The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has named Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) as the winner of the Corporate Category of the 2026 Air Cargo Sustainability Award, sponsored by CHAMP Cargosystems, highlighting growing momentum around circular economy solutions in global air freight.
The award was presented during the TIACA Executive Summit 2026 held in Warsaw, Poland, from 1–3 June, where more than 320 air cargo professionals gathered to discuss industry innovation, leadership and sustainability priorities.
Hactl was recognised for its project titled “Redefining Cargo Packaging Through Circular Materials”, which focuses on transforming air cargo packaging through aviation-grade polyethylene films made entirely from post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials.
The Hong Kong-based terminal has developed and laboratory-validated what is described as a cargo film made from 100% PCR material that still meets the mechanical and operational requirements needed in demanding air cargo handling environments. The initiative is designed to reduce plastic waste across the supply chain while encouraging broader adoption of circular packaging solutions across the sector.
Hactl said it is the first air cargo terminal globally to achieve this level of development and validation for such a material, positioning the project as a potential benchmark for scalable sustainability solutions in cargo operations.
TIACA emphasised that the initiative demonstrates how environmental objectives can be achieved without compromising operational performance. According to the association, the solution could support wider adoption across the global air cargo ecosystem if deployed at scale.
“This project shows the type of practical innovation that is needed to address sustainability challenges in aviation logistics and underscores the importance of combining innovation, collaboration and a willingness to move beyond traditional approaches,” said Roos Bakker, Chair of TIACA.
TIACA Director General Glyn Hughes said the submission was notable for its measurable environmental benefits and its ability to be scaled for broader application across the industry, and called it a good example of innovation that is designed for real-world deployment.
From the industry partner side, Manuel Galindo, CEO of CHAMP Cargosystems, said the initiative illustrates how environmental progress and operational efficiency can advance together. He noted that circular packaging solutions such as Hactl’s could play a key role in reducing the sector’s environmental footprint, particularly as collaboration across the air cargo ecosystem continues to deepen.
The recognition reinforces growing industry focus on practical sustainability initiatives that can be integrated directly into day-to-day cargo handling operations rather than remaining at pilot or concept stage.
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