APP Group and Garuda Indonesia Collaboration Strengthens Green Aviation Mission Through Initiative to Use Environmentally Friendly Aviation Service Products

Jakarta, March 4, 2024 – Taking a step forward towards sustainability and supporting the Government’s initiative for a low-carbon development, APP Group and Garuda Indonesia have initiated a strategic collaboration in implementing the use of environmentally friendly packaging in-flight services. This initiative marks a commitment to sustainable practices and a joint effort in supporting the Government’s program on plastic waste reduction.

Through this collaboration, commencing during the month of Ramadan, Garuda Indonesia will use a variety of environmentally friendly packaging products at various touch points of inflight services such as cutlery packaging and food and beverage packaging, using paper materials from Enza & Foopak. These paper materials are designed to reduce environmental impact and reduce dependence on single-use plastics.

The collaboration between Garuda Indonesia and APP Group is in line with the values put forward by both corporations in supporting various sustainable breakthroughs in the use of environmentally friendly products on Garuda Indonesia flights to various destinations in Sumatra such as Palembang, Pekanbaru, Jambi and Surabaya. In the future, this initiative can continue to be expanded to other routes.

Embarking on the same mission in actively participating in supporting decarbonization initiatives. The collaboration between Garuda Indonesia and APP Group is in line with the Government’s target to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2025, as part of the Marine Debris Action Plan. This government initiative involves cross-ministerial coordination and involves the private sector and community in efforts to reduce plastic waste production.

In line with this, a recent study titled Sustainable Lifestyle: A Path towards Environmental Sustainability and Sustainable Development (Shahnaz Akhtar: 2023) shows that sustainable lifestyles are a critical component in achieving environmental and economic sustainability. The adoption of responsible consumption, waste reduction, energy efficiency and environmentally conscious mobility are key. The research underscores the importance of consumer and industry behavior change in supporting sustainability.

“At APP Group, we realize that sustainability is not just an option, but a necessity for our future. Eco-friendly packaging products from Enza and Foopak are one of our steps in reducing our carbon footprint and supporting Indonesia towards a green economy. This is our shared responsibility to the planet and future generations,” said the Managing Director of APP Group, Suhendra Wiriadinata.

Meanwhile, Garuda Indonesia President Director Irfan Setiaputra expressed his enthusiasm towards the partnership with APP Group and mentioned that the joint initiative with APP Group is a part of Garuda Indonesia’s commitments to support the government’s decarbonization program.

“The green flight initiative is one of the pillars of performance acceleration that we continue to optimize at Garuda Indonesia. We do this not only by seeking synergistic steps in strengthening corporate action initiatives that are environmentally sound, but also by strengthening the support system for environmentally friendly flight operations through collaboration with strategic partners such as the one we are doing with APP Group,” Irfan explained.

“As the national airlines of Indonesia, Garuda Indonesia continues to strive to strengthen this commitment which is implemented through various corporate policies that prioritize the focus of sustainability in all aspects of the company’s operations. This is optimized by working with strategic partners to provide a safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly flight experience,” said Irfan.

By reducing the use of single-use plastics through the use of eco-friendly packaging, it is hoped to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen the sustainability ecosystem in Indonesia. The initiative also aims to raise awareness and inspire more companies and individuals to adopt sustainable business practices.

“Through this initiative, we also want to support an eco-friendly lifestyle among the community. We believe that positive change starts from small steps, and the use of eco-friendly packaging is one of those small steps that can have a big impact on environmental sustainability,” Suhendra concluded.

Quran Waqf

During the same event, APP Group through Sinar Mas Muslim Foundation donated 1000 Quran copies to Garuda Indonesia, which were symbolically handed over by Chairman of Sinar Mas Muslim Foundation Saleh Husin, to HC Operations, Govrel & TJSL Group Head of Garuda Indonesia Eksitarino Irianto to welcome the holy month of Ramadan. The Quran will then be distributed by Garuda Indonesia to the Mosque Prosperity Councils around the Airport, as well as the Foundation in the branches.