A circular economy approach to plastics in hospitality: a Frisian case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite its importance and influence on global plastic consumption, plastic management in the hospitality industry remains largely under-researched. This study aimed to investigate the perceived opportunities and barriers to reducing, reusing and recycling single-use plastics among a group of Frisian hospitality enterprises. By means of a thematic narrative analysis, four entrepreneurs were interviewed to investigate their management of plastics, the perceived opportunities and barriers for plastic reduction and the nudges used for staff and guests. The results revealed that the key perceived plastic management barrier themes are: (1) plastic packaged food and cleaning supplies from suppliers; (2) no possibility for plastic separation; (3) laws and regulations; and (4) staff motivation. For the opportunities component of the research, it was found that further research should be conducted for effective nudging strategies in plastic reduction, as only one participant has currently implemented this in their business. Secondly, further research should be conducted for the identified best practices, such as the bicycle waste pick-up service. Lastly, more research should be conducted on plastic reduction and nudging in the hospitality sector in general, due to the current limited availability thereof.