ASF unveils rotables research
The Airline Sustainability Forum (ASF) has now published phase one of its two-phase study into the use of rotables versus disposable service ware, and the case for disposable service ware standardisation.
The report, completed by independent consultants ICF with support and data from ASF members and regulatory bodies, mapped the end-to-end supply chains for food & beverage service ware and concluded that while there is no industry-wide consensus on when to use rotables versus disposables, there is agreement that consensus is required.
The researchers identified a number of strategies for progress including: work to educate decision-makers on the environmental impact of F&B packaging; possible regulatory reforms and lobbying on aviation waste rules; improvement in packaging product design, material selection and procurement processes; onboard collection/sorting and waste management on the ground. The full report is downloadable from the ASF website via registration.
Phase two of the study will see the ASF membership working together to gather further insights and establish a recommendation for using specific standardised materials for disposable serviceware to increase circularity. Researchers will quantify and characterise the size and future growth of the F&B packaging waste problem and develop an independent and trusted model for evaluating the environmental footprint of rotable and disposable service ware. A comprehensive substrate database with end-to-end sustainability insights will be established, and a decisionmaking framework for ensuring sustainable choices in packaging materials will be identified.
Matt Crane, founder of ASF, said: "As an industry, we have been slow to work together to openly share knowledge and data to support positive change for all. The ASF provides an excellent platform for collaboration, and we urge stakeholders across the inflight product and services supply chain to join and support our work."
Joe Leader, CEO APEX IFSA, said: “The ASF's work is building our understanding of the challenges the entire aviation sector faces to improve the sustainability of inflight passenger services. IFSA is pleased to align with and support these efforts.”
The next meeting of the ASF membership will take place on February 9 at 15.00 GMT. All those in the inflight services supply chain are invited to register and attend.
For further information contact: info@aviationsustainabilityforum.com; aviationsustainabilityforum.com