Case Study: American Airlines Cargo and BioNatur Plastics ® — A Green Partnership Reducing Plastic Waste
Overview
In 2023 American Airlines Cargo, a leader in global air transport logistics, achieved a significant environmental milestone by reducing its long-term plastic waste by more than 150,000 pounds—equivalent to 8.6 million water bottles. This impressive reduction was made possible through an ongoing partnership with BioNatur Plastics®, renowned for its innovative biodegradable and recyclable plastic products designed for air cargo operations.
Background
American Airlines Cargo embarked on a journey towards sustainability in early 2022 by integrating BioNatur Plastics® into its operations at major U.S. hubs. This initiative aimed to address the growing environmental concerns associated with traditional plastics, which can take up to 1,000 years to decompose in landfills. In contrast, BioNatur’s' products are engineered to biodegrade under landfill conditions within 8 to 12 years while remaining fully recyclable through standard waste collection processes.
Implementation and Expansion
The initial phase of the partnership involved transitioning to BioNatur Plastics® at key U.S. hubs. Within the first year, American Airlines Cargo succeeded in reducing plastic waste by the equivalent of 6.4 million water bottles. Building on this success, the company expanded the use of these biodegradable products in 2023 to additional regional domestic stations and international airports. Notable locations included Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), Honolulu International Airport (HNL), and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) within the U.S., as well as Carrasco International Airport (MVD) and Santiago International Airport (SCL) in Latin America.
Impact and Results
The expanded implementation of BioNatur Plastics® in 2023 led to a further reduction of long-term plastic waste by over 150,000 pounds. This achievement highlights American Airlines Cargo's commitment to sustainability and its proactive approach to environmental stewardship. The biodegradable plastics used by the airline are not only stronger, allowing for thinner and more efficient use, but they also significantly diminish the overall volume of plastic waste.
Greg Schwendinger, President of American Airlines Cargo, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Sustainability is of paramount importance for us at American, and we are so pleased that our transition to BioNatur Plastics is one way we can implement real change in our cargo operations. We look forward to continuing our partnership with BioNatur Plastics as we unite in working toward a greener future.”
Chris Paladino, CEO of BioNatur Plastics®, echoed the sentiment, adding, “American is a leader in sustainability, and we are proud to work with the cargo team to make the switch to our biodegradable and recyclable plastics. We look forward to even greater impact together in 2024.”
Looking Ahead
The collaboration between American Airlines Cargo and BioNatur Plastics® represents a significant step forward in reducing the environmental impact of air cargo operations. As the partnership continues to evolve, both organizations are committed to further advancements in sustainable practices and innovations. The ongoing success of this initiative not only underscores American Airlines Cargo’s dedication to environmental responsibility but also sets a precedent for other industry leaders aiming to enhance their sustainability efforts.