En Route serves up packaging solution
As part of its ‘Four the Future’ environmental strategy, En Route International has announced the launch of an innovative alternative to plastic-lined cardboard packaging. The UK-headquartered onboard food and service solution provider has developed a range of hot handheld snacks with “ovenable” packaging.
Developed by En Route’s in-house design and development teams, the ovenable packaging can be used with products that require a grease or moisture barrier – without the need for plastic which is environmentally costly to produce and dispose of. The cardboard packaging is fully recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.
According to the International Air Transportation Association’s (IATA) Cabin Waste Fact Sheet referenced in En Route's release, 4.1 billion flight passengers generated 6.2 tons of cabin waste in 2017, 30% of which was single-use plastics.
“As the number of passengers grows, so too is the need to find a meaningful alternative to single-use plastic packaging,” read the release. “By using natural materials, En Route can now provide the industry globally with a plastic-free solution that offers positive environmental benefits while maintaining the stringent hygiene and quality control standards expected of food packaging.”
The packaging solution can be used across the company’s product range and in all temperature states, which is a key part of En Route’s ‘Four the Future’ environmental strategy. Launched in April, the strategy aims to reduce the company’s environmental impact, as well as that of its clients.
“There is a bigger demand from passengers than ever before for sustainable packaging. This is now one of the most critical issues in our sector and we are very proud of the progress we are making to tackle some of the challenges that our industry is facing,” said Ed Gatland, Design Manager at En Route. “In line with our ‘Four the Future’ strategy, we will continue to strive to develop solutions for sustainable skies.”
