The LATAM group ended 2023 with significant progress in eliminating single-use plastic throughout its operation, reducing more than 1,700 tons, which represents approximately 96% of the scope defined by LATAM as single-use plastic, equivalent to 266 million plastic bags. The remaining 4% corresponds to those elements that could not be replaced or eliminated due to legal, safety, health and operational reasons, or because replacement options are not available in the market.

“We are proud to conclude 2023 with significant progress in eliminating single-use plastics in all operations, which posed a major challenge for the group. It was approximately a three year process that involved various areas, from travel experience design to operational lines, replacing disposable plastics with reusable, bio-based, and/or biodegradable materials. We know there is still much room for improvement, so we will continue to work hard on this throughout the year,” highlighted Johanna Cabrera, Sustainability Manager of LATAM Airlines Group.

These actions include significant changes. In this regard, reusable cotton bags have been implemented in Business Class for rest elements and amenities, such as pillows, duvets, seat covers, and headphones. At the same time, new amenity kits without single-use plastics have launched, made in Brazil with local raw materials, artisanal production, cruelty-free, and designed by emerging South American artists.

In Economy Class, reusable tableware has been implemented throughout the service, based on high-durability reusable plastic, as well as bamboo cutlery and stirrers. Also, the use of paper bands to contain rest items has begun in the subsidiaries of Colombia, Chile, Peru and Ecuador.

Regarding the airport experience, new paper labels and 100% paper courtesy bags were applied network-wide, which is still being implemented throughout different hubs. Additionally, at LATAM Airlines Brazil, snack kits for ground contingencies transitioned to 100% paper and cardboard material.

Finally, in offices and operational areas – particularly in the subsidiaries of Chile and Brazil – paper cups, as well as carts, bags, and paper bags to contain and transport warehouse materials to the aircraft, have begun to be used.

Other initiativesThe above was complemented by the work that LATAM has been doing with its “Recycle Your Trip” program, which promotes the separation of certain waste generated on board to be subsequently recycled, a program which is constantly reviewed and improved. Currently, “Recycle Your Trip” is operational on domestic flights of the subsidiaries of Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil. During 2023, more than 170 tons of PET plastic bottles generated on domestic flights in South America were separated and managed for recycling. In 2024, Tetra Pak separation for recycling on board will be added. For example, on domestic flights of LATAM Airlines Brazil, LATAM estimates to annually recycle 40 tons (equivalent to an Airbus A139 aircraft without fuel).

Additionally, LATAM continued with its “Second Flight” program, which allows the group’s airlines unused uniforms and various textile items to have a second life. South American artisans and entrepreneurs transform these items into new products, such as passport holders, luggage tags, wallets, and keychains, among others. The group works with 11 organizations and has allocated more than 30 tons (50,000 garments) to give them a second use.

Thanks to the initiatives of the LATAM group’s cargo subsidiaries collaborators, in addition to the proposed goals, since 2023 reusable blankets have been used to cover pallets at various stages of cargo transport in Chile and Brazil, leading to a reduction in the use of plastic film by up to 90% in certain processes. Along with this, we became the first group of airlines in the world to implement the 3M machine and tape, which allows for an 80% reduction in plastic film in the process of storing cargo imports in Chile.

The results achieved in the circular economy are part of the sustainability strategy that the LATAM group presented in May 2021, aiming to focus its actions on three concrete pillars: Climate Change, Shared Value, and Circular Economy. Along with the reduction of single-use plastics throughout all operations, LATAM also aims to become a zero waste to landfill group by 2027 and carbon neutral by 2050.

ABOUT LATAM GROUP

LATAM Airlines Group S.A. and its subsidiaries are the leading airline group in Latin America, with presence in five domestic markets in the region: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, in addition to international operations within Latin America and to Europe, Oceania, Africa, the United States and the Caribbean.

The group has a fleet of Boeing 767, 777, 787, Airbus A321, A321neo A320, A320neo and A319 aircraft. LATAM Cargo Chile, LATAM Cargo Colombia and LATAM Cargo Brazil are the LATAM group’s cargo subsidiaries,In addition to having access to the bellies of the passenger affiliates’ aircraft, they have a fleet of 20 freighters. These cargo subsidiaries have access to the group’s passenger aircraft, and operate within the LATAM group network, as well as on exclusive international routes for cargo transportation. In addition, they offer a modern infrastructure and a wide variety of services and support options to meet the needs of its customers.

All images credited to LATAM