LATAM announced changes to its Economy cabin service that has allowed it to eliminate more than 1,200 tons of single-use plastics, equivalent to eliminating 36,000 500 ml plastic bottles. The new service seeks to implement a more sustainable cabin and considers important changes in the materiality of all items on board (cups, cutlery, trays), replacing them with more sustainable materials such as bamboo cutlery, reusable trays, kraft paper packaging for cutlery, and certified sustainable paper cups.
These changes have been implemented on all of LATAM group’s regional and long-haul routes and are part of the group’s sustainability strategy, which aims to eliminate 100% of single-use plastics used in its operations by 2023.
“Caring for the planet is a challenge for everyone and a necessary destination for LATAM, which is why we reviewed our services and identified nearly 1,800 tons of single-use plastic on board our international flights. Our teams got involved in redefining all details of our service, making a positive change for our customers and also for our planet,” said Paulo Miranda, LATAM Airlines Group Vice President of Customers.
This new proposal is in addition to the changes made in the Premium Business cabin, which include the incorporation of reusable bags to cover rest items and eco travel kits for passengers, which include a bamboo toothbrush with a sugar cane lid, earplugs with packaging made of kraft paper and socks and eye covers made from recycled plastic.
More Circular Economy in LATAM
The group has also implemented recycling and reuse measures. On domestic flights in Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, LATAM has a program called Recycle Your Trip, through which cabin crew members separate plastic and cans on board (in Colombia, this separation takes place on the ground). In addition, together with women entrepreneurs and partner organizations, the group continues with its uniform reuse program in Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil, giving a second life to employees’ uniforms.
These initiatives are part of LATAM’s sustainability strategy, which includes goals such as zero waste to landfill by 2027, reducing and offsetting 50% of domestic emissions by 2030, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
