Delta Removes Single-Use Plastics On Board And In Delta Sky Clubs®   

Delta is continuing to remove a variety of single-use plastic items, including stir sticks, wrappers, utensils and straws from its aircraft and Delta Sky Clubs. The new measures are expected to eliminate more than 300,000 pounds in plastic waste each year – more than the weight of two Boeing 757 aircraft – contributing to Delta’s long-term sustainability efforts.

The changes follow Delta’s move this year to remove plastic wrap from international Main Cabin cutlery, which has been rolled in a napkin instead since April. Starting mid-2019, customers will notice other changes on board, including:

  • Delta One TUMI amenity kits will no longer have outer plastic wrappers
  • Plastic stir sticks and plastic straws will be replaced with bamboo stirrers for cold drinks and birch wood stirrers for hot drinks.

In Delta Sky Clubs, changes are already underway. Plastic straws and stir sticks are currently being replaced with bamboo and birch wood stirrers, with compostable straws available on request. Meanwhile non-compostable plates, utensils, bowls and buffet dishware are being replaced with compostable alternatives (started in Seattle in 2016).

Delta has partnered with the airports in Seattle and Minneapolis since 2016 and 2017, respectively, to help manage those clubs' compostable waste, and the airline is now identifying the best ways to expand composting at all 51 airports that feature its clubs.

 

 
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