Launceston Airport bans single-use plastics from its terminal building

Launceston Airport is removing single-use plastics from its terminal building in an effort to cut back on waste and reduce impacts on the local environment.

By the end of year, the airport’s retailers will no longer distribute traditional plastic items such as single-use straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers and expanded polystyrene food and drink containers.

Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare said removing single-use plastics is a practical way the airport can support the environment and the state’s efforts to create a clean, green future.

“Tasmania is world renowned as being pristine, green and environmentally advanced. The state government, industry and community are committed to ensuring continual improvement and world best environmental practice,” said Mr O’Hare.

“The majority of our retail partners already operate without single-use plastics, so our target will likely be reached sooner than planned. “The environment is an area that travellers increasingly care deeply about, so it’s exciting to introduce an initiative that caters to passenger needs beyond the traditional airport experience.”

Emirates Leisure Retail, the operator of James Boags Bar & Kitchen and Hudsons Coffee at Launceston Airport, is in the process of switching plastic items to more eco-friendly options.

“Emirates Leisure Retail Australia is proud to be taking action towards reducing our carbon footprint in our outlets around the country, and completely removing the use of single plastics is an important first step in achieving this,” said James Rantall, Emirates Leisure Retail General Manager of Operations VIC, TAS, SA and WA.

“Working alongside our valued partners and suppliers, we are introducing eco-friendly and sustainable materials to use as alternatives to plastics in our venues at Launceston Airport. Nationwide Hudsons have launched a Keep Cup campaign – encouraging our customers to purchase a reusable coffee cup to reduce the amount of single-use coffee cups going to landfill.”

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For further information contact: Launceston Airport - (03) 6391 6222