gategroup is thrilled to announce that deSter was awarded with the distinction of Trendsetter of the year Award during the ceremony of the Onboard Hospitality Award 2024, celebrated in Hamburg at WTCE on Tuesday 28th of May.
Zurich, Switzerland. June 7, 2024
The new dining experience, designed in partnership by deSter and Etihad Airways, features fully reusable tableware made from recycled high-quality plastic and eliminates the use of single-use plastic. The tray, casserole dish, side bowls and their lids as well as platter are part of a closed-loop recycling system. At the end of their lifecycle, they are collected, washed, grounded, and reused to make new replacement products ensuring zero waste.
Working with deSter, imminent local manufacturing of the Etihad reusable equipment will lead to ~80% of the main tableware set being locally produced in the UAE supporting our goal of further improving overall environmental impact by moving towards locally produced products.
Complementing the deSter produced crockery are beautifully designed quality stainless-steel cutlery, biodegradable paper cups, bespoke bamboo stirrers and pressed paperboard cutlery replacing all single use plastic.
Since 2019, Etihad committed to removing single-use plastic from its operation where possible, and the introduction of this new inflight equipment ensured that the airline exceeded its targets.
With the roll out of this programme, Etihad continues to showcase that its commitment to sustainability doesn’t come at a compromise to the quality and thoughtfulness behind Etihad’s products and guest experience.
Watch the YouTube video to see this unique design:
gategroup is extremely proud of this well-deserved recognition for deSter “This nomination is a testament to our hard work, talent and dedication. Says Stef Van de Perre, President and Managing Director deSter. “Through sustainable innovation, our passionate team of designers, engineers, and product developers are able to create unique tableware equipment, reflecting the identity and values of our customers and enhancing the passenger experience.”
About deSter
deSter, a gategroup member, is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable food packaging and serviceware concepts to the aviation, hospitality and foodservice industries.
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.
