British Airways reveals plastic reduction target

BRITISH Airways has pledged to remove more than 250 million plastic items from its flights by the end of the year.

The airline is replacing plastic packaging and wrapping for items such as blankets and headsets with sustainable alternatives. It is also seeking reusable or recyclable substitutes for plastic cutlery, tumblers, cups and toothpicks.

Plastic reductions already made by BA include using drink stirrers made from bamboo rather than plastic, removing in-flight plastic bags for retail purchases, and using water bottles made from 50% recycled plastic.

The airline said the amount of plastic it is planning to remove this year would fill more than 30,000 suitcases.

It marked the announcement by commissioning eco-artist Sarah Turner to create a giant suitcase made from waste plastic.

Kate Tanner, BA customer experience manager, warned that the process of removing plastic from flights is complex because alternatives must meet hygiene and weight requirements.

She said: “Our customers have told us that they want to see these changes and we’re pleased to have made real strides in our journey to becoming more sustainable.”

British Airways began offsetting the carbon emissions from its domestic flights at the start of the year. It has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and is investing in the development of sustainable jet fuel.