By Juan Pedro Sanchez Zamudio
LATAM Begins the Implementation of Recycling Programs On Board and Uniforms
After launching its sustainability strategy, LATAM Airlines Group announces that it will implement on-board recycling on all domestic flights in the countries where it operates. In addition, the South American carrier will take the uniform recycling program from its’ Peru to the rest of the subsidiaries by the end of the year.
In a press release, the group stated that these recycling initiatives are the group’s first milestones after revealing its sustainability plan earlier this month. It should be remembered that LATAM’s strategy for the next 30 years includes four work pillars: environmental management, climate change, circular economy and shared value, and seeks to contribute to the conservation of ecosystems and the well-being of the people of South America.
The recycling actions consider, on the one hand, the reactivation of “Recycle your Trip” in Chile, launched in 2019, and “Second Flight” in Peru, which has a three-year history. Both programs, suspended due to the pandemic, have been resumed.
“On World Recycling Day, we are announcing two initiatives that we will soon extend to all subsidiaries. These actions will allow us to bring care for the environment to our passengers and crew and advance the goal of eliminating single-use plastics by 2023 and transform ourselves into a Group that generates zero waste to landfill by 2027”, declared the Vice President of Clients of LATAM Airlines Group, Paulo Miranda.
In the case of “Recycle your trip”, the crew will segregate the waste generated onboard between aluminum, glass and plastic on all domestic flights in Chile. Once the plane has landed, waste will be delivered to different recycling points. This corporate program will be launched in Ecuador in June, in Peru in August, and in Colombia and Brazil in December.
On the other hand, “Second Flight” is a pioneering program that was born in Peru and corresponds to the recycling of disused uniforms that are given to artisans as input for the production of products. Thanks to this program, the group not only minimizes the impact on the environment through the conversion of textile waste but also supports the construction of a more sustainable community through alliances, job creation and promotion of responsible consumption. Due to the success of the initiative, LATAM will implement it in Brazil and Chile in August and in Ecuador in November.
As announced, the carrier’s goal is to become carbon neutral by 2050, zero waste to landfill by 2027 and protecting iconic ecosystems in South America are some of the commitments that are part of LATAM Group’s new Sustainability Strategy. By 2023, the group will eliminate single-use plastics, recycle all waste on domestic flights, make its LATAM lounges 100% sustainable and expand its recycling program for uniforms and other materials. The goal is to be a zero waste to landfill company by 2027.
The three things Juan Pedro loves most about aviation are aircraft, airports, and traveling thousands of miles in just a few hours. What he enjoys the most about aviation is that it is easier and cheaper to travel around the world and this gives you the opportunity to visit places you thought were too far away. He has traveled to different destinations in North, Central, South America and Asia. Born, raised and still living in Perú, Juan is a lawyer, soccer lover, foodie, passionate traveler, dog lover, millennial and curious by nature.
