HOR-Eco Development of adaptation techniques for high-value recycling of tourism waste in the Valencian Region
Tourism is a key sector in the Spanish economy due to the large number of jobs and income it generates. However, tourism establishments such as hotels, restaurants or cafés produce a significant volume of mixed waste that ends up in landfills. In response to this issue, INESCOP, together with AIJU and AITEX, and with funding from IVACE, is researching through the HOR-Eco project the adaptation of recycling technologies for the proper management of the waste generated by the HORECA industry, with the goal of enabling suitable recycling technologies for the correct management of waste generated by the HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants and Cafés) industry in the Valencian Regio, so that this waste can be reintroduced as high-value recycled raw materials.
There is no doubt that tourism is one of the economic drivers of our region and, although its economic balance is positive, not everything is acceptable in terms of environmental sustainability. In fact, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism sector was responsible for 8.1% of global pollutant emissions in a single year, which is why the volume of waste generated by establishments such as hotels, restaurants or bars must be taken seriously.
Many of the waste streams generated by this industry require pre-treatment in order to be directed to specific recycling processes. Therefore, the HORECA sector needs technological adaptations to enable selective recycling of its waste and thus obtain high-value secondary raw materials, helping to improve circularity in tourism-related businesses in the Valencian Region.
In this context, INESCOP, together with other technology centres such as AIJU and AITEX, and with funding from IVACE, is investigating how to improve sustainability in the tourism sector.
HOR-Eco OBJECTIVE
The main objective of the HOR-Eco project is to develop and implement circular economy schemes for the proper management of the multi-component waste generated by the HORECA industry, by adapting technologies for pre-treatment prior to recycling and by drawing up an eco-design guide.
EXPECTED RESULTS
This research aims to develop and establish new collaborative circular economy models that connect the four sectors involved, providing the HORECA sector with new knowledge and technological developments to improve the recovery of the waste it generates.
Start date: 01/03/2024
End date: 31/06/2025
Reference: IMDEEA/2024/62
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Collaborating companies:
The HOR-Eco project contributes to the following SDGs:
Project funded by:
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