British Airways has announced aims to eliminate 700 tonnes of single-use plastic from its flights during 2020.

BA has scaled up its previous ambition of removing 90 tonnes-worth of single-use plastic by more than 700%. These items are to be swapped for more sustainable alternatives that are recyclable or reusable.

These changes will include trading plastic stirrers for bamboo alternatives, reducing plastic packaging, swapping plastic wrapping for paper where possible and opting for water bottles made of 50% recycled materials. The airline is also searching for alternatives to single-use plastic cutlery, tumblers, cups, toothpicks and some food packaging.

As a part of its eco-friendly movement, BA has been looking at the amount of water and detergent required to wash metal cutlery and how often it needs to be replaced in comparison to using alternative options. It has also had to look into the lifespan of plastic versus replacement materials.

The challenge has been the replacement products as they must offer the same hygiene levels, not exceed a certain weight whilst proving to be credibly sustainable. Weight has shown to be particularly important as an increase would resolve in more fuel used so subsequently, higher emissions and a less efficient flight. Kate Tanner, Customer Experience Manager at British Airways stated, “We must ensure we are making the right choices on all replacements.”

This movement is amongst other projects undertaken by British Airways; its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, its offsetting of carbon emissions on all UK fights since January 2020, and its investment in fuel-efficient aircraft and sustainable aviation fuels.

“Our customers have told us that they want to see these changes and we’re pleased to have made real strides in our journey to becoming more sustainable,” Tanner added.

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