LAWA urge sellers to replace SUP water bottles with sustainable alternatives like aluminium

Passengers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) are advised to carry their reusable water bottles and fill them up at one of the numerous hydration stations. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has prohibited merchants from selling single-use plastic (SUP) water bottles at LAX and VNY.

LAWA and enterprises with leasing or concession agreements at LAX and VNY are expected to replace SUP water bottles with recyclable aluminium or glass containers. July's peak summer travel month is projected to generate roughly seven million passengers, making it the biggest month for LAX.

"We encourage our guests to help us reach our goal of eliminating plastic waste at the airport by bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it up at one of our many hydration stations. Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles is essential to improving our environment and enhancing sustainability across our airports," stated Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA.

The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) unanimously agreed in June 2021 to phase out SUP water bottles by June 30, 2023. The two-year delay was intended to allow airport companies to exhaust existing SUP water bottle inventory and alter purchase contracts before converting to compliant items.

The guideline applies to vending machine suppliers, airport activities, restaurants, concessions, and lounges. The regulation applies to pre-packaged SUP bottles of all sizes containing non-carbonated and unflavored pure water, spring water, mineral water, artesian water, well water, tap water, and electrolyte-enhanced water, except bottled water provided aboard aeroplanes.

In preparation for the SUP water bottle ban, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power collaborated with LAWA to establish more drinking water hydration stations across LAX's terminals. LAWA's Sustainability Action Plan, which includes initiatives for LAX and VNY, aims for net zero in the following categories by 2045:

• No potable water used for non-potable purposes
• Zero carbon emissions from LAWA operations
• 100% renewable power

"The climate crisis is a great challenge facing our city, and phasing out single-use plastic water bottles at LAWA facilities is an important step to reducing our environmental footprint and protecting the health and livelihood of all Angelenos. I want to thank LAWA for serving as a leader among airports around the world working to achieve a more sustainable future, "said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.