Korean Air to Use Plant-Based Meal Containers by 2026 for Sustainability
Korean Air announced a significant sustainability milestone, committing to replace its traditional plastic meal containers with plant-based packaging manufactured from agricultural waste materials. Beginning December 2025, the South Korean flag carrier will gradually introduce containers made from straw, sugarcane, and bamboo across select routes, with complete network implementation targeted for the end of 2026.
The new containers, primarily designated for economy class main entrées including Korean and Western meal options, are manufactured from non-wood pulp, eliminating the need for tree harvesting. According to Korean Air, the packaging maintains heat resistance and durability comparable to conventional plastic containers while reducing associated carbon emissions by approximately 60%.
“This transition to new in-flight meal containers is an essential long-term investment in environmental protection and sustainable operations,” stated a Korean Air representative. “We remain committed to advancing our sustainability initiatives, aligning with global decarbonization trends in aviation, and delivering greater value to our customers.”
This initiative represents the latest in a series of environmental commitments from the carrier. In 2023, Korean Air replaced single-use plastic cutlery with bamboo alternatives and transitioned to unbleached bamboo-fiber napkins. The airline has also established innovative upcycling programs, converting retired cabin crew uniforms into medical pouches and transforming used in-flight blankets into reusable hot-water bag covers.
The meal container upgrade addresses a significant source of airline waste. Korean Air’s current containers have remained largely unchanged for approximately two decades, making this transition both timely and impactful. The move reflects broader industry momentum toward reducing single-use plastics and minimizing environmental footprints amid regulatory pressure and passenger expectations.
As aviation continues confronting decarbonization challenges, Korean Air’s comprehensive approach—combining packaging innovation with operational sustainability measures—demonstrates how carriers can meaningfully reduce environmental impact while maintaining service quality. This initiative underscores the industry’s evolving commitment to sustainable aviation practices.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764102540382-943