February 7, 2025
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Japan Airlines Adopts Kaneka Green Planet™ Biodegradable Polymer for First Reusable Food Containers in International In-flight Meals
JALUX and Kaneka Launch Reusable In-Flight Containers Made from Green Planet™ to Reduce Plastic Waste
Tokyo, Japan — JALUX Inc. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Satoru Takahama) and Kaneka Corporation (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Kazuhiko Fujii) have partnered to advance sustainable aviation solutions by introducing reusable food containers made from KANEKA Biodegradable Polymer Green Planet™. These innovative containers will debut as side dish containers for in-flight meals on Japan Airlines (JAL) international flights starting June 2024.Driving Sustainability in Air Travel
The JAL Group has set an ambitious goal: eliminate all primary petroleum-based plastics from disposable items in cabins and lounges by fiscal year 2025. As part of this initiative, JALUX and Kaneka have jointly developed 100% biomass-derived Green Planet containers, designed not only to replace single-use plastics but also to be reusable, significantly reducing environmental impact.Eco-Friendly Design Meets Functionality
The new in-flight meal tray design, supervised by renowned design office nendo, combines a warm, lightweight texture with non-petroleum-derived materials. Key sustainability features include:- Natural mineral-based coloring for a fully petroleum-free finish.
- 30% weight reduction compared to current containers, lowering CO₂ emissions during flights.
- Reusable structure, minimizing waste and supporting circularity.
Expanding Green Planet’s Role in Aviation
Kaneka’s Green Planet™ has already been introduced in aviation through:- JAL PLAZA airport stores
- In-flight shopping bags
- Onigiri (rice ball) wrapping film at JAL Diamond Premier Lounge
Looking Ahead
JALUX and Kaneka will continue collaborating to develop eco-friendly products across aviation, airports, and other sectors, aiming to leave a cleaner, greener planet for future generations.
