AirAsia Adopts Polylactic Acid (PLA) Tableware

April 21, 2025 – Santan, the food and beverage division of Capital A (formerly AirAsia Group), has announced its shift from single-use plastics to biodegradable alternatives, marking a significant step in reducing its environmental footprint. All disposable items onboard, including cups, lids, and cutlery, will now be made from polylactic acid (PLA)—a material derived from renewable resources such as corn and cassava.

Developed by Rightway New Material, PLA offers key advantages over conventional plastics, decomposing at a much faster rate. Research indicates that PLA degrades by over 90% in industrial composting conditions, whereas traditional plastics take centuries to break down. Santan’s PLA-coated paper cups have also received home-composting certification, offering passengers a more convenient and eco-friendly waste disposal solution.

Currently implemented in Malaysia and Thailand, the initiative will gradually expand across all seven airlines under the AirAsia Group.

By adopting PLA, Santan sets an example for the industry, proving that high-quality service can coexist with sustainable solutions.

"At Santan, we believe every flight is an opportunity to deliver exceptional inflight dining and value while making a positive impact on the environment," said Hoe-Lin Goh, CEO of Santan."This strategic shift to compostable PLA packaging plays a vital role in addressing plastic waste in aviation. With this change, AirAsia will reduce carbon emissions by 500 tons annually in Malaysia and Thailand alone. We hope this inspires others in the industry to make meaningful changes for our planet."

Recognizing the challenges in waste management—where single-use packaging remains critical for hygiene and operational efficiency—Santan is leveraging AI to optimize food resource management and transition to compostable tableware. By improving demand forecasting and minimizing overproduction, this approach reduces food waste while enhancing supply chain efficiency, ultimately promoting more sustainable resource utilization and operations.