Virgin Blue has reaffirmed its commitment to minimising the impact of its operation on the environment by signing the National Packaging Covenant.
The National Packaging Covenant is a unique initiative between Australian governments and industry groups, to stop packaging waste ending up in landfill.
Brand owners sign and agree to certain environment outcomes. Company signatories to the Covenant have a combined annual turnover exceeding $130 billion and represent more than 80% of all retail brands sold in Australia - packing a powerful punch towards packaging sustainability.
As part of this commitment, Virgin Blue is investigating in-flight recycling opportunities.
Virgin Blue’s Manager for Health, Safety and Environment, Peter McCormack, says signing the Covenant is part of a broader environmental impact improvement strategy which has been underway at Virgin Blue for a number of years.
“We place great importance on the way our business manages its operational impacts and are serious about our commitment to continuous improvement of environmental management,” he says.
National Packaging Covenant, CEO Ed Cordner, said Virgin Blue’s efforts provided a good role model for other corporations.
“Virgin Blue has taken impressive steps to be one of the first airlines in the region prepared to tackle in-flight recycling.
We know this is not easy and we hope they can lead by example not only for other domestic airlines, but for corporations in Australia who can all do more and take more steps to make a difference to recycle their packaging and divert it from landfill,” Mr Cordner says.
Over the last few years the airline has implemented a number of initiatives to address the environmental impacts of its business including:
- Measuring and reporting energy use and greenhouse gas emissions;
- Introducing Embraer E-Jets which allow route tailoring and minimises emissions;
- Examining ways to further reduce the weight of the aircraft;
- Reducing usage of aircraft Auxiliary Power Units through use of more energy efficient Ground Power Units;
- Taking a lead on raising awareness with business and in the community on the issue of climate change;
- Incorporating eco-efficiency initiatives in refits of terminals, hangars and offices;
- Incorporating best practice water, energy and waste management in the company’s new Brisbane head office;
- Participating in government and industry forums relating to climate change including The Climate Change Industry Roundtable, the Tourism and Climate Change Taskforce’s Aviation sub-group and the TTF Climate Change Roundtable.
Peter McCormack says Virgin Blue recognises the difficult challenge of balancing our environmental responsibilities with growing business needs.
"We believe we are moving in the right direction, particularly by signing The National Packaging Covenant.”
For further information: Ed Cordner CEO National Packaging Covenant 03 9861 2322
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