IATA Launches Standardized Cabin Waste Audit to Enhance Sustainability

By Ivan PetrenkoJul 25, 2024 06:30 AMNews
Share:
A pile of discarded coffee cups and food containers
Cabin waste audit reveals high volume of food and beverage waste. Source: pixabay

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Aviation Sustainability Forum (ASF) are set to launch a groundbreaking Cabin Waste Composition Audit (CWCA) in September, aiming to significantly reduce cabin waste in the aviation industry. This initiative has already undergone two successful trials at Singapore’s Changi Airport, covering 25 flights of varying distances in November 2023 and April 2024.

Preliminary results from the CWCA reveal that the aviation sector generates over 3.6 million metric tonnes of cabin and catering waste annually. A staggering 65% of this waste is food and beverages, with untouched meals comprising 18%. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective waste management strategies in the industry.

Why This Matters to Air Travelers

Cabin waste has broader implications than just environmental impact. For travelers, the cost of managing and disposing of this waste can indirectly lead to higher ticket prices. Airlines face increased operational costs due to waste disposal, which can be passed down to passengers. Moreover, managing waste effectively can improve the overall flight experience by ensuring cleaner and more efficient cabin services.

Environmental concerns are also significant. Waste from flights contributes to landfill overflow and greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. By reducing cabin waste, the aviation industry can lower its environmental footprint, making air travel more sustainable. This is increasingly important as travelers become more eco-conscious and prefer airlines with strong sustainability practices. For more detailed information on the impact of aviation on the environment, readers can visit the European Aviation Environmental Report.

Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist, emphasized the importance of the CWCA, stating, "Managing and reducing waste is crucial for aviation’s sustainability. Standardized and comparable data will enable the industry to minimize waste generation." The audit's data will assist policymakers in harmonizing regulations to optimize sorting, recycling, and reusing unavoidable waste.

Overall, the launch of the CWCA represents a significant step towards a more sustainable aviation industry. While challenges remain, the collaboration between IATA and ASF is a promising move towards reducing waste and improving the environmental impact of air travel.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM