Air India reduces single use plastic across its network, a step towards a sustainable future

Air India reported on Friday that it had cut the amount of single-use plastic used on all of its international flights by 80%. Among the initiatives taken to accomplish the plan were the substitution of plastic zip-lock bags for cutlery with paper packaging, plastic straws with paper straws, wooden stirrers in favor of plastic ones, and the addition of reusable linen bags on board.

In addition to fully biodegradable trash bags, the airline has also launched 100% compostable PET lids and primary-use plastic bags.

In addition to a significant reduction in the bulk uplift of 200 ml water bottles on international and domestic flights, which are now only served on pre-set meal trays, Air India has completely eliminated 500 ml plastic water bottles from all Economy Class seat pockets on wide-body aircraft operating international flights. Additionally, the airline has started offering water pour service from one-liter water bottles while in the air.

PTI reported, "The reduction has been achieved since the privatization of Air India in an ongoing effort led by a team of in-house experts and supported by catering partners and multiple vendors, with the aim of continually minimizing the carrier's environmental impact," the airline said in a statement."

The airline is working towards introducing paper cutlery for Economy Class guests soon, apart from pursuing multiple other opportunities that would further reduce the usage of single-use plastic," the statement said.

According to ABC news, The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that each passenger contributes 1.4 kilograms of garbage per flight.

IATA reports that 5.7 million tonnes of passenger garbage were produced globally in 2017. Toilet paper, cardboard, and plastic make up the majority of the garbage in this statistic. And unless anything changes, that number will simply increase as more people fly. This step taken by AIR India will contribute a lot to a sustainable future.