Every (rare) time I read a press release regarding the switch to greener plastic, I ask myself why it is taking the industry so long to make a difference? This plastic wasn’t invented just yesterday, and air cargo has a major negative impact when it comes to single-use plastics. Every step in the right direction is encouraging, but this needs to happen much faster than it is. Following an initial transition start in AUG23, Menzies Aviation announced last month, that it will now be successively switching its cargo operations to M&G Packaging’s sustainable BioNatur Plastic™. This step is part of its All In sustainability plan set up to achieve net zero in scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2045. It will begin deploying the biodegradable cargo wrap in its cargo operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Miami International Airport (MIA). This first step will be the annual equivalent of five million water bottles in plastic waste savings as BioNatur Plastics are properly biodegradable in landfills, disintegrating in the space of 8-12 years as opposed to 1,000 years. They also do not result in microplastics, are both stronger, more resistant, and lighter than conventional plastic, and versatile in their use (including for food products or temperature-controlled items). Next in the roll-out schedule are all US cargo operations, followed by Europe and the UK.
Menzies Aviation’s Head of Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility, Katy Reid, commented: “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 utilize various packing materials, and our priority is to continue reducing the volume of plastic use and waste, increase recycling, and source materials that minimize 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.”
Beau Paine, Global Head of Cargo, Menzies Aviation, stated: “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 utilize 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.”
