Menzies Aviation switches cargo operations to sustainable BioNatur Plastic™

Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has announced its transition to BioNatur Plastics™, launched by M&G Packaging for use in its cargo operations.

Menzies began making the transition to BioNatur Plastics in August 2023. The biodegradable plastic will first be used in its cargo operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Miami International Airport (MIA), where the switch will reduce long-term plastic waste by more than five million water bottles each year. 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 growing line of truly biodegradable plastic products 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.

The material has an indefinite shelf life, helping to reduce unnecessary waste, and can be used for food and temperature-controlled items. Products made from BioNatur Plastics also outperform regular plastics with the same thickness as a result of its superior elongation and puncture resistance. With added strength, the plastics can be used in thinner amounts, minimising the quantity of plastic waste overall.

Menzies’ transition to BioNatur Plastics aligns with the company’s 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. Working with BioNatur, Menzies is set to reduce the volume of plastic use and waste, increase recycling while adopting materials that minimise the company’s impact on the environment.

Katy Reid, Head of Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility, 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, Menzies Aviation, said: “Our cargo business has expanded rapidly, growing from 49 locations in 2021 to 75 this year, 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.”