American Airlines Cargo achieved a major environmental milestone in 2023 by cutting long-term plastic waste by more than 150,000 lbs, equivalent to 8.6 million water bottles. This accomplishment stems from the airline’s ongoing partnership with BioNatur Plastics, launched by M&G Packaging, a manufacturer specialising in biodegradable plastic products for air cargo operations.
The transition to BioNatur Plastics products commenced at major U.S. hubs in early 2022, resulting in a reduction equivalent to 6.4 million water bottles in the first year. In 2023, American Airlines Cargo extended the use of these biodegradable products to include regional domestic stations and international airports in Latin America.
BioNatur Plastics’ line, incorporating a one percent load of an organic, food-safe proprietary additive, enables anaerobic bacteria to digest the plastic in a landfill, ensuring sustainable disposal. Charles Rick, President of BioNatur Plastics, applauded American Airlines’ leadership in sustainability and anticipated even greater impact in the coming year, noting that BioNatur’s biodegradable plastics break down in landfills within 8 to 12 years and are fully recyclable in standard waste collection streams.
