Aviation is slowly going green: Plane travel is becoming more fuel efficient, the use of biofuels is on the rise, and even aircraft interiors are becoming more eco-friendly. The task of making aircraft interiors friendlier to the environment incorporates a dual approach: using greener materials in the production of aircraft as well as reusing and recycling interior and exterior aircraft components.
Eco-friendly materials
The array of eco-conscious materials available for aircraft interiors continues to grow, ranging from recyclable carpeting that’s also carbon neutral to LED lighting that uses less energy than incandescent lamps. Seats are getting a green overhaul, with more seat choices available in non-toxic and natural materials. Southwest Airlines is leading the way with its Evolve interior lightweight E-leather, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather.
Cabinets and veneer made from fast-growing renewable wood sources and LEED-certified interior materials are rounding out the eco-interior offerings. Boeing has even researched and patented green “sandwich” panels, made of flax-thermoset composite with a foam core.
Aircraft owners looking to refurbish jet interiors in an eco-friendly way have more options than ever before. When consulting with an aircraft interior design firm or refurbishment specialist, ask about the use of green materials in the firm’s practice, and how it can be incorporated into your designs.
Recycling opportunities
The other side of aviation’s green trend is recycling. Interest in reusing and recycling aircraft interior and exterior parts is growing. A study supported by Airbus found that as much as 85% of an aircraft’s parts can be “reused, recovered, or recycled.”
“Green” might as well refer to cash too. An industry study conducted by the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association (AFRA — an organization that promotes aircraft recycling best practices) and TeamSAI Consulting reports that the aircraft dismantling market could reach $80 million in 2014. Companies in this arena recover parts for the aftermarket and recycle parts removed from dismantled aircraft.
Seats can be removed and either dismantled for recycling or sold for reuse in other aircraft, and thermoplastics from interiors can be shredded and formed into pellets that can be made into new products. And more companies are getting in on the action, including the U.K.’s SD Aviation, which has set a goal of being able to recycle 100% of aircraft cabin materials within the next two years.
With help from the forward-looking approach that industry eco-leaders are taking, aviation’s huge carbon footprint could slowly start to shrink.
Contact L & L International if you need assistance in purchasing or selling a private jet. You can reach our sales specialists today at sales@L-Lint.com, call us any time at +1 (305) 754-3313, or visit us online.