As part of SAS’ commitment to make air travel more sustainable, they will eliminate 37 tons of single-use plastics onboard annually by introducing innovative, plastic-free food packaging. This applies to flights departing Copenhagen, Oslo, Arlanda and Gothenburg.
On Tuesday (December 3, 2024), SAS announced that they will reduce 37 tons of single-use plastics onboard annually by introducing innovative, plastic-free food packaging. Implemented on December 1st, 2024, this now applies to flights departing Copenhagen, Oslo, Arlanda and Gothenburg. This is part of the carrier’s ongoing commitment to reduce waste, while supporting industry-wide efforts to lower environmental impact. SAS has collaborated with suppliers to introduce an innovative, fully-sealed cardboard barrier that meets food-grade standards without the need for traditional plastic coatings. This improvement is part of the broader shift toward reusable and biodegradable materials, supporting SAS’ ambitious goal to achieve 100 percent sustainable materials by 2030.
In Tuesday’s announcement, SAS’ Vice President – Product and Loyalty, Aron Backström, said,
“As an airline, our primary goal is decarbonization, which involves sustainable choices in fleet, fuel, and operations. Replacing single-use plastics on board is a great example of how we are working to address our impact through what we can control today. Eliminating single-use plastics is a tangible way we can reduce our environmental impact immediately, showing how small steps add up in the journey toward more sustainable aviation. We’re also offering this sustainable packaging solution to other food producers, which expands its impact industry-wide.
“Achieving these sustainability milestones requires everyone’s support, and we’re committed to making these changes as seamless and beneficial as possible for all passengers. While change can feel challenging at first, together we can embrace these alternatives, like biodegradable packaging and reduced waste, for a more sustainable future.”
SAS’ other cabin sustainability efforts include minimizing onboard waste and optimizing cabin materials to reduce weight, thereby decreasing fuel use and emissions. Additionally, SAS is introducing newer, fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and A320neo to reduce fuel use and emissions, while expanding the use of SAF to lower dependency on traditional fossil-based jet fuel. The carrier is also optimizing flight operations with streamlined takeoffs, more direct flight paths, and other fuel-saving strategies to minimize environmental impact. Looking forward, SAS and their partners are actively engaged in developing hydrogen-powered and electric aircraft, with the goal of achieving zero-emission aviation.
Source: SAS/Cision