How Air Cargo Carriers Reduce Waste Through Recycling Practises

The air cargo industry plays a crucial role in global trade, connecting businesses and consumers across continents. However, this fast-paced sector has an undeniable environmental footprint. From packaging materials to pallets, the sheer volume of discarded materials poses challenges for waste management and environmental conservation. Fortunately, many air cargo carriers are stepping up to address this issue by adopting innovative recycling and repurposing practises, signalling a shift toward sustainability.

The air cargo industry contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the sector transported approximately 65 million tonnes of goods in 2023, underscoring its immense scale. It also highlighted that airports and airlines collectively contribute to approximately 4.5 million tonnes of waste annually, a substantial portion of which originates from cargo activities, underscoring the critical need for effective recycling initiatives.

The Environmental Impact of Air Cargo Operations

A report by the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) estimated that air cargo operations generate millions of tonnes of waste annually. This includes discarded packaging materials, broken pallets, outdated equipment, and other operational refuse. Improper disposal of these materials can lead to landfill overflows, ocean pollution, and increased carbon emissions.

As the world grapples with climate change, the air cargo industry faces mounting pressure to adopt eco-friendly practises. Regulatory frameworks like the European Union's Green Deal and customer demands for environmentally responsible supply chains are compelling carriers to rethink their operations.

Sustainability in air cargo is no longer optional—it is integral to ensuring long-term profitability and maintaining industry credibility. Recycling and waste management are essential components of this sustainability drive, helping carriers minimise their environmental impact while improving operational efficiency.

Air cargo operations generate diverse waste types, including packaging materials like cardboard boxes, plastic wraps, and bubble wraps; wooden pallets for cargo stacking; and metal straps or clips for securing heavy shipments. Single-use plastic containers and crates add to the load, alongside operational waste such as damaged equipment, maintenance by-products, and electronic refuse.

Recycling Programmes Adopted by Air Cargo Carriers

• Lufthansa Cargo’s Green Initiatives

Lufthansa Cargo has been a frontrunner in reducing waste and promoting recycling. The carrier has implemented a comprehensive waste separation program at its Frankfurt hub. Materials like cardboard, plastics, and metal straps are sorted, compacted, and sent for recycling. Beyond packaging, Lufthansa Cargo has made strides in reducing its plastic usage. It is now using a more sustainable plastic film made with 10% recycled content and thinner material, saving 2 kg of plastic per cargo flight. The airline also aims to increase the recycled content of its plastic film to 30% by 2025.

• Cathay Pacific Cargo’s Sustainability Drive

Cathay Pacific Cargo has introduced innovative waste management systems, including high-capacity balers that compress cardboard and plastics for recycling. They are also making significant strides in reducing single-use plastics (SUP) with a goal to reduce passenger-facing SUP items from 7.7 to 1.5 per passenger by 2025.

• Emirates SkyCargo’s Circular Economy Approach

Emirates SkyCargo has launched a new circular economy initiative aimed at reducing plastic waste. This closed-loop recycling process involves collecting millions of used onboard items like plastic trays and bowls, which are then recycled locally in Dubai.

Air cargo carriers are adopting advanced technologies to optimise recycling and waste management. Compactors and balers compress materials like cardboard and plastic into dense, transportable bales, streamlining recycling processes. AI-powered sorting systems are revolutionising waste management by quickly and accurately separating materials, reducing manual labour and contamination risks. Additionally, wood recycling machines dismantle old pallets, repurposing them into raw materials for new ones, effectively closing the loop on pallet waste.

Successful Recycling Programmes

• FedEx Express: Priority Earth

FedEx Express’s Priority Earth program aims for carbon-neutral operations by 2040, integrating recycling, innovation, and customer solutions. The initiative recycles worn-out cargo containers, repurposing materials into new ones, diverting over 1,000 tonnes of waste from landfills annually. FedEx is transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, reducing aircraft fuel consumption, and investing in alternative fuels and renewable energy. Additionally, it pledged $100 million to the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture, driving scalable carbon removal solutions.

• DHL Aviation: Sustainable Packaging

DHL Aviation has introduced a line of biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials. The carrier collaborates with suppliers to design packaging that meets operational requirements while minimising environmental impact. In 2023, DHL reported a 20% reduction in packaging waste, thanks to these measures.

Repurposing cargo materials provides significant benefits, including environmental conservation by diverting waste from landfills and reducing ocean pollution. It lowers costs by reusing resources and enhances operational efficiency through streamlined waste management.

Implementing recycling programmes in air cargo operations presents notable challenges. Many airports lack dedicated recycling facilities, complicating waste segregation and processing. High upfront costs for recycling equipment and systems can deter smaller carriers. Additionally, varying waste management regulations across countries hinder the standardisation of recycling practises. Ensuring supplier compliance with sustainable packaging standards adds another layer of complexity, requiring extensive coordination and oversight.

The air cargo industry’s environmental impact is undeniable, but so is its potential to lead the way in sustainable practises. By embracing innovative recycling and repurposing strategies, carriers can significantly reduce waste, cut costs, and enhance their environmental credentials. While challenges remain, collaboration, technology, and a commitment to sustainability offer a clear path forward.