Hoogstraten, Belgium, 4 August 2026 – deSter, a leading provider of sustainable and innovative packaging, tableware and comfort items for the aviation and foodservice industries, today released its fourth annual Sustainability Report. Covering performance and progress throughout 2025, the report shows how sustainability continues to shape decision-making, innovation and long-term growth across the company.
For President and Managing Director Stef Van de Perre, 2025 was a year defined by transformation and resilience.
“2025 was a year of significant change, both within our organization and in the world around us. Yet throughout this period, sustainability remained central to our strategy and future. More than ever before, sustainability is shaping the decisions we make, the way we operate and how we create value for our customers.”
The report highlights how sustainability is increasingly embedded in everyday business practices across deSter through its PeoplePlanetProduct strategy.
Key achievements in 2025 include:
- Continued expansion of innovative reusable and fiber-based product solutions for the aviation and foodservice industries
- 95% of packaging revenue generated from reusable, recyclable or compostable solutions
- 100% ISO 14001 certification across all manufacturing sites
- A 58% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with 2019
- Continued improvements in health and safety across manufacturing sites, including ISO 45001 certifications
- Received the Red Dot Award: Product Design for Etihad Airways’ reusable Economy Class tableware
During the year, deSter continued investing in employee development, safety, well-being and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, while maintaining stable retention levels. The company also further expanded its portfolio of paper-based concepts and reusable systems, supporting customers across the airline, event and foodservice sectors in achieving their own sustainability goals.
On the environmental front, deSter continued to improve its approach to waste, water and chemicals, while investing in renewable energy and operational efficiency. Key milestones included the implementation of solar power at its Prachinburi facility and the approval of a major solar project in Hoogstraten.
The company also strengthened the governance supporting its sustainability ambitions through the introduction of regional Business Risk & Compliance Committees and the further integration of ESG objectives across the organization. Together, these initiatives have helped make deSter better prepared for future regulations and evolving market expectations, more resilient through stronger processes and partnerships, and better positioned for long-term growth.
Looking ahead, deSter will continue focusing on circular product solutions, renewable energy, responsible sourcing and reducing value-chain emissions, while further embedding sustainability into day-to-day business decision-making.
Van de Perre concludes:
“Sustainability is not simply about meeting expectations. It is about building a stronger business that is ready for the future. I am proud of the progress we made and confident that together we will continue making that vision a reality.”
The full deSter Sustainability Report 2025 is available here.
Media Inquiries
deSter communications
dester.communications@gategroup.com
About deSter
deSter, a gategroup member, is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable food packaging and serviceware concepts to the aviation, hospitality, and foodservice industries.
The company combines 75 years of manufacturing expertise with the latest production technology and material developments. deSter has production units in Hoogstraten (BE), Barcelona (ES), Lima (US), and Prachinburi (TH), in addition to global sales offices. www.dester.com
About gategroup
gategroup is the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board and hospitality products and services. gategroup provides passengers with superior culinary and retail experiences, leveraging innovation and advanced technology solutions. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, gategroup delivers operational excellence through the most extensive catering network in the aviation industry, serving passengers from over 200 operating units in over 60 countries/territories across all continents. For further information, please visit: www.gategroup.com