Sustaining aviation: A decision-tree framework for recycling aircraft cabin interiors

The aviation industry faces pressure to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining cost efficiency, regulatory and safety compliance. This research investigates how recyclability, as a key strategy within circular economy principles, can be implemented for aircraft interior parts. Employing a multi-method approach, including literature analysis, field research, stakeholder interviews, and a case study, this research identifies critical enablers and barriers to recycling aircraft interior parts. The findings demonstrate that recycled materials can meet key fire safety standards, supporting their potential for reuse in safety-relevant aircraft applications. A decision-tree framework was developed to assess the recycling potential of interior parts across maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. The research concludes that advancing recyclability within aircraft interiors aligns with circular economy ambitions and is both technically feasible and economically advantageous, offering a scalable pathway to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency in the aviation sector. • Develops a decision-tree framework for recycling aircraft cabin interior parts. • Integrates circular-economy principles into MRO-level recycling decision-making. • Validates framework through industry interviews and a pilot case study. • Adds economic viability as a key factor in recycling feasibility assessment. • Supports sustainable aviation through closed-loop and localised recycling strategies.