Cathay Pacific is taking bold steps to combat plastic waste, a significant environmental issue. Despite the potential challenges, the company is determined to shrink its impact with intelligent solutions.

READ: Cathay Pacific passes milestones in 2023

To go greener, Cathay Pacific wants to use more recycled plastic sheets. Real-world tests with recycled materials show its dedication to finding new ways and look into recycling plastic bottles and has banned single-use plastics from its places.

READ: Cathay Pacific passes milestones in 2023

“Reducing plastic waste is crucial for us. We’re committed to finding new ways to use less plastic and recycle more,” said a spokesperson from Cathay Pacific,” the company said.

“Plastic cargo sheets are unavoidable in the cargo industry today, but many companies like us are exploring potential ways to reduce their use. As we cannot eliminate it, we are implementing a circularity concept to extend its useful life better and reduce waste to landfill.”

“We’ve used 30% recycled plastic cover sheets since 2017, but in 2023, we set ourselves the target to increase this while still ensuring we had a product that was acceptable in terms of overall performance and durability. We have tested extensively throughout 2023 to understand and stabilise this product at an acceptable range in the labs. Our largest customer, Cathay Cargo, also supported our real-life trials of this product last year in many locations and extreme weather conditions.”

Plastic sheets, vital in cargo, are a big concern because they don’t break down naturally, so Cathay has taken a different approach to the its wrapping.

“While plastic sheets make up 12% of waste at our cargo terminal, we recycle all clean sheets. It’s a top priority for us,” added the spokesperson.

“We’re testing recycled materials to find ways to reduce plastic use. It’s all part of our commitment to sustainability,” said the spokesperson.

Cathay Pacific also commented on other initiatives to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability: “Meanwhile, we are also looking into circular plastic bottles. We have now segregated our plastic bottles from the terminal and are trying to close the loop by working with a local recycler to reprocess them into new food-grade beverage bottles. The largest beverage company will later supply the rPET bottle in the Hong Kong market.”