Ground handling company Menzies Aviation will switch to biodegradable packaging from BioNatur Plastics 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 the change will reduce long-term plastic waste by more than 5 million water bottles each year.

“Plans to continue the deployment of sustainable equipment will follow across all cargo operations in the US, as well as in Europe and the UK,” the handler said.

The packaging is fully recyclable in normal waste collection streams and biodegradable in a landfill environment, speeding up the process from 1 years to less than 000-8 years.

Its developers say it leaves no trace of microplastics when the product degrades and reduces reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics.

Katy Reid, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at Menzies Aviation, 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 work in partnership with our customers to achieve their own ESG goals.

“Our freight operations use a variety of packaging materials and our priority is to continue to reduce the volume of plastic use and waste, increase recycling and source materials that minimise any impact on the environment.

The adoption of BioNatur represents a key milestone for our cargo operations as we continue to grow our business in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Menzies’ use of BioNatur Plastics is part of the company’s sustainability plan, which includes science-based targets to achieve carbon neutrality in scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2045.

“The deployment of biodegradable cargo packaging aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12, which encourages more sustainable consumption and production patterns,” the company added.

Damian Brett aircargo news