LSG Sky Chefs has announced the first results of a major environmental initiative in North America. The aim is to divert 100% of recyclable waste from previously designated landfills at all of its 41 US locations by 2015. Since launching the ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ (ZLF) programme in February 2013, 6,545 tons of available waste has been successfully recycled, according to the company.
The ZLF programme is designed to enable LSG Sky Chefs to substantially reduce its environmental footprint through the implementation of new recycling methods, state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive employee training. During 2013, according to company officials, benefits included a reduction in greenhouse gases of nearly 21,000 metric tons.
The results were achieved, in part, through the use of new equipment which can separate, clean and compact metal, plastic, cardboard/paper and select food waste items in preparation for recycling. Additionally, the company is encouraging suppliers to use products made of materials which do not become waste, as well as employing further reuse, composting and waste to energy processes.
LSG Sky Chefs’ Boston, Denver, Detroit, Las Vegas, Minneapolis – St. Paul, Portland (OR), San Francisco, Seattle and Washington Dulles locations have already implemented 100% waste management and recycling processes.
“We produce 160 million meals for our airline customers in the US each year,” said Dale Easdon, LSG Sky Chefs’ SVP of operations in North America. “As part of our social responsibility philosophy, our aim is to become the first airline caterer to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill in the US – and I am proud to say that we are well on our way to achieving that goal.”
