In April, IATA released the Reassessing Single Use Plastics Products in the Airline Sector report to assist airlines, regulators, and the airline supply chain to mitigate the environmental impacts of single use plastic products (SUPP). SUPP are widely used in aviation due to their strength, lightness, and ability to meet safety and security regulations. However, the airline sector faces challenges associated with the replacement of SUPP with sustainable alternative.
The report provides recommendations for airlines, regulators, and other stakeholders on reducing SUPP in passenger and cargo operations. It includes plastic sheets and stretch wrap among the five main product types identified and analyzed.
A challenge for air cargo stakeholders
In June 2023, IATA conducted a detailed survey of air cargo stakeholders including cargo airlines, handlers, shippers and freight forwarders to complete an inventory of SUPP for Cargo Operations. The results of this survey provided insight into the industries current use of plastics and plans to reduce, reuse, and recycle where possible.
The survey identified that there is a strong desire to have a strategy in place to move the industry forward towards removing SUPP. 75% of the participants either have a strategy in place or plan to publish a strategy in the near future.
A key priority is compliance with regulations, followed by reducing plastic use, However, the cost, availability, and quality are the main issues when sourcing SUPP alternatives. Only 35% of participants say they reuse single-use plastics, and reutilization is minimal. Only 26% use items made of recycled plastic and 11% use items made of biodegradable plastics in their operations.
The industry's current challenge is finding affordable replacement options, including options that meet safety and hygiene laws. Collaboration across the aviation value chain is vital to facilitate the reduction and replacement of SUPP.