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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is collaborating with the Aviation Sustainability Forum (ASF) to launch a standardized Cabin Waste Composition Audit (CWCA). The ASF Cabin Waste Composition Auditing Platform is set to be launched in September 2024.
CWCA audits have already been trialed in two waves, covering 25 flights—short, medium, and long-haul—at Singapore’s Changi Airport in November 2023 and April 2024. ASF conducted these audits based on a methodology developed by IATA. Preliminary results indicate that the sector generates over 3.6 million metric tonnes of cabin and catering waste annually, with 65% being food and beverage waste. Untouched meals account for 18% of all waste.
Audit data will guide the airline industry and policymakers in their efforts to reduce waste levels and improve circularity by identifying opportunities for reuse and recycling. Previous IATA research identified the lack of a standardized methodology for conducting cabin waste audits, resulting in a lack of harmonized data to support decision-making by policymakers, airlines, and caterers regarding waste-related issues. A standardized audit aims to address these issues and enable the sector to demonstrate progress towards waste reduction and improved circularity.
