Diagnosis of plastic waste generation in the maritime sector and the development of a Zero Waste Certification – MARINE-ZWB

Tourism in the Balearic Islands has reached unsustainable levels, creating strong social and environmental pressures, with hotels and land-based operations already working under local and EU regulations to improve circularity and waste reduction. However, the maritime sector remains largely unaddressed, lacking awareness, tools, and benchmarks.

The Marine-ZWB project aims to adapt and extend the ‘Zero Waste Business’ certification system developed by MiZA and Rezero in Spain to the maritime sector in the Balearic Islands, with the aim of reducing plastic pollution. The system, which has already been tested in other sectors (hotels, restaurants, events), will be adapted for maritime businesses and then potentially replicated elsewhere.

The project is structured around three main areas:

Assessment of the maritime sector: interviews, surveys and analyses to evaluate the current use of plastics and other waste, identify challenges, existing policies and opportunities for waste reduction.
Development and testing of certification criteria: development of zero waste criteria adapted to the maritime sector, tested in two pilot companies. A guide and monitoring framework will accompany their implementation.
Awareness raising and dissemination: production of case studies, online training, events and communication materials to promote the project at regional and European level. The involvement of local and political stakeholders will be encouraged to facilitate the dissemination and replicability of the system.

The ultimate goal is to promote a transition to a zero-waste maritime sector through clear certification, concrete tools and broad mobilisation.