Santan, the F&B business of Capital A, has begun replacing single-use plastics with biodegradable materials to reduce environmental impact. All inflight disposable items, including cups, lids, and cutlery, are now made from polylactic acid (PLA), a material derived from renewable sources such as corn and cassava.
Developed with Rightway New Material, PLA decomposes more quickly than conventional plastics. Studies show PLA breaks down by over 90 per cent in industrial composting, whereas traditional plastics can take hundreds of years. Santan’s PLA-coated paper cups are certified for home composting, offering passengers a simpler disposal method.
The initiative is being introduced in Malaysia and Thailand, with plans to expand across the seven airlines under the AirAsia brand.
By adopting PLA, Santan demonstrates that quality service can align with sustainable practices in the aviation sector.
Recognising the challenges of waste management, where disposable packaging is necessary for hygiene and operations, Santan is supporting its move to compostable cutlery with AI to improve food resource management. By enhancing forecasting and reducing overproduction, this approach minimises food waste and enhances supply chain efficiency, contributing to more sustainable operations.
Santan CEO Catherine Goh noted: “This strategic shift to compostable PLA packaging plays an important role in addressing the issue of plastic waste in the aviation sector. By implementing this change, AirAsia will reduce carbon emissions by 500 tonnes annually in Malaysia and Thailand and we hope it will inspire others in the industry to make meaningful changes for the planet.”
