Menzies Aviation is switching to biodegradable plastic in its cargo operations. M&G Packaging’s BioNatur Plastics will first be used in its cargo operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Miami International Airport (MIA), where the switch will reduce long-term plastic waste by the equivalent of over 5 million water bottles each year. Plans to continue rolling out the sustainable material will follow across all US cargo operations, and into Europe and the UK.
BioNatur Plastics are fully recyclable in normal waste collection streams and biodegradable in a landfill environment, speeding up the process from 1,000 years to less than 8-12 years. It leaves no trace of microplastics when it degrades and reduces the reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Menzies adds that products made from BioNatur Plastics also outperform regular plastics with the same thickness as a result of its superior elongation and puncture resistance. With added strength, the plastics can be used in thinner amounts, minimising the quantity of plastic waste overall.
Menzies Aviation head of sustainability and corporate responsibility, Katy Reid, said: “Waste is a top priority for many of our stakeholders, and the introduction of BioNatur will not only help make our cargo operations more sustainable, but also ensure we’re working in partnership with our customers to meet their own ESG goals.
“Our cargo operations utilise various packing materials and our priority is to continue reducing the volume of plastic use and waste, increase recycling, and source materials that minimise any impact on the environment. Adopting BioNatur represents a key milestone for our cargo operations as we continue to grow our business responsibly and sustainably.”
Global head of cargo, Beau Paine, added: “Our cargo business has expanded rapidly, growing from 49 locations in 2021 to 75 this year, and we have ambitious plans to take this even further. Our cargo operations utilise various packaging materials and replacing our cargo-use plastic products with BioNatur Plastics will not only dramatically reduce waste levels but supports our long-term sustainability targets.”