Innovation That Matters

Plastic-free tray | Photo source Priestmangoode

Eco-friendly aeroplane trays made from coffee grounds

Travel & Tourism

The new trays aim to reduce the waste generated by commercial travel

Register for full access

Our library content is no longer freely available. Please register to gain access to more than 12,000 innovations, updated daily. Our content is global in scope and covers solutions to the world's biggest challenges across 18 sectors.

Spotted: UK-based PriestmanGoode design studio has created eco-friendly replacements for the trays and food containers used on commercial flights. 

The designers used food waste and other biodegradable material to replace plastic. For instance, the reusable tray is a mixture of coffee grounds and husks. The single-use containers for food dishes are made from wheat bran. PriestmanGoode even created capsules from seaweed to hold milk and other sauces. 

Jo Rowan, Associate Strategy Director at PriestmanGoode says design offers a way to “look at how we can make things better.” That can develop ways to “minimise resources and waste” and “encourage change in consumer behaviour”.

The prototypes are part of a larger campaign to reduce the waste generated by travel. PriestmanGoode’s designs are also part of the Get Onboard: Reduce. Reuse. Rethink exhibit at the Design Museum in London. The exhibit runs until 9 February 2020. 

Email: studio@priestmangoode.com

Website: priestmangoode.com

Download PDF

Springwise Services:
Our expertise in spotting the latest innovations is the best resource to empower your team’s future planning.

Find out More