PLA takes flight with the KLM Bio-Cup
- Filed in:
- Bioplastics,
- Beverage
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has become the first global carrier to switch from using conventional oil-based polystyrene coffee and tea cups to paper ones made with an Ingeo™ PLA coating from NatureWorks LLC. Initially introduced at the beginning of November 2008, these cups are now being used across the whole KLM fleet.
The Bio-Cup initiative is one of many that KLM has taken to reach its goal to become the airline with the best sustainability practices in the world. “The introduction of the Bio-Cups on board fits in perfectly with our sustainability policy. Our staff on board are also enthusiastic as the cups are not only environmentally friendly, but also easy to store and have a good design as well,” says Bart Vos, executive vice president, In-flight Services of KLM.
The Bio-Cup is the result of a partnership between KLM, Moonen Packaging, and NatureWorks. The decision to use Ingeo biopolymer was made for both practical and environmental benefits. The main structure of the cup has a natural paper base. The Ingeo natural plastic coating provides excellent moisture barrier properties and grease-resistance, NatureWorks relates. The Bio-Cups are also lighter yet rigid, so they pack and store better in flight than traditional foam cups.
Moonen Packaging also supplies Ingeo-coated cups to media companies, coffee retailers, and others (see photo).
Says Mark Vergauwen, European manager of NatureWorks BV, “NatureWorks is pleased with the good relationship we have built with KLM and the fact they are the first airline to use the Ingeo-coated Bio-Cup for on-board catering.”
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Passengers are pleased to accept the PLA cup; saving the earth is a priority when choosing a product.
Apparently Mr. Vos is not doing service on board.
Speaking with Mss De Ridder en Mss Broertjes told us that the staff does not like the cups as they are too thin and the heat transfer makes it almost impossible to serve customers.
Passengers are not informed about the "sustainability" of the cups, so how can they be pleased?
This is not logical, as they are not tested and certified EN13432.
I have a distribution company servicing sydney through to canberra, can you send me prices on the above cups.
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