Korean Air is upgrading the in-flight meal containers it has used for the past two decades with new, sustainable, plant-based alternatives.
Beginning in December, the airline will gradually introduce entrée containers made from non-wood pulp derived from materials such as straw, sugarcane and bamboo.
The initiative supports Korean Air’s efforts to reduce plastic use and contribute to global carbon-reduction goals. Following initial rollout on select routes this December, the airline plans to expand the new containers across its entire network by the end of 2026.
The new containers will be used for main entrées offered on board, particularly Korean and Western meals in economy class.
Made from plant-based pulp that does not require cutting down trees, the containers offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic and paper products. They also provide strong heat resistance and durability, maintaining their shape during extended exposure to high temperatures. Korean Air expects the transition to reduce related carbon emissions by approximately 60 percent.
“This transition to new in-flight meal containers is an essential long-term investment in environmental protection and sustainable operations,” said a Korean Air representative. “We remain committed to advancing our sustainability initiatives, aligning with global decarbonization trends in aviation, and delivering greater value to our customers.”
Korean Air continues to expand its sustainability initiatives across its operations. In 2023, it replaced single-use plastic cutlery with bamboo alternatives and introduced unbleached bamboo-fiber napkins. The airline also carries out upcycling programs such as transforming retired cabin crew uniforms into medical pouches and repurposing end-of-cycle in-flight blankets into reusable hot-water bag covers, reducing waste and extending the life of onboard materials.
About Korean Air
Serving the world for more than 55 years, Korean Air is one of the world’s top 20 airlines, carrying more than 23 million passengers in 2024. With its global hub at Incheon International Airport (ICN), the airline serves 116 cities in 39 countries on five continents with a modern fleet of 164 aircraft and over 20,000 professional employees.
Korean Air’s outstanding performance and commitment to the highest level of safety and customer service has widely been recognized. The airline has been granted numerous awards including a 5-star airline rating from Skytrax as well as Airline of the Year from both Air Transport World and Airline Ratings. Korean Air is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, and has grown into one of the largest transpacific airlines through its joint venture with Delta Air Lines.
All images credited to Korean Air
