Living proof with SkyTender Solutions
This is a special feature from PAX International's 2022 May Asia-Pacific digital issue, on page 12.
The SkyTender Solutions mobile beverage system has a carbon footprint 50 percent smaller than other solutions
Sustainability remains a focus for the catering sector. Unlimited-use water bottles, plastic-free drinking cups, the list goes on. Most of these opportunities focus on the long-term impact on the environment, while few emphasize the immediate benefits. And in most cases, the instant effect is immeasurable.
But, a recent scientific study by the Barcelona-based UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change, an international center of excellence in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and its application to mitigating climate change, aims to provide some reliable comparative figures for cold beverages for the first time.
The study was conducted over the last 12 months and is due to be published by UNESCO this year. Study participant SkyTender Solutions AG plans to share the findings at WTCE in Hamburg. The company could not share full facts or figures at the time of writing as the study is being reviewed by an independent panel.
In April, SkyTender told PAX International that the preliminary findings reveal that the company’s mobile beverage system has a carbon footprint 50 percent smaller than other current solutions.
“This will be the first time in the history of commercial aviation that reliable figures are available on the impact of beverage catering on the environment,” says SkyTender Chief Executive Officer Wolfgang von Krogh.
SkyTender became involved in the UNESCO study as it was looking for a non-commercial scientific institution to validate the concept that eliminating consumer packaging in beverage catering significantly reduces the carbon footprint.
Von Krogh says SkyTender sees the preliminary results as a confirmation of its belief that its beverage systems are sustainable and commercially viable for airlines and caterers.
The SkyTender mobile beverage system relies on trolleys with integrated post-mix technology. It provides full connectivity, tracks consumption data that can be analyzed to optimize the supply chain and provides detailed insights on the ecological footprint – useful for ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) reporting.
The multi-beverage trolley system, SkyBar Splash, offers fresh and sparkling drinks from leading brands prepared directly in the aisle for fast service using the touch display. The smart, connected and bottleless beverage solution simplifies the supply-chain, and reduces over-catering and waste notably.
The LCA study, conducted in collaboration with major sector stakeholders, examined the full life cycle of a cold beverage, including the role of the caterer and airline. The analysis covers every phase of the SkyTender mobile beverage system, including figures on waste generation, energy consumption and consumption of non-renewable resources, as well as the CO2 footprint; acidification potential and eutrophication potential. It covers the system within the cabin, the acquisition of raw materials to produce the packaging, trolleys and machines needed, end-of-life stage, incineration and disposal.
"In workshops with some of the largest airlines worldwide, we have jointly determined that the use of the SkyTender system is not only self-financing, but also generates a significant return on investment next to contributing a large portion to the airline’s ESG goals,” says von Krogh.
Later this year, the company will roll out its SkyBarista ONE coffee system. The company has confirmed leading caterers and airlines as customers.
“The Barista system will make it possible for the first time to prepare and serve coffee specialties such as espresso, cappuccino or flat white directly at the seat,” explains von Krogh. “Initial tests have already been successfully carried out and show that both passengers and crew are enthusiastic about the new solution.”
