CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ shows a different section of the air cargo industry each week – usually bringing it to life through the individual working there. Every now and again, we highlight a core aspect, instead, and let an inanimate object do the talking based on industry research. Imagine the air cargo world without plastic to protect shipments (travelling on pallets) from the elements and from shifting too much during transport? The problem is, most of that plastic is Single-Use, and much of it is seriously environmentally unfriendly. Perhaps this week’s Spotlight, told from the perspective of Single-Use Plastic (SUP), might be a trigger to rethink processes in your company, invest in more bio-friendly versions, or even develop a whole new alternative that fits into a circular economy business solution? Either way, here is SUP’s Spotlight.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
SUP: As single-use plastic sheeting, my primary function is to protect air cargo pallets during transportation. I am lightweight, durable, and water-resistant, ensuring goods remain secure and undamaged. My responsibilities include shielding cargo from environmental elements like moisture and dust, providing hygienic coverage, and facilitating efficient handling in warehouses. While I am widely used across the air cargo industry, my disposable nature means I contribute significantly to waste after fulfilling my role.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
SUP: A typical day starts in a cargo warehouse, where I am unrolled and carefully wrapped around pallets carrying goods ranging from perishables to electronics. I am then loaded onto aircraft for transit, ensuring the cargo remains intact during flight. Once the shipment reaches its destination, I am discarded – often ending up in landfills or incinerators unless recycled. My lifecycle is short but critical to ensuring smooth logistics.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
SUP: I have been a staple in the air cargo industry for decades due to my affordability, ease of use, and ability to meet hygiene standards. My widespread adoption was driven by the industry’s need for lightweight materials that do not add excessive weight to shipments while providing reliable protection.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
SUP: My greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that I play a vital role in ensuring goods arrive safely at their destinations. By protecting cargo from damage or contamination, I contribute to seamless global trade operations.
CFG: What do you see as the greatest challenges in our industry?
SUP: The biggest challenge lies in sustainability. 50% of global plastic waste is single-use and 98% of that is made using fossil fuels. In fact, plastic manufacturing contributes to 3.4% of global emissions (around 1.8 billion tons of greenhouse gases), which is more than what the aviation and shipping industries emit. Despite my utility, only 9% of global plastic waste is recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills or polluting ecosystems.
The air cargo industry faces increasing pressure to reduce single-use plastic waste and transition to sustainable alternatives like biodegradable plastics like BioNatur Plastics or recyclable fiber-based materials such as AirCargoRunner, for example. These are promising solutions for reducing environmental impact without compromising functionality. However, balancing cost-effectiveness with environmental responsibility remains a significant hurdle. Yet, if we all do nothing as a world community, and current trends continue, then by 2050, around 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste will accumulate in landfills.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to enter into the air cargo industry? Any particular training they should aim for?
SUP: For those entering the air cargo industry, understanding logistics and environmental impact is crucial. Training in sustainable practices, waste management systems, and innovative packaging solutions can make a difference. Familiarity with emerging alternatives like biodegradable plastics or recyclable pallet runners will be valuable as the industry shifts toward greener operations.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
SUP: “The Weight of Progress: Balancing Efficiency and Sustainability.” This title reflects the industry’s constant struggle between operational efficiency and its environmental footprint – an issue where single-use plastic sheeting plays a central role.
Many thanks for your input, Single-Use Plastic.
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
