Iberia trials RECARO’s newest sustainable economy seat on A320neo
April 2, 2026
Spanish flag carrier Iberia will trial new sustainable aircraft seating developed by RECARO Aircraft Seating, which combines recycled materials and natural design elements, in the cabin of one of its narrowbodies.
As part of a six-month trial to be conducted this spring, 186 of RECARO’s R1 and R2 economy seat platforms will be installed on an Airbus A320neo. The trial marks the first time RECARO has installed its newly certified sustainable seating materials on an operational aircraft.
Airline seats made from natural materials and recycled fishing nets
The most visible feature passengers may notice is the redesigned literature pocket made from upcycled fishing nets recovered from the ocean. The nets are processed and repurposed into durable literature pockets used in the seat structure. A full shipset of seats on an A320 removes approximately two kilograms of discarded fishing net material from the environment, according to RECARO.
The seats also feature real wood inlay as part of the seat bumper to reduce reliance on synthetic materials while maintaining durability and aesthetics in high-traffic environments.
RECARO developed the materials through a step-by-step process that included mock-up development, qualification testing and final certification for use in aircraft cabins.
Dr Mark Hiller, CEO of RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holding, said the collaboration demonstrates how sustainability and passenger experience can evolve together.
“With these seats, we were able to combine innovation with ingenious design and sustainability,” Hiller said. “We are very proud of this step in bringing more sustainable seating options to the cabin and partnering with Iberia as our trial customer. This collaboration is a genuine testament to our shared aspiration for a more sustainable future in aviation.”
A more sustainable Iberia A320neo cabin
The Iberia trial will involve a mix of both RECARO R1 and R2 economy platforms. Both seat models are designed for single-aisle aircraft and balance lightweight construction with passenger comfort.
According to aeroLOPA data, Iberia’s Airbus A320neo cabins are currently equipped with B/E Aerospace Pinnacle leather upholstered seats with adjustable headrests in business class (rows 1 to 6). And non-reclining RECARO SL3510 slimline seats in the Turista main cabin.
If the trial proves successful, these more sustainable materials and design features could influence future cabin installations.
Linked to RECARO’s sustainable concept seat
The materials featured in the Iberia trial originate from the design of RECARO’s R Sphere Sustainable Concept Seat, a prototype which reduces the environmental footprint of aircraft seating.
The concept incorporates recyclable components, bio-based materials and design approaches intended to simplify disassembly and recycling at the end of a seat’s life cycle. RECARO’s R Sphere modular aircraft seat saves around 1.5 kg per passenger, reducing CO₂ emissions by around 55 tons annually per single-aisle aircraft.
Sustainable materials employed in the seat include dress covers made from recyclable eco-fabric, literature pockets from reclaimed fishing nets, real wood inlays, and backrests made from a sugarcane-based composite.
The R Sphere seat made the shortlist in the sustainable cabin category for the 2026 Crystal Cabin Awards. Winners will be announced during a special ceremony at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg on April 14.
RECARO has committed to adding more certified sustainable materials in its seat manufacturing through ongoing research and development programs, as airlines look for new ways to reduce the environmental impact of their cabin interiors.
Featured Image: RECARO
