The latest initiative in its “Eco-Skies” commitment to the environment, United Airlines (Chicago, Illinois / USA; www.united.com) has introduced a new eco-friendly coffee cup. The “InCycle” cup, produced by MicroGREEN Polymers (Arlington, Washington / USA; www.microgreeninc.com), is made of 50% recycled materials and is fully recyclable, the US airline claims. In mid-March, it will replace the non-recyclable "Styrofoam" (XPS foam from Dow) cups currently used by the airline.

The Washington-based company has developed a waterless and additive-free process whereby one recycled PET bottle can be used to create four and a half InCycle cups. The insulating and waterproof material is said to be capable of withstanding temperatures of over 200° C. Made of recycled materials, the cup itself is also 100% recyclable, MicroGREEN says.

United Airlines said it is reviewing its operations to find other ways to both reduce waste and raise recycling levels, including by redesigning its inflight recycling policy and procedures to simplify the process for flight attendants. The airline said it has recycled more than 10,000 t of aluminium cans, paper and plastic over the past six years.

The initiative is the latest in the US aimed at curtailing the use of Styrofoam. In late December, for instance, the New York City Council unanimously passed legislation banning restaurants, food carts and stores from selling or providing single-use cups, clamshells and trays as well as peanut shaped packing materials made from polystyrene – for more details, see Plasteurope.com of 13.01.2014.