AirAsia turns to PLA for tableware
On April 21, Santan, the catering arm of Capital A, announced its transition from single-use plastics to biodegradable plastics, marking a significant step in reducing its environmental impact. All disposable items on board, including cups, lids and cutlery, will be made from polylactic acid (PLA) – a renewable resource derived from corn and cassava.
Developed by Rightway New Materials, PLA has the key advantage of being much faster than conventional plastics. Studies have shown that PLA breaks down more than 90% in industrial composting, while conventional plastics take hundreds of years to decompose. Santan's PLA-coated paper cups are certified for home composting, providing passengers with a more convenient and environmentally friendly waste disposal solution.
The program is currently being rolled out in Malaysia and Thailand, with plans to gradually expand to seven airlines under the AirAsia Group.
By adopting PLA, Santan is setting an example for other companies in the industry, showing the possibility of combining high-quality service with environmentally friendly solutions.
Santan CEO, Goh Hui Lun said, "At Santan, we believe every flight should be an opportunity to deliver exceptional inflight dining and value, while also making a positive impact on the environment. This strategic move to compostable PLA packaging plays an important role in addressing the aviation industry's plastic waste problem. By implementing this change, AirAsia will reduce carbon emissions by 500 tonnes per year in Malaysia and Thailand. In turn, we hope this will inspire others in the industry to make meaningful changes for the planet."
Santan is aware of the challenges faced in the waste management sector, where single-use packaging is essential for hygiene and operational efficiency. As a result, the company is leveraging AI technology to optimize food resource management and move to compostable tableware. By facilitating forecasting and reducing overproduction, this approach minimizes food waste while improving supply chain efficiency and ultimately enabling more sustainable resource use and operations.
