Hactl rolls out 100% closed-loop recycled plastic sheets for cargo ops
The shift is expected to reduce demand for virgin plastic in cargo handling processes.
Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) has introduced 100% closed-loop recycled plastic sheets across its cargo operations, marking what the company states is a first for the global air cargo terminal sector. The development is positioned as part of the company’s transition toward circular material use in handling processes.
Hactl began integrating recycled plastic sheets into its operations in 2022. At the time, the sheets contained between 30 and 50% recycled content. The company has since worked to eliminate the use of virgin plastic in these materials, moving toward a fully recycled solution for routine cargo handling applications.
The latest phase of the initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI). The two organisations developed plastic sheets manufactured entirely from post-consumer plastic sheet waste generated within Hactl’s own operations. The solution is designed as a closed-loop system, where used materials are recovered, processed, and reintroduced into the supply chain without reliance on new plastic inputs.
The company stated that the new sheets are being deployed immediately across its operations, with potential for wider industry adoption. The approach aims to create a replicable model for other cargo handlers seeking to reduce material waste and improve recycling rates within logistics environments.
The shift is expected to reduce demand for virgin plastic in cargo handling processes, particularly in the wrapping of aircraft pallets. As a high-volume handler, Hactl processes significant quantities of cargo daily, giving it influence over material choices within its operational ecosystem.
Amy Lam, Chief Sustainability Officer of Hactl, said: “Our existing plastic sheets already contained 30-50% recycled material, but we wanted to accelerate our full transition to the circular economy and bring tangible benefits to industry and society at large, and the new 100% closed-loop recycled plastic sheets enable us to achieve that goal.”
Lam added that the company’s position within the air cargo sector allows it to shape material usage practises and improve recycling outcomes. “We believe there is huge scope to improve the air cargo industry’s performance in this area. By incorporating a higher proportion of recycled content into our plastic sheets, we can achieve closed-loop recycling, significantly reduce the carbon footprint of our industry and keep thousands of tonnes of non-biodegradable plastic out of our landfills.”
The initiative comes as the air cargo industry faces increasing pressure to address environmental impacts linked to packaging materials and ground handling operations. While much of the sector’s sustainability focus has centred on fuel and emissions, material use and waste management are emerging as key areas of intervention.
Hactl indicated that its closed-loop model could support broader adoption of recycled materials across cargo terminals, airlines, and logistics providers. The company stated that scaling such solutions could contribute to reducing landfill waste and improving resource efficiency across the supply chain.
