NSTDA concluded an MoU with Thai Airways (THAI) and its subsidiary, Thai Smile Airways (THAI Smile), on food waste management in supporting the “Save Food, Save the World” campaign. The MoU signing ceremony was presided over by Mr. Saksayam Chidchob, Transport Minister and Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Natural Resources and Environment Minister, and attended by Mr. Sumeth Damrongchaitham, THAI President, Mrs. Charita Leelayudth, THAI Smile Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul, NSTDA President, and Air Chief Marshal Chaiyapruk Didyasarin, THAI Chairman.
Food waste accounts for 33-50 percent of solid waste. Inadequate food waste management contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals sets the target for food waste reduction by 50% within 2030 and calls for food loss reduction along production and supply chains. As a commitment to reduce food waste, THAI and THAI Smile are partnering with NSTDA launching the “Save Food, Save the World” campaign. Under this cooperation, NSTDA will provide technical assistance to both airlines to implement food waste management program in manufacturing processes and the supply chain.
Food waste management program will enable the airlines to enhance their resource use efficiency and reduce environmental impact. In the first year of the program, THAI will focus on reassessing the food manufacturing process and supply chain - from ingredient procurement, food preparation, menu planning, packing and loading, and cabin waste management. New approaches will be introduced to in-flight service, whereby all meals will be consumed onboard the flight and the pre-selected menu will be made available for passenger selection prior to flight. It is anticipated that in-flight meal loading will decrease by 20%. These measures will be introduced on THAI's flights to Europe in 2020 and on all flights in 2021. In addition, technologies and innovations will be employed to enhance efficiency and reduce food losses during food processing. THAI expects to reduce food waste by approximately 3% year-on-year. Greenhouse gas emission will decrease by 2,078 carbon tonnes per year. Through intensive in-flight meal management, THAI Smile expects to reduce food waste by 16.45 tonnes per year in 2020.