While many airline travellers do not expect their in-flight meals to be served on fine bone china, they do expect a certain standard when paying extra for the perks of travelling in premium economy.

So, the decision by Singapore Airlines to extend changes to its serviceware for both economy and premium economy passengers hasn’t received widespread praise – despite its priority being sustainability.

Hot meals on board are now served in a paper box, part of a trial by the airline to reduce its plastic use, with bamboo cutlery replacing the usual metal. The changes were initially believed to be only affecting regional routes and economy customers, but the airline has extended the trial to cover long-haul routes from Singapore to London and San Francisco, with premium economy passengers also hit.

Passengers have vented their feelings on social media sites including Facebook, labelling the servicewear “cheap”, and arguing that the airline should use “proper crockery in Premium economy like other airlines”.

However, Singapore Airlines vice-president for customer experience, Yeoh Phee Teik, was at pains to point out the new servicewear was actually more expensive than the items previously used, and it improved food quality and options.

“By having a secure lid instead of the aluminium foil cover, the new servicewear is able to better retain heat and moisture, helping to enhance the taste and texture of our main courses,” he said. “The lid also allows us to offer our customers soup and gravy-based dishes which were previously not available in premium economy and economy.”

But the main point of the changes, according to the airline, was to “help reduce the amount of single-use plastics on board the aircraft”.