MNH/Linstol has collaborated with Plastic Bank to introduce Social Plastic (collected and recycled plastic waste) into the production of new Business and Economy class headsets for Virgin Atlantic and we are proud to feature in the 2025 Onboard Hospitality Awards: Best for Sustainability Onboard.
The Onboard Hospitality Awards are one of the highlights of the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) which takes place in Hamburg each year and celebrates excellence and innovation in air, rail and cruise.
For more information about Virgin Atlantic's new Economy and Business Class Headset incorporation Social Plastic visit www.onboardhospitality.com and don't forget to VOTE NOW. You'll need to vote for one submission in each category for your voting to count (and subscribe to their database) - hurry voting closes on 21st January!
Finalists, chosen through these votes, will be announced in the next issue of Onboard Hospitality and presented to a panel of expert judges. Winners will be announced in late March online, and celebrated at our awards reception in Hamburg on 8th April 2025.
VOTE NOW for Virgin Atlantic's new Economy and Business Class Headset refurbished by MNH Sustainable Cabin Services.
As pioneers of headset refurbishment programmes, MNH ensures that each returned headset undergoes a 100% audio test, pad replacement and cord untangling, before being repacked in plastic-free materials. This ensures high-quality, pristine products are reintegrated into the supply chain, significantly reducing e-waste and the need for new stock.
Refurbishment extends the lifespan and diverts all waste from landfill at the end of life, whilst enhancing the passenger experience with a premium quality headset. The partnership has helped remove the onboard single-use plastic bag with the introduction of a recyclable, paper wrap securing the headset. This doubles up as a charity envelope to encourage donations.
All headsets are robust enough to hold up under multiple refurbishment cycles, reducing unnecessary new stock. They are fully compliant with mandatory UK/EU safety regulations such as RoHS to protect both the airline and passengers. Refurbishment reduces waste, cuts the need for new stock and minimises carbon footprints, supporting both the EU’s sustainable resource efficiency goals and the UN’s SDG12. By using plastic-free and recyclable packaging, the companies are reducing single-use plastics, aligning with GRI306 on waste management.
Through the performance management platform, ROTIX®, MNH/Linstol optimises usage, reduces leakage and enhances refurbishment longevity. And while a reduced unit price may look tempting, if the headsets aren’t durable, it leads to higher costs in the long-term due to quality issues and increased stock levels.
Through its partnership with Plastic Bank, it is intercepting ocean-bound plastic by directly supporting plastic waste collectors, recycling it and transforming it into sustainable onboard headsets. Over the next year, Virgin Atlantic will utilise an estimated 11,240kgs of Social Plastic in its headset production; equal to preventing 562,000 plastic bottles reaching our oceans.
MNH/Linstol has supported Virgin Atlantic’s sustainability targets for over 25 years; this new rotable headset, incorporating Social Plastic, is the perfect mix of sound and environmental performance.
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