Ground handler Menzies Aviation will switch to BioNatur Plastics biodegradable wrapping for its cargo operations as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste.
The biodegradable plastic will first be used in its cargo operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Miami International Airport (MIA).
The handler said that the switch will reduce long-term plastic waste by more than 5m 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," the handler said.
The wrap is 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.
Its developers say it leaves no trace of microplastics when the product degrades, and reduces the reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics.
Menzies Aviation head of sustainability & 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.”
Menzies’ use of BioNatur Plastics is part of the firm's sustainability plan, which includes science-based targets to reach net-zero across scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2045.
"The roll-out the biodegradable cargo wrap, aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 which encourages more sustainable consumption and production patterns," the company added.
https://www.aircargonews.net/services/ground-handler/menzies-starts-to-roll-out-new-cargo-management-system/
