Menzies transitions to biodegradable cargo wrap
Menzies Aviation has announced it is pushing forward with its transition to use biodegradable plastic in its cargo operations.
The use of BioNatur Plastics™ will first be used in Menzies Aviation’s cargo operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Miami International Airport (MIA).
The switch is said to reduce Menzies Aviation’s long-term plastic waste by more than five million water bottles each year.
Menzies Aviation began making the transition to BioNatur Plastics, launched by M&G Packaging, in August 2023.
Plans to continue rolling out the sustainable material will follow across all US cargo operations, and into Europe and the UK.
BioNatur Plastics is a biodegradable plastic product manufactured with a blend of resins including traditional LDPE and a propriety, natural, plant-based biopolymer.
It is fully recyclable in normal waste collection streams and biodegradable in a landfill environment, speeding up the process from 1,000 years to less than 8-12 years.
It leaves no trace of microplastics when the product degrades and reduces the reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Menzies Aviation says its transition to BioNatur Plastics aligns with its All In sustainability plan, which includes science-based targets to reach net-zero across scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2045.
The roll-out the biodegradable cargo wrap, aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 which encourages more sustainable consumption and production patterns.
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’re working in partnership with our customers to meet their own ESG goals.
“Our cargo operations utilise various packing materials and our priority is to continue reducing the volume of plastic use and waste, increase recycling, and source materials that minimise any impact on the environment.
“Adopting BioNatur represents a key milestone for our cargo operations as we continue to grow our business responsibly and sustainably.”
Beau Paine, global head of cargo at Menzies Aviation, said: “Our cargo business has expanded rapidly, growing from 49 locations in 2021 to 75 this year (2023), and we have ambitious plans to take this even further.
“Our cargo operations utilise various packaging materials and replacing our cargo-use plastic products with BioNatur Plastics will not only dramatically reduce waste levels but supports our long-term sustainability targets.”
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