Efficient Use of Resources

AFKLMP Cargo takes several measures to reduce waste or make sure to recycle it where possible. In SPL, our efforts resulted in a residual waste reduction of 49% compared to 2011. At this hub 85% of the total waste is recycled.

At Air France, a permanent recycling system is in place for Air France uniforms and work clothing. Uniforms are collected and recycled via the help of energy recovery in the form of textile pellets. Finally, these ashes will be used as fuel in the manufacturing of cement. Since 2013, used KLM uniforms and old business class carpeting have been recycled into fibers used to manufacture carpets for the aircraft cabin. All used carpets are recycled in collaboration with a carpet manufacturer Tarket, as part of the Take Back™ program.

Paperwork plays an important role in our industry but paper documents leave an ecological footprint. At AFKLMP Cargo we switch over to digital by getting rid of the paper. E-Freight will eliminate more than 7,800 tons of paper documents per year. The efforts of AFKLMP Cargo resulted in the savings of 3.1 mln A4-papers in one year.

In our continuous effort to avoid water wastage and to reduce water consumption through better management of our processes, teams are made more accountable and environmental criteria is factored into the design and realization of our tools and workstations. Maintenance activities, and in particular the washing of aircraft and engines, use the most water.

Reducing water consumption requires innovation. Air France Industries and KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) use the “EcoShine” method to clean the exterior of aircraft. The process in which pads are used requires 80 times less water than the previous one: 150 liters to clean a Boeing 777, rather than 12,000 liters used before. Another advantage of this method is that it reduces the risk of accidents at work.

AFI KLM E&M has developed an innovative, environmentally-sound system to increase engine on-wing performance and lifespan. Engine water wash can be carried out during a maintenance visits to the hangar or the platform. The system optimizes engine performance, leading to lower fuel consumption (0.5 to 1%) and reduced CO2 emissions. The engine water wash is operated according to environmental principles: the water used during the process is recovered for recycling.