polyester.
- Headset packaging now 100% recycled LDPE.
- Amenity kits across cabins redesigned with recycled or bio-based materials.
- Premium Economy fleece blankets made from ~28 recycled bottles each.

Onboard Practices:
- Plastic straws replaced with paper.
- Duty-free bags now paper.
- Shower spa amenities packaged in stone paper.
- Glass and plastic bottles segregated for recycling on flights into Dubai.

Luxury Touches:
First & Business Class loungewear made from certified botanic fibres; VOYA seaweed-based skincare sustainably harvested in Ireland.
- Menus: All cabin menus printed on responsibly sourced paper.

Big Picture
Emirates is embedding circular economy principles across its inflight experience — from dining serviceware to amenity kits — making sustainability a visible part of the passenger journey while reducing single-use plastics and emissions.