Plastic Free Balearics
Plastic Free Balearics is a certification launched in 2021 to incentivise the reduction of single-use plastic in the hospitality industry of the Balearic Islands. It helps businesses go beyond their legal obligations under the Balearic Waste Law and European regulations by offering useful tools to help them identify honest alternatives to single-use plastic, such as straws and packaging, and prioritise reusable options to help eliminate and/or reduce waste.
Implementation Period
Start year: 2021
Completion Year: ongoing
Completion Year: ongoing
Stakeholders and Partners
The certification was developed jointly by IbizaPreservation and Save the Med foundations, with cofunding from the association BeMed (Beyond Plastic Med). Following the conclusion of the pilot phase in 2021-2022, Save the Med now validates and issues the certifications with technical support from Plastic Free Ibiza & Formentera and Plastic Free Menorca. The University of the Balearic Islands has collaborated in its development and it has received plaudits from the Balearic Regional Government.
Themes
- Waste prevention
- Waste reduction
- Circular economy and 9Rs1
How this initiative contributes to zero waste.
Plastic Free Balearics promotes zero waste practices among the hospitality sector of the Balearic Islands, on of the territory's biggest generator's of waste, by incentivising the reduction and elimination of single-use plastics (SUP) and rewarding companies that opt for “honest”, less-polluting, alternatives with a certification badge of between 1 and 5 stars, depending on the progress made towards being a true, zero waste business. Between the programme's launch and the end of 2023 it has succeeded in certifying the reduction of 30,467 kg of plastic waste throughout the Balearic Islands, with more than 100 local companies certified. Companies must comply with local, state and EU legal requirements in order to certify and all those who apply - including those who are unable to certify - are given a personalised roadmap with advice on how they can continue to reduce their plastic footprint and become fully zero waste.
How this initiative contributes to the relevant SDGs associated targets.
Plastic Free Balearics aims to address target 12.5 to substantially reduce waste generation by incentivising waste reduction, particularly around plastics, and promoting resuable options as the best solution. It also addresses target 12.6, to encourage companies to adopt more sustainable practices, through the creation of a handbook - The Guide to Honest Alternatives - which seeks to educate businesses about their legal requirements and the recyclability of different types of material, guard against greenwashing through the use of bioplastics and suggest best practice, thereby better informing their procurement processes.
It also aims to address target 14.1 to prevent and reduce marine pollution by working with companies who generate waste that later becomes marine litter to remove these items from the supply chain at source.
It also aims to address target 14.1 to prevent and reduce marine pollution by working with companies who generate waste that later becomes marine litter to remove these items from the supply chain at source.
Background, Challenges and Objectives
The Mediterranean is one of the seas most affected by marine plastic pollution and islands such as the Balearics are at the frontline of this issue, with plastic washing up on their shores daily and impacting marine life. The Balearic Islands depend on tourism and the hospitality industry that supports the millions of visitors annually is one of the main drivers of waste generation. Therefore Plastic Free Balearics aims to address the root causes of this by working with companies in this sector to incentivise them to reduce plastics and other waste.
Although a pioneering Balearic Waste Law was brought in in 2019 to force businesses to cut single-use items such as straws, many companies are still unaware of their legal obligations or what suitable alternatives are available to them. A significant number are falling prey to greenwashing by introducing unrecyclable items such as Tetrapaks as an alternative to plastic water bottles, or so-called "biodegradable" or "compostable" options that in reality are no better than normal plastic. With this in mind, as well as certifying companies, PFB also developed the Guide to Honest Alternatives to help businesses better navigate their choices. Additionally, it provides a roadmap to all companies who apply for the certification to assist them on their journey towards becoming zero waste. Companies are invited to be reassessed year-on-year as they implement improvements in order to increase their number of stars.
Although a pioneering Balearic Waste Law was brought in in 2019 to force businesses to cut single-use items such as straws, many companies are still unaware of their legal obligations or what suitable alternatives are available to them. A significant number are falling prey to greenwashing by introducing unrecyclable items such as Tetrapaks as an alternative to plastic water bottles, or so-called "biodegradable" or "compostable" options that in reality are no better than normal plastic. With this in mind, as well as certifying companies, PFB also developed the Guide to Honest Alternatives to help businesses better navigate their choices. Additionally, it provides a roadmap to all companies who apply for the certification to assist them on their journey towards becoming zero waste. Companies are invited to be reassessed year-on-year as they implement improvements in order to increase their number of stars.
Actions and Implementation
The certification was developed jointly by IbizaPreservation and Save the Med over an 18-month period, drawing from the prior experience of both organisations, who already had their own certification systems in place. A SWOT analysis was conducted of both certifications and the teams worked together to design a new certification that drew on the best aspects of both, while addressing any weaknesses and taking variations between the islands into account. Plastic Free Menorca was also involved in the process as a beneficiary of the project.
The resulting proposal was presented in focus groups with local companies, as well as experts from UIB, the University of the Balearic Islands, and feedback incorporated where necessary. The certification was then launched in a pilot phase lasting from June 2021 to March 2022, where the process was tested out with more than 100 establishments participating from across the four islands.
Lessons learnt through this phase were then incorporated into the initiative. Save the Med continues to work closely with the UIB to ensure that the protocols are as robust as possible, as well as ensuring that they keep pace with the latest legal requirements at local, state and European levels.
The resulting proposal was presented in focus groups with local companies, as well as experts from UIB, the University of the Balearic Islands, and feedback incorporated where necessary. The certification was then launched in a pilot phase lasting from June 2021 to March 2022, where the process was tested out with more than 100 establishments participating from across the four islands.
Lessons learnt through this phase were then incorporated into the initiative. Save the Med continues to work closely with the UIB to ensure that the protocols are as robust as possible, as well as ensuring that they keep pace with the latest legal requirements at local, state and European levels.
Outcomes and Impacts
Since the launch of the certification in June 2021, more than 100 businesses have been awarded Plastic Free Balearics certification of between 1 and 5 stars, with an associated reduction of 30,467 Kg of plastic from the supply chain. In Ibiza and Formentera alone, more than 300 companies have been directly contacted to promote the certification.
The Balearics has 1,315,311 inhabitants and receives 16,450, 000 tourists per year. This certification also contributes to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors, as they benefit from having less plastic in the ecosystem.
One key challenge has been that many companies who have been assessed for the certification are unable to certify because they are not complying with their basic legal obligations under the Balearic Waste Law. IbizaPreservation is therefore working to improve awareness and understanding of the law by holding regular workshops targeting the sector.
The initiative benefits medium- to long-term impact by giving businesses roadmaps with clear steps to help them continue their journey towards becoming zero waste and by offering the opportunity to keep recertifying in order to become a 5-star businesses with minimal waste generation.
The Balearics has 1,315,311 inhabitants and receives 16,450, 000 tourists per year. This certification also contributes to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors, as they benefit from having less plastic in the ecosystem.
One key challenge has been that many companies who have been assessed for the certification are unable to certify because they are not complying with their basic legal obligations under the Balearic Waste Law. IbizaPreservation is therefore working to improve awareness and understanding of the law by holding regular workshops targeting the sector.
The initiative benefits medium- to long-term impact by giving businesses roadmaps with clear steps to help them continue their journey towards becoming zero waste and by offering the opportunity to keep recertifying in order to become a 5-star businesses with minimal waste generation.
Replicability and Scalability
The initiative uses an index (HAPI) to evaluate the environmental impact of different items used in hospitality businesses. As these items are generally used across the sector worldwide, the certification could easily be replicated in other countries and territories and the alternatives suggested (based around reduction and reuse) would be viable in any area.
The initiative is particularly suited to territories where the economy is largely dependent on tourism and there is therefore a highly evolved hospitality industry to service the influx of visitors, but could also apply to anywhere in the world where there are concentrated numbers of bars, cafes, restaurants using single-use plastic items, such as cities and large towns.
The initiative is particularly suited to territories where the economy is largely dependent on tourism and there is therefore a highly evolved hospitality industry to service the influx of visitors, but could also apply to anywhere in the world where there are concentrated numbers of bars, cafes, restaurants using single-use plastic items, such as cities and large towns.
Inclusive and Innovative
Plastic Free Balearics works closely with the public and private sectors to reach as many businesses as possible. As well as collaborating the with University of the Balearic Islands on the development of the certification, both Save the Med and IbizaPreservation have engaged local institutions such as the Balearic Regional Government and the island Councils of Mallorca and Ibiza, who have supported the certification by cofunding the development of the Guide to Alternatives, in the Consell of Mallorca's case, and by hosting events to help disseminate the certification. The entities involved have also sought to engage stakeholders via local small- and medium-sized business associations, as well as reaching out to hundreds of companies direct. Meanwile, as BeMed grantees, the initiative engaged with the SMILO and Capi-Med networks internationally, attending workshops and events to present the programme and share knowledge and best practice around waste reduction.
Companies are assessed for the certification using HAPI, Honest Alternatives to Plastics Index, an index developed by Save the Med and the environmental consultancy Inédit, via a study evaluating the consumption of single-use plastics by 45 businesses of different sizes and sectors on the island of Mallorca and an investigation into the management and classification of plastic waste. This innovative tool thereby scores single-use products according to their environmental impact and in comparison with existing alternatives.
In order to promote the development of more innovative solutions to waste, a seminar was held in collaboration with the University of the Balearic Islands to promote R&D&I in this area. The workshop was attended by academics and scientists, public institutions and local companies and considered ways in which alternatives currently on offer in the marketplace could be enhanced or improved in order to reduce waste further.
Companies are assessed for the certification using HAPI, Honest Alternatives to Plastics Index, an index developed by Save the Med and the environmental consultancy Inédit, via a study evaluating the consumption of single-use plastics by 45 businesses of different sizes and sectors on the island of Mallorca and an investigation into the management and classification of plastic waste. This innovative tool thereby scores single-use products according to their environmental impact and in comparison with existing alternatives.
In order to promote the development of more innovative solutions to waste, a seminar was held in collaboration with the University of the Balearic Islands to promote R&D&I in this area. The workshop was attended by academics and scientists, public institutions and local companies and considered ways in which alternatives currently on offer in the marketplace could be enhanced or improved in order to reduce waste further.
Accountability and sustainability
During the pilot phase, progress was monitored by BeMed and as such the project provided 2 interim and 1 final report. Potential gaps and challenges were identified in focus groups with stakeholders including local businesses, institutions and academic experts.
In 2023-24 IbizaPreservation is accounting for the results and progress in Ibiza and Formentera to Conservation Collective as part of its funding agreement with Depeche Mode, who are supporting the implementation of the certification scheme in the two islands (see below).
Save the Med continues works closely with the University of the Balearic Islands and with its in-house legal expert to ensure the certification remains robust and in-line with latest legal norms.
In 2023-24 IbizaPreservation is accounting for the results and progress in Ibiza and Formentera to Conservation Collective as part of its funding agreement with Depeche Mode, who are supporting the implementation of the certification scheme in the two islands (see below).
Save the Med continues works closely with the University of the Balearic Islands and with its in-house legal expert to ensure the certification remains robust and in-line with latest legal norms.
Budget and Resources Allocation
The initial development of the certification and the pilot phase had a budget of approx €115k. €81k of this was provided by BeMed, with the remaining costs borne by Save the Med and IbizaPreservation.
Resources allocated included: an overall project manager, project coordinators from both sides (IP and STM), and a technician plus communications support and legal support from both entities.
An external provider was contracted to develop a web platform/app to assist businesses completing the questionnaires. A landing page for the project was also developed, as well as social media feeds (with associated content). Graphic designers were contracted on a freelance basis to develop the project logo and certification stamps and printed materials such as the Guide to Honest Alternatives.
From summer 2023 to summer 2024, IbizaPreservation has allocated €22,000 to certifying businesses in Ibiza and Formentera. This includes the cost of outreach to the companies, including in-person visits, assistance completing the questionnaires and initial assessment of their certifiability, plus the cost of the final assessment and issue of certifications by Save the Med of 50 companies. Funds for this have been donated by the British band, Depeche Mode, who are supporting plastic reduction initiatives via their charity partnership with watchmaker Hublot, as part of their current Memento Mori world tour.
Resources allocated included: an overall project manager, project coordinators from both sides (IP and STM), and a technician plus communications support and legal support from both entities.
An external provider was contracted to develop a web platform/app to assist businesses completing the questionnaires. A landing page for the project was also developed, as well as social media feeds (with associated content). Graphic designers were contracted on a freelance basis to develop the project logo and certification stamps and printed materials such as the Guide to Honest Alternatives.
From summer 2023 to summer 2024, IbizaPreservation has allocated €22,000 to certifying businesses in Ibiza and Formentera. This includes the cost of outreach to the companies, including in-person visits, assistance completing the questionnaires and initial assessment of their certifiability, plus the cost of the final assessment and issue of certifications by Save the Med of 50 companies. Funds for this have been donated by the British band, Depeche Mode, who are supporting plastic reduction initiatives via their charity partnership with watchmaker Hublot, as part of their current Memento Mori world tour.
Key Implementer Information
Further Information and Media
