| MSC plastic initiative

MSC Cruises has signed a new maritime single-use plastic charter, an initiative of the UK Chamber of Shipping, which aims to scrap the use of single-use plastics by the end of 2021.

The charter, which goes beyond the Government of the UK’s targets, is hoped to encourage more organisations to do more to combat single-use plastics, said MSC Director of Sustainability Linden Coppell (pictured).

“According to research by the British Government, 80% of plastic enters the marine environment from land-based sources, especially via rivers, but clearly all of us in the shipping community must play our part,” she said.

MSC last year eliminated 97 million items of plastic after identifying nearly 40,000 single-use plastic items in its hotel operations, shops, restaurants and kitchens.

Nearly 20 million plastic straws were replaced in the year, including 9m compostable straws and plastic coverings for more than 10,000 sunbeds.

A total of 12 tonnes of plastic packaging for dishwater detergents was also replaced with eco-friendly alternatives.