Delta's Latest Sustainability Milestone: New Paper Cups

Delta's Latest Sustainability Milestone: New Paper Cups

Delta Air Lines announced a significant step towards reducing plastic waste. Starting December 2023, the airline will begin final testing of new paper cups on transcontinental flights. This move is part of Delta's broader commitment to minimize single-use plastics on board by 2025. The introduction of these paper cups aims to eliminate nearly 7 million pounds of single-use plastics annually, equivalent to the weight of 1,300 pickup trucks​.

​Delta's journey to sustainability has already seen the removal of more than 4.9 million pounds of single-use plastics annually since 2022. The airline worked closely with sustainability experts and supply chain partners to create these new paper cups, which are compostable and recyclable at airports with appropriate facilities​.

​​​Amelia DeLuca, Delta's Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasizes the importance of testing and feedback in making long-term, sustainable changes​.

Broader Sustainability Initiatives

Beyond the introduction of paper cups, Delta's sustainability strategy involves several key components:

• ​Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050: Delta is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a goal that includes revolutionizing their fleet, investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and creating operational improvements. This path is challenging due to the inherent difficulty in decarbonizing the aviation sector​.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Delta aims to replace 10% of its jet fuel from fossil fuels with SAF by 2030. This initiative includes executing sustainable fuel agreements with corporate customers to promote more sustainable business travel​.
• Efficient Aircraft Fleet: In 2022, Delta introduced 69 new aircraft that are, on average, 25% more fuel-efficient per seat mile than the older models they replaced. This approach is part of their strategy to extend the sustainable life of their fleet​.
• Reduction of Onboard Single-Use Plastics: Enhancements to onboard offerings, such as bedding made from recycled plastic bottles, reusable service ware, and premium canned wine, are expected to reduce single-use plastic consumption by approximately 4.9 million pounds per year. This initiative also supports minority- and women-run businesses​.

• Artisan-Made Amenity Kits: In their premium cabins, Delta has introduced amenity kits made by Certified B Corporation apparel brand Someone Somewhere. These kits are designed to reduce single-use plastic items, potentially saving up to 90,000 pounds of plastic annually​.

Conclusion

Delta's latest move to introduce sustainable paper cups on board is part of a larger, comprehensive strategy to address environmental sustainability. The airline’s multi-faceted approach, ranging from fuel efficiency and SAF to reducing single-use plastics, highlights its commitment to a more sustainable future in aviation. Delta continues to set a benchmark in the industry for integrating sustainable practices into its operations.