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Why British Airways Prefers Disposable CPET Airline Trays

September 29, 2025

Quick Summary:
Disposable CPET Airline Trays are the preferred choice for British Airways due to their superior heat resistance, durability, and environmental benefits. These trays withstand high temperatures for safe reheating, maintain meal integrity during transport, and enhance food presentation. Compliant with international food safety standards and recyclable, CPET trays support airline sustainability initiatives while improving passenger dining experiences across short-haul and long-haul flights.

Introduction

Airline catering has evolved significantly since its inception in the early 20th century. Initially, meals were simple and served in basic containers. However, as air travel became more prevalent, the complexity of in-flight meal services increased. Logistics, food safety, and passenger satisfaction became paramount considerations. British Airways (BA), as a leading global airline, has consistently prioritized these factors, seeking innovative solutions to enhance the in-flight dining experience.

One such solution is the adoption of Disposable Crystalline Polyethylene Terephthalate (CPET) trays. These trays have become a preferred choice for BA due to their numerous advantages in terms of heat resistance, durability, and environmental sustainability. This article delves into the reasons behind British Airways’ preference for CPET trays, exploring their benefits, applications, and the challenges associated with their use.

Understanding CPET

Chemical Structure and Physical Properties

CPET is a thermoplastic polymer derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Through a crystallization process, CPET achieves enhanced heat resistance and structural integrity compared to standard PET. This crystallization imparts a higher melting point, allowing CPET to withstand temperatures up to 230°C without deformation.

The material’s crystalline structure also contributes to its rigidity and resistance to impact, making it suitable for applications where durability is essential. Additionally, CPET exhibits excellent barrier properties, protecting food from external contaminants and preserving its freshness.

Food Safety Certifications

CPET trays comply with international food safety standards, including those set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union’s food contact regulations. These certifications ensure that CPET trays are safe for direct contact with food, do not leach harmful substances, and maintain the integrity of the food they contain .

Advantages of CPET Trays for British Airways

Heat Resistance and Microwave Compatibility

CPET trays can withstand temperatures up to 230°C, making them ideal for reheating meals in onboard ovens without the risk of warping or releasing harmful substances . This heat resistance ensures that meals retain their quality and taste, providing passengers with a satisfying dining experience.

Moreover, CPET trays are microwave-safe, allowing for quick and efficient reheating of meals, which is crucial in the fast-paced environment of airline catering.

Durability and Leak Resistance

The robust nature of CPET trays ensures that they can withstand the rigors of handling, stacking, and transport without compromising their structural integrity. This durability is essential in preventing leaks and spills, which can lead to food contamination and customer dissatisfaction.

Additionally, CPET trays are resistant to grease and moisture, further enhancing their suitability for containing a wide variety of foods, including those with high fat content or liquid components .

Environmental Benefits

CPET trays are recyclable, contributing to the reduction of waste and the promotion of sustainability within the airline industry. Many CPET trays are made from recycled PET, supporting the circular economy and reducing the demand for virgin plastic .

Furthermore, the lightweight nature of CPET trays reduces the overall weight of meals, leading to lower fuel consumption during flights and a decrease in the airline’s carbon footprint.

Food Presentation and Portion Control

The clear, glossy surface of CPET trays enhances the visual appeal of meals, making them more appetizing to passengers. The design of CPET trays allows for effective portion control, helping airlines manage food costs and reduce waste.

Additionally, CPET trays can be customized with airline branding, adding a professional touch to the in-flight dining experience and reinforcing brand identity.

Applications in Airline Catering

Short-Haul vs. Long-Haul Flights

On short-haul flights, where meal preparation time is limited, CPET trays facilitate quick and efficient reheating, ensuring that meals are served promptly and at the optimal temperature. On long-haul flights, CPET trays maintain the quality of meals over extended periods, providing passengers with a consistent dining experience throughout the journey.

First Class vs. Economy Class

In First Class, where passengers expect premium services, CPET trays are used to present gourmet meals in an elegant and appealing manner. In Economy Class, CPET trays ensure that meals are served efficiently and maintain their quality, enhancing passenger satisfaction across all service classes.

Meal Types and Packaging Solutions

CPET trays are versatile and can accommodate a wide range of meal types, including hot entrées, salads, and desserts. Their design allows for effective segregation of different food components, preserving the integrity and presentation of each item.

The use of CPET trays streamlines catering operations by reducing the need for additional packaging materials and simplifying the reheating process, leading to improved efficiency and reduced food waste.

Comparative Analysis: CPET vs. Other Materials

Feature	CPET	PET	Aluminum	PP
Heat Resistance	Up to 230°C	Up to 70°C	Up to 250°C	Up to 120°C
Microwave Safe	Yes	Yes	No	No
Oven Safe	Yes	No	Yes	No
Recyclability	High	Moderate	Low	Moderate
Durability	High	Moderate	High	Low
Leak Resistance	High	Moderate	High	Low
Environmental Impact	Low (recycled content)	Moderate	High	Moderate

CPET trays offer a balance between heat resistance, recyclability, and durability, making them a preferred choice over PET and aluminum in many applications.

Challenges and Considerations

While CPET trays offer numerous benefits, they also present certain challenges. The manufacturing process for CPET trays can be energy-intensive, and the availability of recycled PET material can vary. Additionally, the cost of CPET trays may be higher than that of other materials, which could impact budget considerations for airlines.

Furthermore, the widespread adoption of CPET trays requires coordination across the airline’s supply chain, including suppliers, caterers, and ground handling staff, to ensure consistent quality and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is CPET?

CPET stands for Crystalline Polyethylene Terephthalate, a thermoplastic material known for its heat resistance and durability.

Q2: Can CPET trays be used in the microwave?

Yes, CPET trays are microwave-safe and can withstand high temperatures without warping or releasing harmful substances.

Q3: Are CPET trays recyclable?

Yes, CPET trays are recyclable and are often made from up to 70% post-consumer recycled content.

Q4: What are the temperature limits for CPET trays?

CPET trays can withstand temperatures up to 230°C without warping or releasing harmful substances.

Q5: How do CPET trays compare to other materials?

CPET trays offer a balance between heat resistance, recyclability, and durability, making them a preferred choice over PET and aluminum in many applications.

Conclusion

Disposable CPET trays provide a combination of heat resistance, durability, and environmental benefits that make them an ideal choice for airline catering. Their ability to withstand high temperatures, maintain food quality, and align with sustainability goals positions CPET trays as a preferred option in the aviation industry.

British Airways’ commitment to innovation and passenger satisfaction is reflected in its adoption of CPET trays, which enhance the in-flight dining experience while supporting the airline’s sustainability initiatives.