Cathay Dining Launches Groundbreaking Warewash System to Support Food Waste Recycling and Cut Utility Consumption

(IN SHORT) Cathay Dining has unveiled its newly redesigned warewash system, marking the first airline caterer in Hong Kong to support the recycling of inbound food waste. The system boosts food waste recycling capacity by 200%, reduces utility consumption by up to 70%, and significantly enhances workplace safety with new anti-slip flooring and improved ventilation. This investment reinforces Cathay Dining’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, aligning with the Cathay Group’s broader environmental goals.

(PRESS RELEASE) HONG KONG, 2025-May-29 — /Travel PR News/ — Cathay Dining, a subsidiary of the Cathay Group and a leading flight kitchen, is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned warewash system, marking a significant milestone as the first airline caterer in Hong Kong to support the recycling of inbound food waste. This major investment underscores Cathay Dining’s dedication to sustainability and operational excellence, reinforcing the Cathay Group’s leadership in these areas.

“We are thrilled to lead the charge in sustainable practices and operational excellence within the inflight dining industry,” said Agatha Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Dining. “This new system, with its innovative food waste segregation design and focus on reducing utility consumption, sets the stage for future-proofing our operations while meeting the evolving needs of our customers. Recycling inbound food waste is just one example of how we are integrating sustainability into our operations.”

 

A New Benchmark in Food Waste Recycling and Utility Consumption

The introduction of the new inbound food waste collection and recycling system has resulted in a 200% increase in food waste recycling capacity, demonstrating Cathay Dining’s commitment to environmental responsibility and advancing waste management practices. The redesigned system incorporates dedicated conveyors and compactors to segregate food waste from general waste, making recycling more efficient.

The segregated food waste is then sent to the nearby Organic Resources Recovery Centre (O·PARK), where it undergoes anaerobic digestion to generate electricity. The O·PARK facility is capable of processing up to 500 tonnes of food waste daily, generating enough surplus electricity to power approximately 8,000 households annually.

In addition to the food waste recycling improvements, the new system features a significant reduction in utility consumption. The redesign separates the stripping and washing processes, ensuring washers only operate when necessary. This innovative approach optimizes the use of washers, reducing electricity consumption by up to 70% and cutting water use by nearly 60% compared to the previous system.

Enhancing Operations and Workplace Safety

The new warewash system also addresses the dynamic demands of equipment washing, a common challenge in the industry. Multi-purpose washers in the redesigned system can handle different types of equipment simultaneously, increasing machine utilization by over 20%. The system also includes dedicated equipment washers and meal cart washers, providing a comprehensive and reliable solution to meet the needs of Cathay Dining’s operations.

Cathay Dining is also committed to the safety and well-being of its employees. To improve workplace safety, the installation of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) flooring with anti-slip properties, along with upgrades to lighting panels and the ventilation system, significantly reduces the risk of slips and falls, fostering a safer and more productive work environment.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability and Excellence

Through this innovative approach to warewashing and food waste recycling, Cathay Dining not only reinforces the Cathay Group’s sustainability efforts but also supports its goal of operational excellence. By adopting these cutting-edge solutions, Cathay Dining is demonstrating a holistic approach that benefits its team, customers, and the environment.

For more information about Cathay Dining, please visit www.cathaydining.com.

Media contact:
press@cathaypacific.com

SOURCE: Cathay Pacific Airways