When you’re running ground handling, cargo, catering and retail in over 35 countries across six continents, the margin for disruption is zero. dnata, one of the world’s leading air and travel services providers, keeps global aviation moving around the clock. Behind the scenes of that operation is a mountain of complexity: diverse waste streams, shifting compliance requirements, and logistics challenges that don’t wait for convenient timing.
Before Panda, dnata’s Dublin operations were already managing waste across a complex operational environment, with an opportunity to introduce a more streamlined and integrated approach. A cardboard baler overdue for an upgrade. A transition from Cat 1 to Cat 3 waste still to navigate. Brown bins that hadn’t yet been properly embedded into day-to-day operations. What dnata needed wasn’t just another supplier. They needed a partner who could see the full runway and help them take off from there.
That’s where Panda came in:
Zero disruption, major upgrades
Upgrading critical equipment in a live, fast-moving aviation environment isn’t simple. Neither is navigating the compliance requirements of a Cat 1 to Cat 3 waste transition. Panda managed both without a moment’s turbulence for dnata’s Dublin operations, delivering expert-led solutions that kept everything moving while making meaningful improvements in the background.
Closing the loop
Residual short haul waste in Dublin is now processed through Panda’s state-of-the-art facilities and converted to Solid Recovered Fuel where dnata’s organic waste is converted to energy. Cardboard recycling has grown by nearly 70% year-on-year, from 68kg in 2024 to 116kg in 2025, with figures set to exceed this progress in 2026. What was once a disposal challenge is now a circular system, a clear step forward for dnata’s waste diversion roadmap.
A seamless category transition
The move from Cat 1 to Cat 3 waste handling is now fully live, with over 20 tonnes processed in just four months, backed by Panda’s end-to-end service. What was once a compliance roadblock is now a point of pride.
“Panda helped us take a more structured approach to waste management. Their practical expertise supported our sustainability objectives and contributed to measurable results.”
– Michael Loughran, Head of Procurement and Sustainability, dnata Catering & Retail, Ireland
Key focus areas for dnata
Over the past 12 months, Panda’s partnership with dnata in Dublin has delivered significant, measurable improvements across the site. From rolling out brown bins across the full operation to navigating complex compliance milestones, this is a dynamic partnership that continues to push further in the right direction.
With cardboard recycling growing by nearly 70% year-on-year and organic waste now converted to energy, dnata’s waste diversion has taken a significant step forward. Panda’s expert guidance has been central to this, not just advising the team, but working alongside them at every stage to make lasting operational change happen.
Looking ahead, the focus turns to further optimising collections and reducing waste at source. With Panda’s CNG and electric vehicle fleet supporting lower-carbon collections, the journey towards a leaner operation is well and truly cleared for take-off.
Overcoming challenges
Aviation environments don’t slow down, and waste management challenges don’t either. From complex compliance transitions to equipment upgrades in live operations, Panda and dnata have shown what a true partnership looks like in practice: agile, collaborative, and always moving forward. Whatever the challenge, the right waste management partner doesn’t just manage waste. They manage change, navigate complexity, and make sure nothing is left on the runway.
Let’s talk
To find out how Panda can help your business take a first-class approach to waste management, get in touch with our team today.
