Business waste management takes off at Aer Lingus

The company

Founded in 1936, Aer Lingus is Ireland’s national airline, proudly connecting Ireland to the world for nearly a century. As part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), Aer Lingus operates over 100 routes between Europe and North America - and beyond - from its main hub at Dublin Airport. Famed for its award-winning inflight experience, the company is now also famous for its inflight waste management experience.

What we delivered

Commercial waste services with a difference

As a future-facing airline with a strong commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, Aer Lingus is committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, an extremely ambitious target for an airline. The company wanted to invite its onboard passengers to play a part in its efforts, and CEO, Lynne Embleton, commented that “we know from our customers that recycling is something the vast majority want to see on flights. We have been eager to introduce this for some time.”

A solution to waste management that saw recycling quickly rise

We believed that the secret to success was to introduce the most innovative solutions to improve recycling rates and streamline waste management. A big decision was made by Aer Lingus and Panda to introduce recycling on-board their aircraft - and also in Dublin Airport. By focusing on the circular economy through recycling and resource recovery, this major ambition quickly started to become a reality. 

Our solution had a number of important elements, each significant in their own right, but even more powerful when combined into a single package of waste management excellence. Key focus areas for Aer Lingus included:

• Maintaining a comprehensive Waste Reporting and Tracking System - ensuring accurate and detailed monitoring of waste generation and disposal activities.
• Reducing waste volumes - implementing strategies to minimise the total amount of waste produced.
• Efficient handling of complex materials - developing methods to manage and recycle materials that are difficult to process.
• Complying with European Regulation: adhering to stringent European waste management and environmental regulations.
• Processes lead to significant cost reductions
• Our team of specialists has successfully optimised waste management processes, resulting in a measurable decrease in overall waste expenses.

Future innovations in waste segregation

• Looking ahead, the focus will shift towards adopting cutting-edge technologies aimed at improving waste segregation practices. 
• These advances will not only meet existing standards but will comfortably exceed them, paving the way for further international certifications and recognition for Aer Lingus.

Implementation and Training

• To support the Aer Lingus commitment to sustainability, detailed training sessions for all cabin crew members are part of the solution. 
• These sessions focus on the onboard recycling initiative, ensuring staff are fully aware of waste segregation practices, proper disposal methods, and the importance of reducing waste volumes. 
• Through hands-on demonstrations and clear guidelines, crew members are equipped to educate passengers and actively participate in maintaining an eco-friendly environment in the air.

The results have redefined what’s possible for in-flight waste management

A tailored response to a highly challenging brief

• Because we’ve never believed that ‘one size fits all’, our customised service is expertly designed to manage complex materials with ease and develop waste management programmes specific to the client’s needs – even if that need happens to be on board an aircraft.
• We consulted with Aer Lingus on the housing of additional waste streams and advised on updates to their existing waste facilities.
• Panda facilitated the introduction of recycling on-board and also at the custom-built facility at Dublin Airport.

Improved efficiency and cost reduction were non-negotiable

• We launched new systems which helped Aer Lingus becoming the very first airline to segregate and recycle on-board waste arriving in short-haul flights into Ireland – a bold and ambitious move for client and ourselves alike.
• These streamlined practices lead to greater efficiency, cost savings, improved sustainability for the organisation, while also contributing to its public image.

Streamlined processes with a 40% recycling payback

• Panda’s practical solutions simplify waste management and enhance Aer Lingus efficiency levels.
• It is now on target to recycle 40% of on-board waste from flights to Cork and Dublin Airports by 2025.