Trends | May 28, 2024

Circular Economy: Every Action is a Step Towards a Greener Future

In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, the circular economy emerges as a beacon of hope, particularly within the hospitality industry. This sector holds significant potential to impact both the economy and the environment.

At the forefront of Iberostar’s commitment to sustainability, the company has introduced a solid circular economy framework, positioning itself as a frontrunner in the global tourism sector. This family business has actively adopted recycling management principles into its daily operations, achieving remarkable milestones such as reducing waste sent to landfill by 56% since 2021  and reducing scope emissions by 12.4% since 2019. These achievements are more than mere statistics; they signify the company’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

At the forefront of environmental stewardship, Iberostar has established 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) departments at its hotels. This strategic move underscores the company's aim to become waste-free by 2025 and reflects a broader ambition to influence positive change within the tourism sector.

The journey towards sustainability is highlighted by our bold decision to eliminate single-use plastics from all our hotels since 2020, setting a new standard for sustainability in tourism. This initiative is a pivotal aspect of Iberostar's circular economy model, seeking to minimize environmental impact, foster a culture of resourcefulness and innovation, and encourage guests and the industry to reconsider their use of plastics.

Innovation and collaboration are the cornerstone of our hotel’s approach, with cutting-edge solutions being implemented to tackle waste management challenges. Collaborations with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders have amplified the impact of these initiatives. Iberostar’s Circular Economy Roadmap invites the entire industry to embrace circular thinking, stimulate innovation, and foster collaborations that transcend traditional boundaries. 

Our pioneering path emphasizes cultivating partnerships, fostering product innovation, and transitioning towards regenerative practices in food and services. It’s a comprehensive plan that addresses the entire value chain, from energy and waste management to ecosystem services and destination stewardship. This transcends the traditional “take-make-waste” industrial model, envisioning waste as a resource, energy consumption as an opportunity for efficiency, and every aspect of hotel operations as a chance to innovate for the planet’s well-being.

The path to circularity is fraught with challenges, and each challenge is an opportunity. Innovative waste management solutions are not only environmental imperatives but also avenues for economic optimization and customer engagement.

These endeavors go beyond corporate duty. They embody a forward-thinking business philosophy and serve as a beacon for the entire hospitality sector. They demonstrate that comfort and environmental action are not mutually exclusive but can harmoniously coexist, offering patrons an accommodation experience that not only meets their expectations but also aligns with the need to care for our planet and our oceans.