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Circular Cruising: Circular packaging concepts for cruises

The aim of the project is to reduce packaging waste in the cruise industry by applying the principles of the circular economy. In cooperation with TUI Cruises and EPEA, current material flows are being surveyed and analysed, more sustainable packaging concepts are being developed and tested and industry-specific recommendations for action for long-term waste avoidance are being provided.

Project Goals

  • Analysis of current packaging material flows and identification of optimization potentials
  • Development of a concept to increase the use of circular packaging with the aim of reducing waste
  • Testing the concept in cooperation with TUI Cruises and suppliers
  • Transfer to the industry by Futouris: publication and dissemination of recommendations for the implementation of circular economy approaches to reduce packaging waste in the cruise and hotel sector

Circular packaging concepts for cruises

Reducing resource consumption and environmental pollution is one of the biggest challenges for a more sustainable travel industry. So far, little focus has been placed on the issue of packaging waste. This is precisely where this innovative project comes in: With a clear focus on minimising packaging waste in the tourism industry, especially on board cruise ships.

At the centre of the project is the application of circular economy principles to significantly reduce packaging waste and the consumption of materials and resources. In collaboration with the expert partner EPEA, problematic packaging flows on board are identified and practical circular concepts for packaging are developed. Clearly defined key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to measure progress.

The requirements and perspectives of TUI Cruises and its partners and suppliers are integrated into the development process right from the start of the project. In a pilot test, the developed concept will be trialled on board a TUI Cruises cruise ship in order to test in practice which approaches work and where adjustments are necessary.

The overarching goal of the project is to provide successful approaches in the form of general recommendations for action for the entire cruise and hotel industry in order to contribute to waste avoidance in the travel industry in the long term and thus sustainably improve the environmental balance of the entire industry.

 

Aktivitäten im Projekt

1. Survey of the status quo & identification of potential for improvement

  • Creating an overview of the current procurement and waste management processes as well as the materials used, including a rough balance sheet by mass and environmental impact
  • Analysing purchasing lists, waste balances, studies and surveys
  • Conducting and analysing interviews with employees
  • Workshop to present and evaluate the results
  • Selection of prioritised, problematic packaging material streams

2. Development of a concept to increase the use of circular packaging

  • Development of specific alternative materials, alternative processes (purchasing/waste), dialogue with suppliers
  • Sustainability analysis of the alternatives compared to the status quo
  • Finalisation of the concept, taking into account practical requirements and feasibility on board

3. Resting of the final concept with TUI Cruises and suppliers

  • Realisation of a test run with developed prototypes on board a cruise ship
  • Survey of employees/suppliers on practical suitability, identification of optimisation potential
  • Measuring success based on the developed KPIs
  • Evaluation of long-term feasibility and transferability to other ships and fleets

4. Industry transfer

  • Derivation of general recommendations for action for the industry
  • Communication of the project results and provision of generic recommendations for action for the entire industry

“As part of our WASTELESS programme, we have already been working intensively on reducing waste on board for many years. With this project, we are taking the next step towards a circular future for the cruise industry. Our aim is to identify innovative packaging solutions that can be used in the specific circumstances on board and reduce waste, conserve resources sustainably and minimise environmental impact.”

– Victoria Müller, Sustainability Manager, TUI Cruises

Project Profile