Korean Air is phasing out the plastic inflight meal containers it’s used for the past two decades, replacing them with sustainable plant-based alternatives made from straw, sugarcane, and bamboo pulp.
The rollout begins in December on select routes, then expands across the entire network by the end of 2026.
The new containers will serve main entrées on economy flights, particularly Korean and Western meal options.
The containers are manufactured from non-wood plant-based pulp that requires no tree felling.
Despite their lighter environmental footprint, they deliver strong heat resistance and maintain structural integrity throughout extended high-temperature exposure.
Korean Air estimates that the transition will reduce related carbon emissions by about 60 per cent.
“This transition to new in-flight meal containers is an essential long-term investment in environmental protection and sustainable operations,” the airline said in a statement, citing alignment with global decarbonisation targets in aviation.
In 2023, the carrier replaced single-use plastic cutlery with bamboo alternatives and introduced unbleached bamboo-fibre napkins.
The airline has also launched upcycling initiatives, converting retired cabin crew uniforms into medical pouches and repurposing end-of-cycle inflight blankets into reusable hot water bag covers.
Photos: Korean Air
Nik founded Inflight Feed in 2012, blending his passion for inflight dining with over a decade of experience in the airline industry. For the past 13 years, he has travelled the world, exploring and reviewing airline meals across countless carriers.
CNN Travel, The New York Times, and BBC World News have featured Nik’s expertise. When he’s not on the ground, you’ll find him at 35,000 feet, camera in hand, capturing the unique flavours of air travel. Follow his inflight meal adventures on Instagram: @InflightFeed.