Santan has shifted from single-use plastics to eco-friendly, biodegradable materials, adopting PLA (Polylactic Acid) packaging for all inflight single-use items, including cups, lids, and cutlery. This initiative supports AirAsia’s broader sustainability and responsible tourism goals.
Here’s how it contributes to waste management and environmental protection:
- Rapid Decomposition: PLA decomposes at a rate exceeding 90% in industrial composting facilities, significantly reducing the time it takes to break down compared to traditional plastics, which can persist for hundreds of years. Santan’s paper cups with PLA coating are home-compostable certified.
- Reduction in Carbon Emissions: The shift to PLA is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 472 tonnes annually across AirAsia’s network. Made from renewable resources like corn and cassava, PLA production emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to petroleum-based plastics, lowering AirAsia’s overall carbon footprint.
- Public Perception and Eco-Conscious Travellers: The move to compostable packaging appeals to a growing segment of eco-conscious travellers who expect airlines to adopt sustainable practices. Santan aims to inspire other brands to follow suit, amplifying the impact of reducing plastic waste in the travel industry.
- Scalability of Impact: With over 20 million passengers served annually, the use of PLA packaging has a significant impact. Each drink served in PLA reduces the amount of non-degradable waste generated per flight, leading to major reductions in both plastic waste and carbon emissions when scaled across the network.
AI-Driven Demand Planning For Food Resource Management
Santan integrates AI-driven demand planning to enhance sustainability efforts by optimising food resources. This initiative contributes to AirAsia’s sustainability goals in the following ways:
- Reduced Food Waste: AI enables precise forecasting of customer preferences and food quantities needed for each flight, minimising overproduction and excess inventory. This reduces food waste, a key component of global sustainability efforts.
- Optimised Inventory Management: By streamlining supply chain efficiency, AI ensures the right amount of food is stocked at the right time, avoiding overstocking and spoilage. This also reduces the energy and emissions associated with storing excess food, aligning with responsible resource management practices.
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