The Cathay Cargo Terminal has become the pioneer in Hong Kong’s cargo industry by upgrading its use of recycled plastic in cargo cover sheets for all export shipments prepared within its facility to 50%, a significant rise from the previous minimum of 30%. This advancement was achieved through close collaboration with its supplier to create and refine the material, which underwent thorough testing in both lab conditions and demanding real-world scenarios in partnership with Cathay Cargo throughout 2023. Implementation of the enhanced material is set to commence across the terminal starting March 2024.
Cathay Director Cargo Tom Owen said: “Embracing sustainability is pivotal in shaping the future of air cargo. Our adoption of 50% recycled plastic cargo cover sheets reaffirms Cathay Cargo’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sets a new standard for the industry.”
Cathay Subsidiaries Head of Sustainable Development Michelle Fok said: “The circular economy is an important concept to reduce waste and prolong product life cycles. Our cargo terminal has implemented circularity in cargo plastic sheets since 2017 and is already recycling 100% of plastic sheets from import cargo shipments, which are broken down at the Cathay Cargo Terminal.
“Our new sheets utilise 50% recycled post-consumer plastic, reducing the reliance on virgin plastic while meeting the operational demands of our customers. We remain committed to working with our suppliers to explore even higher levels of recycled plastic, as well as alternative materials, as part of our long-term goal to reduce plastics in cargo operations.”
This serves as further evidence of Cathay Cargo Terminal’s commitment to sustainability, marking its position as the initial facility in Hong Kong to engage with the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) program in October 2023. The IEnvA program is noted for establishing worldwide environmental and sustainability criteria for the aviation sector.
Cathay Cargo Terminal Chief Operating Officer Mark Watts said: “The IEnvA programme provides a systematic way for companies supporting the aviation industry to align with best practices and future proof of their operations by continuously improving their environment management systems. We hope that our participation in this programme will inspire other facilities in the region to join this initiative too.”
Watts is set to discuss the benefits of IEnvA readiness in enhancing the terminal’s waste management practices and reducing the reliance on new plastics in cargo activities. His presentation, titled “Circularity in Action – Waste Management at the Cargo Terminal,” will take place at the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong on March 13, 2024.
