This innovation sets new standards for more sustainability, efficiency, and circular economy principles in aircraft cabin design. The Crystal Cabin Award's Sustainable Cabin category honors innovations that redefine environmental responsibility in aircraft interiors. Entries in this category focus on reducing CO₂ emissions, minimizing waste, and enhancing resource efficiency while maintaining a high level of passenger comfort and experience.
A Breakthrough in More Sustainable Cabin Solutions
The ECO Bin is made from a specially developed lightweight thermoplastic sandwich material, offering weight reductions that lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Unlike conventional duroplast materials, which are non-recyclable, thermoplastics can be easily shredded, melted down, and reused for components such as brackets or as parts of window frames.
This innovation cuts CO2 emissions during production, reduces material waste by two-thirds, and is manufactured through an energy-efficient continuous process, which significantly accelerates production compared to traditional methods.
Designed for Circularity and Easy Recycling
The ECO Bin simplifies dismantling and recycling by using just two primary materials: Reinforced thermoplastics for the structure and metal for hardware (e.g., handles, hinges, and screws).
By eliminating adhesives and complex multi-material components, the ECO Bin makes disassembly easy, ensuring that minimal waste is generated during production or at the end of its lifecycle. Its closed-loop design allows thermoplastic material to be reused for new aircraft components, further advancing sustainability in aviation.
Additionally, the ECO Bin meets the Flame, Smoke, and Toxicity (FST) regulations, ensuring high safety standards while contributing to a more sustainable cabin environment.
"With the ECO Bin, we are taking a decisive step toward more sustainable aviation," said Jörg Schuler, CEO of Diehl Aviation. "This award reinforces our commitment to pioneering innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest industry standards."
The industrialization of the ECO Bin is planned for 2026, marking a significant milestone in the aviation industry’s transition toward ambitious climate goals. By introducing fully recyclable cabin components, Diehl Aviation is helping airlines reduce their environmental footprint while improving efficiency and circularity in aircraft interiors.
About Diehl Aviation
Diehl Aviation is a global partner for the aviation industry. The supplier is recognized as a pioneer, driving innovation and enabling the future of flying. Diehl Aviation aims to make travel safer and more comfortable, save valuable resources, and present ground-breaking solutions to customers in all business areas. Diehl Aviation is a corporate division of Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG. Diehl Aviation (including Diehl Aerospace, a joint venture with Thales) is a leading system supplier of aircraft system and cabin solutions and currently has over 5,200 employees. Its customers include leading aircraft manufacturers Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, and Embraer, military partners, manufacturers of eVTOL aircraft, and airlines and operators of commercial and business aircraft worldwide.
