Korean Air announced it will begin phasing out its traditional meal containers from December 2025, replacing them with plant-based alternatives made from agricultural waste materials including straw, sugarcane, and bamboo.
The South Korean flag carrier said it plans to gradually introduce the new containers on select routes, with full network implementation expected by the end of 2026. The containers will primarily be used for main entrées in economy class, including Korean and Western meal options.
The new packaging is manufactured from non-wood pulp, eliminating the need for tree harvesting while offering heat resistance and durability comparable to conventional plastic containers. According to Korean Air, the swap is expected to reduce associated carbon emissions by approximately 60%.
“This transition to new in-flight meal containers is an essential long-term investment in environmental protection and sustainable operations,” a Korean Air representative said in a statement. “We remain committed to advancing our sustainability initiatives, aligning with global decarbonization trends in aviation, and delivering greater value to our customers.”
The meal container upgrade follows other recent sustainability measures made by the airline.
In 2023, Korean Air replaced single-use plastic cutlery with bamboo alternatives and switched to unbleached bamboo-fiber napkins. The carrier has also established upcycling programs, converting retired cabin crew uniforms into medical pouches and transforming used in-flight blankets into reusable hot-water bag covers.
The move comes as airlines face increasing pressure to reduce single-use plastics and minimize their environmental footprint. Korean Air’s current meal containers have been in use for approximately 20 years.
