As a national flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia is dedicated to pioneering sustainable aviation. Through our “Zero Waste to Zero Emission” initiative, we are taking bold steps to minimize waste, reduce carbon emissions, and promote eco-friendly operations. From adopting sustainable aviation fuel and enhancing fuel efficiency to implementing waste reduction programs on board and across our supply chain, we are committed to making air travel and business operation more responsible. Garuda Indonesia has implemented a structured waste management system aimed at reducing landfill contributions while fostering employee engagement. The solution encourages responsible waste sorting and recycling within the company premises, ensuring that waste materials are repurposed effectively. Through the partnership with Rekosistem, the airline has introduced educational programs and workshops to enhance employee awareness. This structured approach not only improves waste sorting efficiency but also fosters a culture environmental responsibility across the workforce. Additionally, Garuda Indonesia has recently launched Waste Challenge Competition on March 2024 for employees, spearheaded by the internal team, Corporate Quality, Safety and Environmental Management. This competition aims to incentivize and recognize employees actively engaged in waste sorting, environmentally responsible. On-Site Waste Management Garuda Indonesia has also streamlined waste collection by implementing drop point facilities at its headquarters, allowing for more efficient waste management. Instead of transporting waste to external locations, this approach enables immediate sorting and recycling, further minimizing the environmental footprint. By eliminating unnecessary transportation and improving waste collection efficiency, the airline can enhance its sustainability strategy while maintaining smooth operations. Small refinements in waste management process contribute significantly to long-term environmental impact.
SAS is leading the way in sustainable cargo transport by replacing wooden support planks with lightweight, recyclable cardboard alternatives. This initiative significantly reduces weight, lowers fuel consumption, and minimizes CO2 emissions, demonstrating SAS’s commitment to environmental responsibility. By adopting this solution, SAS highlights how sustainability and operational efficiency can go hand in hand. The switch to recyclable planks has already resulted in approximately 60,000 kilograms of CO2 savings in 2023 and 2024, with further reductions expected in 2025. Additional benefits include improved cargo handling, reduced physical strain on staff, and simplified compliance due to the planks not requiring pest treatment. The initiative sets a strong precedent for other airlines aiming to reduce their environmental footprint. SAS’s structured approach — starting with testing in Copenhagen and expanding across more routes — illustrates how sustainability can be effectively integrated into cargo operations. In addition to environmental impact, the shift supports cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency. As SAS continues to scale this initiative, it proves that meaningful sustainability in aviation is not only possible but also beneficial for the environment, business operations, and broader industry innovation.