WTCE unveils 2026 Steps to Sustainability line-up highlighting innovation across onboard catering

The organisers of World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) have revealed the exhibitor line-up for the 2026 edition of the Steps to Sustainability show feature, highlighting companies delivering practical, scalable solutions to reduce environmental impact across onboard catering and inflight services.

Developed with the support of WTCE Sustainability Ambassador and co-founder of the Aviation Sustainability Forum, Matt Crane, the initiative will once again guide visitors to exhibitors whose products, materials and processes demonstrate meaningful progress toward a more sustainable onboard ecosystem. The curated feature will spotlight innovations spanning circular materials, waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, lightweight design, electrification and transparent carbon measurement.

The trail will include a diverse group of suppliers from across the global inflight supply chain, including Banana Cph, Boncafe International, Bottega, Clip Limited, Dibella, Global-C, Linstol, Pain de Minuit, RMT Global Partners, Snackbox to Go, The Barista Cup, Castello Monte Vibiano, EURO-GOODNIGHT S.L., Korita Aviation, Mallaghan, Pimentae, Procurall Solutions and Global Inflight Products.

Among the innovations visitors can discover are products created from rescued food ingredients, ocean-recovered plastics and recycled textiles; compostable service ware made from agricultural by-products; modular inflight equipment designed for repair and longevity; lightweight galley equipment that reduces aircraft fuel burn; and fully electric ground catering vehicles supporting airport electrification.

Circular economy thinking is a strong theme across this year’s feature. Several exhibitors are showcasing solutions that repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste – from surplus bread transformed into craft beer and overripe bananas turned into plant-based desserts, to recycled PET bottles converted into onboard textiles. Others are addressing some of aviation’s most persistent waste challenges through modular product design, recyclable materials, and alternatives to single-use plastics.

In addition to materials innovation, many of the participating companies are also demonstrating broader sustainability strategies across their operations and supply chains, including certified sustainable sourcing, transparent emissions reporting, and collaborative programmes that help airline customers measure and reduce the environmental footprint of onboard products.

Matt Crane, WTCE Sustainability Ambassador, said: “Steps to Sustainability is about recognising companies that are not just talking about sustainability but actively building it into their products, supply chains and business models. The exhibitors featured this year demonstrate how innovation – whether through circular materials, waste reduction or lightweight design – can deliver real environmental benefits while also creating value for airlines and passengers. It’s encouraging to see such a diverse range of practical solutions emerging across the onboard sector.”

Shona Thomson, Event Manager for WTCE, added: “Sustainability remains one of the most important priorities for the aviation and onboard services industry. The Steps to Sustainability trail helps visitors quickly identify suppliers that are making meaningful progress in this space. From materials innovation to new service concepts and operational efficiencies, the 2026 line-up shows just how much creativity and commitment exists across our exhibitor community.”

Visitors to WTCE 2026 will be able to follow the Steps to Sustainability trail across the show floor, discovering the featured companies and learning more about the technologies, products and partnerships helping shape a more sustainable future for inflight hospitality.

WTCE will be taking place at the Hamburg Messe from 14-16 April 2026 and will come together to provide passenger experience professionals with the opportunity to network and explore new products, services and solutions.

For more information on World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo 2026 and to register for free, please visit: https://www.worldtravelcateringexpo.com/en-gb.html