The cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG) has announced that it is beginning trials of a new biodegradable and 100% recyclable film to wrap transported goods.
IAG Cargo believes that the new material can save the company up to 15 tonnes of virgin Polyethylene per year.
The film is being developed by German manufacturer Verpa Folie in collaboration with BioNatur Plastics, a company specialising in the production of biodegradable plastic packaging, based in New York.
Peter Griebel, Managing Director of Verpa Folie, described the film as “one of the most sustainable and thinnest solutions for air cargo operations worldwide”.
It is also described as having an ‘indefinite shelf life’, allowing it to be reused and recycled. If disposed of, the film is said to be biodegradable by landfill and produce no toxic by-products during decomposition.
Furthermore, the film is suitable to wrap food and temperature-controlled goods.
David Rose, Chief Transformation Officer at IAG Cargo said: “We are continuously looking at ways in which we can reduce our impact on the environment in line with our commitment to sustainability. This solution provided by Verpa Folie, which we plan to roll out across our operation, will reduce our plastic consumption and is another step forward for IAG Cargo as we become fit for future.”
