The catering equipment industry is being reshaped by several major trends. First and foremost is the increasing pressure for sustainable development. As global awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the expectation for businesses to operate in more environmentally responsible ways. In the catering sector, this means minimizing waste, reducing carbon footprints, adopting sustainable materials and production methods, and empowering teams to operate more efficiently and sustainably.
For instance, many airlines are seeking lightweight, durable equipment that contributes to fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. Studies have shown that adding 500 kilograms to an aircraft’s weight can increase fuel consumption by up to 50 kilograms per flight and result in an additional 160 kilograms of CO2 emissions. Over a year, this can mean tens of thousands of extra kilograms of fuel burned and a significant rise in carbon emissions for airlines operating thousands of flights annually. Reducing weight, therefore, presents a critical opportunity for airlines to achieve substantial cost savings and contribute to more sustainable operations.
Driessen’s Hybrite S Next Gen trolley platform is a direct response to these demands for lighter, more sustainable catering solutions. Designed with advanced lightweight materials, the Hybrite S Next Gen trolleys significantly reduce overall weight without compromising durability, maintainability, and functionality. This reduction in weight directly translates to fuel savings for airlines, lowering operational costs while also decreasing emissions. The innovative design of the Hybrite S Next Gen also considers the needs of cabin crews, featuring enhanced maneuverability and ergonomic handles, which further improve the efficiency of in-flight service.
Another key trend is the evolving expectations of passengers, who increasingly prioritize sustainability, cleanliness, and waste management. Surveys reveal that a significant proportion of travelers are willing to change their airline preferences based on environmental considerations. In fact, 56 percent of all travelers, and 50 percent of business travelers, would consider switching to a more environmentally friendly airline. This trend is even more pronounced among millennials, with 68 percent indicating a preference for greener options.
Airlines and rail operators are taking note and responding accordingly. For example, Emirates has introduced comprehensive recycling programs on long-haul flights, diverting about 500,000 kilograms of plastic and glass from landfill each year. Additionally, Emirates’ initiatives to replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives have led to saving over 150 million plastic items annually. In the rail sector, operators like Deutsche Bahn have implemented energy-efficient trains that use regenerative braking systems to reduce energy consumption. Network Rail has also launched initiatives to recycle old railway materials and reduce waste generated during maintenance and construction, further aligning with passenger expectations for more sustainable travel options.
To align with these shifting priorities, transportation providers are increasingly focusing on optimizing waste collection, disposal, and recycling processes. Driessen has been at the forefront of this shift with our innovative Waste Trolley solutions, which enhance onboard cleanliness while facilitating effective recycling and waste management. The trolleys offer multiple sizes and configurations, including tilting bins that reduce waste volume by up to 60% (a trolley solution that allows airlines to separate waste in 5 different streams), and sorting bins that allow for the separation of solid and liquid waste, decreasing overall waste volume by 13%. These features not only streamline waste handling for the crew but also promote a more sustainable operation by maximizing recycling and minimizing clutter.
In addition, our Waste Trolleys are made from lightweight, durable materials that withstand rigorous use while being water-tight and built to last. These designs enhance the working environment for staff and create a more pleasant experience for passengers by ensuring a clean, organized cabin. This focus on sustainability aligns with the increasing desire among passengers and crew for a greener, more modern approach to waste management.
Technological advancements are also driving change. Digital solutions, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning, are enabling smarter, more efficient operations across various sectors. These technologies are not only transforming operational efficiency and passenger experience but are also making their way into catering operations, allowing companies to enhance connectivity, optimize their asset management, improve service reliability, and reduce operational costs.
Given the profound impact of these technological changes, we will explore their implications for the catering equipment industry in more detail in the next article.
Note:
This article is part of an ongoing series entitled Innovation at the Core: Leadership & Continuous Improvement Strategies from Driessen Catering Equipment.
To read the next article in the series, click here.
To read the previous article in the series, click here.
To download the full series as a comprehensive report, click here.
