Delta's Sustainable Stride: Eliminating 7 Million Pounds of Single-Use Plastic - By Daisy BARRO

In an effort to minimize its environmental footprint, Delta Air Lines is set to introduce new paper cups on board its transcontinental flights - an innovative initiative that underscores the airline's commitment to sustainability and reducing waste. Following a rigorous testing phase, the paper cups are expected to be rolled out across Delta's network, replacing traditional plastic cups and eliminating nearly 7 million pounds of single-use plastics annually.

According to sources, the transition to paper cups has been a complex process, involving years of prototyping and testing to ensure the new cups can withstand various temperatures and liquids while meeting stringent environmental regulations. Delta's dedication to sustainability has already yielded notable results, with the airline removing over 4.9 million pounds of single-use plastics annually since 2022.

Amelia DeLuca, Delta's Chief Sustainability Officer, spoke on the project: "One of the most important things about making long-term, sustainable changes is having the opportunity to test the new solutions and get real feedback from both our employees and our customers. We constantly need to be testing, learning, and iterating. That's what innovating is all about, and innovation is core to Delta's DNA", she said.

The new paper cups have been designed to meet international mandates while maintaining a consistent and elevated travel experience. They are compostable and can be recycled where airport recycling facilities are in place, diverting waste from landfills. 

Kristen Manion Taylor, Senior Vice President of In-Flight Service, emphasized the importance of finding a premium and practical alternative to single-use plastic cups that align with Delta's commitment to minimizing its environmental impact.

The airline's sustainability strategy is multifaceted, with a primary focus on decarbonizing its business. As DeLuca noted, "Our main goal is to decarbonize our business – a lot of which will come from what we fly, how we fly, and the fuel we use", and the introduction of paper cups is a significant step towards achieving this goal.