World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), the leading global event for the inflight catering, onboard services, and passenger comfort industries, has today launched its Steps to Sustainability feature which will debut at this year’s event in the form of a product showcase area and trail, taking place at the Hamburg Messe from 28-30 May 2024.
In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, the travel industry is increasingly recognising the importance of sustainability onboard. According to recent data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), on average, a passenger produces 1.43 kilos of cabin waste across short and long-haul international flights, with 23% being untouched food and drink, and another 17% being recyclable materials like plastic bottles and newspapers.
In response to this, WTCE will showcase innovative solutions by global companies that are driving the industry forward.
The Steps to Sustainability dedicated product showcase area, located in Hall A1 at WTCE, will allow visitors to discover first-hand the sustainable innovations shaping 2024, from eight leading companies including Sustainaholics, Hello Straw, Onyx Plate, and Ly Company Italia Srl and more.
In collaboration with Matt Crane, Co-Founder of the Aviation Sustainability Forum (ASF) and WTCE’s sustainability ambassador, a selection of 19 exhibitors has been curated for the Steps to Sustainability trail. These top picks have been recommended for visitors to discover at the show.
Amongst the chosen companies, such as Royal Smilde, Ecoffee Cup, Cocohagen, Reedbut Group, Linstol, and FORMIA and more, attendees can explore cutting-edge solutions spanning various categories, showcasing the forefront of sustainability within the travel catering and onboard services industry.
Along the trail, attendees will have the opportunity to experience culinary fusion at Royal Smilde’s stand. Highlighting its array of sustainably crafted bake-off snacks, including single-serve quiches, savoury pies, hot filled buns, hand-held snacks, bites and more, it will introduce the next-level sustainable cheese roll, enhanced with seaweed.
As a supplier to coffee shop company, Joe & The Juice, Cocohagen will return to WTCE to present its organic and plant-based truffles in recyclable packaging. With a focus on sustainability, its products are vegan, contain no gluten, lactose or palm oil and are free from added sugar, making an ideal treat onboard for eco-conscious passengers.
Exhibiting at WTCE for the first time this year and with a mission to be the global industry leader in premium food on the move, DELI LITES – an Irish B Corp which prioritises social and environmental accountability – will bring its range of hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, salads, and artisanal baked goods.
Also debuting at the show will be Ecoffee Cup, an eco-solution provider who has helped its partners to save over 250 million single-use cups from landfill over the last 10 years.
New exhibitor Ly Company Group – a leading company in the production of high-quality water in sustainable and customisable packaging – will showcase its new 250ml water bricks that are specially designed for catering and transport companies.
Presenting great tasting sustainable spirits to the travel industry, Sustainaholics will introduce its Alumini® collection at the show – an industry first range of eco-friendly spirits brands in 100% recycled, endlessly recyclable, light, compact, shatterproof 5cl spirits bottles.
As the aviation industry strives to meet the challenges of sustainability onboard, particularly concerning passenger comfort, global leader Linstol will impress visitors with its ground-breaking advances in premium noise cancelling headphones, amenity kits, SuperCups and more.
Plane Talking Products will showcase its full range of innovative and sustainable inflight products spanning meal service equipment, onboard textiles, and amenities, while visitors can immerse themselves amongst innovation with Reedbut Group’s range of plastic-free, recyclable cardboard boxes and trays for inflight refuse and storage. For a full list of exhibitors on the Steps To Sustainability feature, see here.
WTCE Event Director, Polly Magraw, commented: “We are thrilled to introduce the Steps to Sustainability trail at WTCE this year. It’s a testament to our commitment to driving positive, eco-friendly change within the industry and providing a platform for the latest advancements in sustainable travel solutions.
A big thank you to Matt Crane and the ASF for supporting us on this journey to showcase the strides being made by companies in terms of helping the travel industry to be greener. We’re looking forward to seeing the trail come to life at WTCE and welcoming the industry to celebrate the latest innovations in inflight catering, onboard services, and passenger comfort.”
WTCE will be co-located with the industry-renowned Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX). Both shows will be taking place at the Hamburg Messe and will come together to provide passenger experience professionals with the opportunity to network and explore new products, services, and solutions.