ULD Care has announced the official endorsement of the innovative ULD Climate Impact Label at its annual conference in Istanbul. This initiative, developed in close collaboration with a selection of leading ULD Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), pooling company and airlines (amongst them KLM and ACL Airshop), sets a new standard for environmental sustainability within the air cargo industry. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed during the conference, solidifying the commitment of key stakeholders to the widespread adoption and implementation of the label.

The ULD Climate Impact Label provides a transparent and easily understandable system for evaluating the environmental impact of ULDs. The initial concept is focused on three key factors:

• Weight: Reduced ULD weight directly translates to lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2e emissions during air freight operations.
• Spare Part Availability: Ensuring the long-term availability of spare parts extends the lifespan of ULDs, minimizing the need for frequent replacements and thereby reducing waste and environmental impact.
• Second-Life Potential: The label assesses the recyclability and reusability of ULD materials at the end of their operational life, encouraging responsible end-of-life management and resource optimization.

The comprehensive evaluation of these three core elements offers a holistic view of a ULD’s overall environmental footprint, enabling more informed purchasing decisions and promoting a shift towards more sustainable practices. The label is designed to be user-friendly, easily accessible, and readily integrated into existing procurement processes.

The MOU signed at the Istanbul conference reflects the shared commitment of the participating ULD OEMs and ULD CARE to collectively drive the adoption of the ULD Climate Impact Label. This significant step demonstrates the industry’s growing commitment to environmental responsibility and acknowledges the crucial role of ULDs in minimizing air freight’s carbon footprint. Participating OEMs include:

• Aerotuf
• AmSafe Bridport / Nordisk Aviation
• AviusULD
• Palnet GmbH Air Cargo products
• Satco Inc.
• Taiwan Fylin Industrial Co. Ltd.
• VRR

The phased rollout of the ULD Climate Impact Label will commence with a primary focus on AKEs (Aircraft Lower Deck Containers), gradually expanding to other ULD types in future phases. Future considerations are as well:

• Central authority and documentation system: Establishment of a central body to manage the label and its documentation.
• Inclusion of ULD lifecycle emissions, repairability, and durability: These factors are currently excluded but will be considered for future versions of the label. The challenges in accurately measuring these aspects currently prevent their inclusion

“The ULD Climate Impact Label represents a significant leap towards a more sustainable air cargo industry,” said Urs Wiesendanger – President. “By providing a clear and accessible framework for assessing and comparing the environmental impact of ULDs, we empower both OEMs and ULD operators to make informed decisions that minimize their carbon footprint. We’re excited to launch this initiative in partnership with leading industry players, driving collective action towards a greener future for airfreight.”

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