Press release

deSter and All Nippon Airways to develop first biodegradable casserole

July 27, 2021
CET 23:18

Hoogstraten, Belgium, July 2021 – deSter, leading supplier of airline equipment, is proud to introduce a new sustainable hot meal casserole for All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest 5 star airline. The casserole is made from plant-based materials and sustainably sourced fibers that can be used in all common on-board oven systems including steam ovens.

As a result of ongoing internal development, the fiber-based material can now be used in steam ovens without compromising form or functionality, a challenge with many fiber-based products.

The usage of wet-molded fiber as a compostable material is a building block for ANA to reach their sustainability goals of 2050. By replacing the plastic casseroles, the amount of disposable plastic used by ANA for inflight services will be reduced by approx. 30%, equal to 317 tons during fiscal year 2019.

In addition to the raw material innovation, deSter utilized key strengths in design and manufacturing to create unique product adapted specifically for airline use. A clicking lid seals the casserole and rounds off the concept which can be opened and closed multiple times.

The ability to use the casserole in microwave ovens allows for further heating- and preparation options.

Introducing an innovative sustainable product with All Nippon Airways, a premium airline known for its attention to detail and impeccable standards, is a major step for deSter’s sustainable journey. It is a testament to the ability of the in-flight industry to drive positive innovation and create products that are appealing, fit-for-purpose and satisfy sustainability targets.

The new meal trays will be gradually introduced starting from August 2021 for economy class meals on international flights.

Media Inquiries

deSter communications
dester.communications@gategroup.com

About gategroup

gategroup is the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board and hospitality products and services. gategroup provides passengers with superior culinary and retail experiences, leveraging innovation and advanced technology solutions. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, gategroup delivers operational excellence through the most extensive catering network in the aviation industry, serving more than 700 million passengers annually from over 200 operating units in over 60 countries/territories across all continents. In 2019, gategroup reached CHF 4.9 billion in revenues generated by approximately 43,000 employees worldwide. For further information, please visit www.gategroup.com.

About deSter

deSter, a gategroup member, is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable food packaging and serviceware concepts to the aviation, hospitality and food service industry.
The company combines over 40 years of manufacturing expertise with the latest developments in product design. deSter has production units in Hoogstraten (BE), Lima (US) and Prachinburi (TH), in addition to global sales offices. www.dester.com

About ANA

Founded in 1952, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has grown to become the largest airline in Japan. The airline’s legacy of superior service has helped it earn SKYTRAX’s respected 5-Star rating every year since 2013, and ANA has been recognized by Air Transport World as “Airline of the Year” three times (2007, 2013 and 2018).
www.ana.co.jp/en/jp
https://jp.linkedin.com/company/all-nippon-airways

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