Sustainability in aviation
At Stellar, sustainability isn’t a trend. It’s a responsibility we share with our clients. We look at every step of the chain: materials, logistics, product design, and compliance. Always with one goal in mind: supporting our partners in making inflight experiences greener, without adding complexity.
Our sustainable practices
We offer more than just eco-friendly products. Our sustainability approach is practical, hands-on, and tailored to aviation operations:
We repair inflight equipment such as containers and trolleys. This extends their lifespan and reduces the need for new production.
Our oven cleaning method avoids harsh chemicals. Better for the environment, better for your equipment.
We consolidate shipments and plan efficient routes to reduce transport emissions, without slowing you down.
We hold inventory for key clients to avoid last-minute, high-emission shipments by air.
Need support on SUP compliance or choosing between rotatable and disposable? We help you make informed decisions, tailored to your operation.
EU single use plastic (sup) directive
The EU SUP Directive aims to reduce plastic waste, particularly in marine environments. It has a significant impact on inflight operations due to the high volume of disposables used on board.
1. Banned items (since 2021)
The following items may no longer be purchased or used within the EU — including on flights:
Plastic cutlery, plates, straws, and stirrers
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) containers
Cotton buds and balloon sticks
2. Mandatory labelling (since 2023)
Disposables still containing plastic (such as coated cups or lids) must carry a visible SUP logo and an environmental warning.
3. Scope
The regulation applies to all flights departing from or arriving in an EU country, regardless of the airline’s origin.
More info: European Commission – SUP Directive
Material alternatives
We actively source and recommend materials with a lower environmental impact — always matched to what you need.
rPET (Recycled PET)
Made from used plastic bottles, rPET reduces the need for virgin plastic and fits into a circular economy. Lightweight, food-safe, and fully recyclable.
FSC®-certified wood
Sourced from responsibly managed forests. FSC wood ensures sustainable forestry and fair supply chains. Often used for cutlery and stirrers.
More info: FSC International
Cardboard
Highly recyclable and biodegradable, cardboard breaks down naturally without leaving microplastics. It’s a versatile packaging solution, suitable for both large and small runs.
Kraft paper
Easy to recycle and naturally biodegradable. Kraft paper leaves no microplastics behind and works well for large and small packaging runs.
Stainless steel (RVS)
Durable, endlessly recyclable, and safe for food use. While production takes energy, the long lifespan makes it a smart, low-impact choice.
Bagasse
Made from sugarcane fibre (an agricultural byproduct), bagasse is compostable, heat- and grease-resistant, and ideal for replacing foam or plastic containers.
Bone china
Strong, chip-resistant, and lightweight. Bone china requires fewer replacements over time and helps reduce kerosene use due to its low weight.