Korean Air to Replace Plastic Meal Containers with Eco-Friendly Packaging by 2026
Korean Air is set to replace its traditional meal containers with innovative plant-based options starting December 2025. These new containers will be crafted from agricultural waste materials, including straw, sugarcane, and bamboo.
The airline, which represents South Korea, intends to progressively roll out these eco-friendly containers on select routes, aiming for complete implementation across its network by the end of 2026. Primarily, they will be used for main entrées in economy class, featuring a mix of Korean and Western cuisine choices.
Manufactured from non-wood pulp, these new containers do not require tree harvesting, while still offering heat resistance and durability similar to standard plastic containers. Korean Air estimates that this change could potentially cut associated carbon emissions by around 60%.
“This shift to new in-flight meal containers signifies a crucial long-term commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices,” a representative from Korean Air shared. “We are dedicated to enhancing our sustainability efforts in line with global aviation decarbonization trends, ultimately providing more value for our customers.”
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve sustainability within the airline, which has already made strides in reducing its environmental impact.
In 2023, Korean Air transitioned to bamboo cutlery, moving away from single-use plastics, and adopted unbleached bamboo-fiber napkins. Additionally, the airline has initiated upcycling programs, repurposing retired cabin crew uniforms into medical pouches and converting old in-flight blankets into reusable hot-water bag covers.
As the industry faces increasing calls to minimize single-use plastics and lessen environmental impacts, Korean Air’s current meal containers have served for nearly two decades.
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