Dubai, UAEJune 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Emirates Airline recently announced the impressive results of its closed-loop recycling project: since its launch in June 2023, the initiative has recycled over 88 tonnes of plastic tableware from economy class over the past year, transforming them into new onboard supplies through a closed-loop regeneration process.
Emirates Economy Class
As part of its environmental management commitments, Emirates has invested over AED 50 million to drive the gradual transition of onboard catering supplies toward a closed-loop manufacturing model. After flights, damaged or unusable trays, meal boxes, snack dishes, and bowls from economy class are collected and transported to specialized facilities in Dubai for cleaning, inspection, and processing. These are then turned into new onboard tableware containing up to 25% recycled materials. The products are subsequently delivered to Emirates Flight Catering for reuse across thousands of flights. With millions of trays, bowls, and dishes used annually across Emirates’ global network, this project embodies circular economy principles by localizing recycling and manufacturing, significantly reducing plastic waste sent to landfills while cutting carbon emissions from transportation.
The project is jointly advanced by Emirates in partnership with aviation catering supply providers and closed-loop manufacturing expert deSter. deSter is a member of the “Circular Economy 100” (CE100) program, which brings together leading global circular economy organizations. Additionally, deSter has been awarded a “Gold” rating by EcoVadis, an internationally renowned sustainability assessment body. Its production facilities also incorporate multiple sustainable design concepts, including solar power generation, efficient water resource management, and waste reduction measures.
Emirates Advances Sustainability of Onboard Experience Through Multiple Initiatives
Emirates ice Inflight Entertainment System Features 100 Episodes of David Attenborough Documentaries
To celebrate the 100th birthday of renowned British natural historian and documentary producer Sir David Attenborough, and his century-long achievements in revealing the wonders of the natural world to global audiences, Emirates’ ice inflight entertainment system will feature a special “Attenborough Collection” from June to July, comprising 100 selected documentary episodes. These acclaimed BBC Earth documentaries, narrated by Sir David Attenborough himself, take passengers on a captivating journey of exploration, delving into many of Earth’s magnificent natural landscapes and ecosystems.
Emirates Onboard Children’s Toys and Backpacks
Emirates Onboard Children’s Toys and Backpacks
Emirates’ new children’s product range includes backpacks and plush toys made from materials containing at least 50% recycled content, incorporating recyclable polyester fibers. Children’s magazines and product labels are also made from paper sourced from sustainably managed forests whenever possible. Additionally, Emirates has eliminated unnecessary plastic packaging on children’s backpacks and blankets to further reduce single-use plastic onboard.
First Class Bedding Storage Bags
Emirates’ first-class mattress pads, duvets, and blankets no longer use disposable plastic packaging, replaced by high-quality reusable storage bags made from recycled polyester fiber materials.
Headphone Packaging
Packaging materials for headphones used in Emirates’ business class, premium economy, economy class, and children’s cabins are now all made from 100% recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
First and Business Class Amenity Kits
Emirates continues to incorporate more eco-friendly materials into its luxury onboard amenity kits. Fabrics used in first and business class amenity kits contain recycled material components. Meanwhile, Emirates has redesigned foldable combs and toothbrushes, mirror protectors in business class women’s amenity kits, and some kit accessories to use materials containing renewable raw materials. Additionally, toothbrush set packaging is made from kraft paper.
Premium Economy and Economy Class Amenity Kits
Emirates provides reusable amenity kits for premium economy and economy class passengers, launched in collaboration with United for Wildlife to raise awareness about global endangered wildlife conservation. The kits are made from bio-based materials, including cactus-based materials, to reduce reliance on fossil-based plastics. Socks and eye masks inside the kits are made from 100% recycled polyester (rPET); outer packaging patterns are printed using non-toxic soy-based ink. Accompanying information cards are made from kraft paper sourced from sustainably managed forests, furthering environmental commitments.
Premium Economy and Economy Class Eco-Blankets
Fleece blankets provided in Emirates’ premium economy and economy class are made from recycled polyester fleece fabric, with each blanket using recycled materials equivalent to approximately 28 recycled plastic bottles, further promoting resource recycling and reducing plastic waste.
First and Business Class Pajamas, Slippers, and Eye Masks
Emirates First Class Pajamas
Pajamas, slippers, and eye masks provided in Emirates’ first and business class are made from lightweight, breathable modal fabric, with raw materials sourced from certified plant-based fibers, enhancing comfort while embracing sustainability.
VOYA Toiletries
VOYA skincare products available in Emirates’ first and business class feature organic seaweed essence sustainably hand-harvested from Ireland’s west coast, leveraging its natural nourishing properties to provide passengers with a comfortable and pleasant skincare experience.
Paper Straws
Emirates has fully eliminated plastic straws from its onboard services, replacing them with certified paper alternatives, further reducing single-use plastic.
Reducing Onboard Plastic and Packaging Materials
Emirates works closely with suppliers to actively adopt alternative packaging solutions wherever possible. Plastic shopping bags for duty-free products onboard have been fully replaced with paper bags; meanwhile, mineral paper (stone paper) is used in packaging materials for onboard toiletries to further reduce plastic and packaging material usage.
Onboard Recycling Program
Emirates’ existing onboard environmental initiatives include sorting and recycling glass and plastic bottles from flights arriving in Dubai, where operational conditions permit. Recyclables are then further sorted and processed by Emirates Flight Catering and local waste management partners to enhance resource recovery efficiency and reduce waste generation.
First Class Menus
Emirates’ first class menus are printed on paper sourced from sustainably managed forests, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable procurement. Meanwhile, business class, premium economy, and economy class menus are also printed on paper from sustainably managed forests.