LATAM Group, as a part of its sustainability initiative successfully eliminated single-use plastic throughout its operation, reducing more than 1,700 tons, which represents approximately 96% of the scope defined by LATAM as single-use plastic, equivalent to 266 million plastic bags.
The remaining 4% corresponds to those elements that could not be replaced or eliminated due to legal, safety, health and operational reasons, or because replacement options are not available in the market.
“We are proud to conclude 2023 with significant progress in eliminating single-use plastics in all operations, which posed a major challenge for the group. It was approximately a three-year process that involved various areas, from travel experience design to operational lines, replacing disposable plastics with reusable, bio-based, and/or biodegradable materials. We know there is still much room for improvement, so we will continue to work hard on this throughout the year,” highlighted Johanna Cabrera, sustainability manager, LATAM Airlines Group.
The Group has taken up the following steps as a part of its sustainability initiative
- reusable cotton bags have been implemented in Business Class for rest elements and amenities, such as pillows, duvets, seat covers, and headphones.
- new amenity kits without single-use plastics have launched, made in Brazil with local raw materials, artisanal production, cruelty-free, and designed by emerging South American artists.
- In Economy Class, reusable tableware has been implemented throughout the service, based on high-durability reusable plastic, as well as bamboo cutlery and stirrers.
- use of paper bands to contain rest items has begun in the subsidiaries of Colombia, Chile, Peru and Ecuador.
The above was complemented by the work that LATAM has been doing with its “Recycle Your Trip” program, which promotes the separation of certain waste generated on board to be subsequently recycled, a program which is constantly reviewed and improved. Currently, “Recycle Your Trip” is operational on domestic flights of the subsidiaries of Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil. During 2023, more than 170 tons of PET plastic bottles generated on domestic flights in South America were separated and managed for recycling.
In 2024, Tetra Pak separation for recycling on board will be added. For example, on domestic flights of LATAM Airlines Brazil, LATAM estimates to annually recycle 40 tons (equivalent to an Airbus A139 aircraft without fuel).
Additionally, LATAM continued with its “Second Flight” program, which allows the group’s airlines unused uniforms and various textile items to have a second life.
South American artisans and entrepreneurs transform these items into new products, such as passport holders, luggage tags, wallets, and keychains, among others. The group works with 11 organizations and has allocated more than 30 tons (50,000 garments) to give them a second use.
