Ethiopian Airlines turns food waste into green gold with new recycling partnership

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopian Airlines has signed a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding with Provectus Enterprising Inc. and Fusion Global Solutions to convert food and catering waste from its operations into biomass and other environmentally friendly products.

The agreement, formalized on 23 February 2026 in Addis Ababa, represents a significant step in the carrier’s commitment to circular economy practices and reducing its environmental footprint.

A Milestone for Sustainable Aviation in Africa

The signing ceremony drew international attention, with Cheryl Urban of Global Affairs Canada in attendance, underscoring the global significance of sustainable aviation initiatives on the continent.

As Africa’s largest aviation group serving more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations across five continents, Ethiopian Airlines generates substantial catering waste daily from its flights and airport lounges.

This partnership transforms what was once a disposal challenge into a valuable resource.

How the Partnership Works

Under the agreement, Provectus Enterprising Inc. and Fusion Global Solutions will work with Ethiopian Airlines to collect and process food and catering waste, converting it into biomass products that can be used for energy generation and other applications.

The process diverts waste from landfills, reduces methane emissions, and creates a circular system where resources are continuously reused rather than discarded.

For an airline operating across Africa’s diverse ecosystems, minimizing environmental impact while supporting local communities aligns perfectly with sustainability goals.

Aligned with Vision 2035 Strategy

The initiative forms a key component of Ethiopian’s Vision 2035 strategic plan, which emphasizes sustainable growth alongside network expansion.

By embedding environmental responsibility across its operations, the airline aims to set new standards for African aviation.

The partnership demonstrates that economic development and environmental stewardship can advance hand in hand, even in an industry as resource-intensive as aviation.

Expanding Pan-African Sustainability Efforts

As Ethiopian continues to expand its pan-African network, scalable sustainability solutions become increasingly critical.

This pilot program could serve as a template for similar initiatives at other hubs across the continent, amplifying its positive impact.

The involvement of international partners brings global best practices to African aviation, ensuring that solutions are both locally appropriate and globally competitive.

A Model for the Industry

For an industry under growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, Ethiopian’s proactive approach offers a compelling example.

Rather than waiting for regulation, the airline is voluntarily investing in circular economy solutions that deliver both environmental and operational benefits.

As travelers increasingly factor sustainability into their choices, such initiatives also enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty. Ethiopian Airlines is proving that African carriers can lead, not just follow, in the global transition to greener aviation.

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