Delta Air Lines says the carrier has spent years prototyping and testing paper cups capable of withstanding hot, cold and alcoholic drinks as well as meeting strict environmental regulations.
As a result, several of the airline’s transcontinental domestic and select additional flights are now featuring the cups on board for final testing.
According to Delta, once the paper cups have been approved and rolled out across the airline’s network, they will help eliminate nearly 7 million pounds of single-use plastics on board annually.
Delta says the carrier has already removed more than 4.9 million pounds of single-use plastics annually since 2022.
Delta has worked with sustainability and supply chain experts and production partners to create and manufacture the cups which are customised to help the airline meet international mandates while underscoring Delta’s commitment to a consistent and elevated travel experience.
Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s Chief Sustainability Officer commented: “One of the most important things about making long-term, sustainable changes is having the opportunity to test the new solutions and get real feedback from both our employees and our customers.
“We constantly need to be testing, learning and iterating. That’s what innovating is all about, and innovation is core to Delta’s DNA.”
Kristen Manion Taylor, S.V.P. of In-Flight Service said: “Finding an alternative to single-use plastic cups that is premium for our customers and practical for our flight attendants is important. Our flight attendants are passionate about minimising our environmental impact while continuing to create an elevated customer experience on our flights.”
Delta says the final testing of the new paper cups is on track to be completed by spring 2024.
