APEX announces cabin sustainability rating programme

Aviation is striving to be greener, with many new products being launched that promise to enable more sustainable choices in the cabin. The breadth of choices and claims makes the task of selecting the right product – the most sustainable product – a difficult task for airlines.

A solution may have appeared, as the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) has partnered with SimpliFlying to launch a programme for airlines called APEX Greener powered by SimpliFlying. The initiative aims to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint and alleviate the impact of air travel on the environment, while helping airlines choose greener products without adding costs.

This programme is offered by APEX for free to both APEX and IFSA (International Flight Services Association) airline members and provides a shared airline industry database of in-flight airline products, together with an APEX Greener rating. Every in-flight airline product is examined across its complete lifecycle. from sustainable sourcing, production emissions, benefits of any weight reduction, the amount of recycled material used in its manufacture, recyclability, and end-of-life disposal.

APEX says that technology developed by Finch, which uses a scoring system powered by scientific research and unique insights, allows this programme to assess and certify sustainable products with a high degree of accuracy and effectiveness.

“Aviation is not green, but we all have a responsibility to make it greener,” said APEX/IFSA CEO Dr Joe Leader. “APEX Greener powered by SimpliFlying is a step in the right direction by focusing our airlines on in-flight products that are better for both our industry and our world. APEX Greener eliminates redundant airline sustainability verification expenses by fully leveraging our ability to openly share information as a trade association.”

APEX Greener powered by SimpliFlying is designed to meet the latest EU standards for green certification labelling, with in-depth details behind every unique QR product code. In addition, all certified products are highlighted to airlines in the APEX Aircraft Interiors Database powered by CAPA-Centre of Aviation, which is a source of market intelligence for the aviation and travel industry, helping airlines decide which greener products to use and promote to their passengers.