Closing the plastic loop in a hospitality facility

This KIEM CE project addresses the urgent challenge of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) in the hospitality sector by piloting a decentralized 3D printing solution that turns local plastic waste into useful products. By combining environmental sustainability with social inclusion, it tackles both plastic pollution and vocational exclusion. The pilot, rooted in Friesland's circular economy ambitions, aims to empower local communities while advancing practical, scalable solutions for the circular transition.

What is the motivation for the project?

The project is motivated by the environmental urgency of reducing SUPs and the opportunity to foster circular practices in hospitality, a sector with deep local roots and high material consumption. While EU and Dutch agendas prioritize SUPs reduction, localized solutions remain underdeveloped. This project seeks to fill that gap by piloting a closed-loop plastic recycling process within a hospitality setting using 3D printing, with strong community involvement. It is also aligned with Circulair Friesland’s strategic focus. By integrating social inclusiveness—offering skills training and job opportunities to underrepresented groups—the initiative transforms waste into value while fostering a more equitable and circular economy. The project envisions hospitality firms not just as service providers but as community change agents leading environmental innovation.

What problem does the project solve?

This project addresses the dual challenge of plastic waste management and social exclusion. Despite robust policy frameworks, local solutions for SUPs collection and upcycling are rare, particularly those involving hospitality firms and communities. Current centralized recycling systems are inadequate to handle the volume of SUPs, and hospitality businesses, especially in rural areas, are often disconnected from circular innovation. The project solves this by developing a decentralized pilot that enables small hospitality firms to process their plastic waste on-site using 3D printing, turning it into usable products. Simultaneously, it creates pathways for community engagement, training, and employment, targeting citizens distant from the labor market. This approach combines environmental impact with social value creation, supporting both the reduction of plastic pollution and the empowerment of local communities.

Who is the project team?

The project team consists of a multidisciplinary network led by the Research Group in Sustainability in Hospitality and Tourism at NHL Stenden, in collaboration with Camping Vrijhaven, the Circular Plastics Lectoraat, Circulair Friesland, and Dehaan Advocaten. Each partner brings unique expertise: RG focuses on circular economy and behavioral change in hospitality; the Circular Plastics Lectoraat provides technical knowledge on recycling and 3D printing; Dehaan Advocaten contributes legal insights on circular systems; and Circulair Friesland offers strategic regional support and stakeholder engagement. Students from NHL Stenden will be involved in applied research, data collection, and community outreach, gaining real-world experience in sustainability and innovation. The pilot is inspired by the pioneering efforts of Camping Vrijhaven and aims to be a model for wider adoption across Friesland and beyond.

What is the project approach?

The project follows a co-creative, interdisciplinary approach combining applied research, technical innovation, and social engagement. It begins with mapping legal, technical, and behavioral requirements for decentralized SUPs collection and 3D printing in hospitality contexts through experts focus groups. Throughout the process, the project emphasizes circular learning and systems thinking. Evaluation and knowledge dissemination support scaling the model to other hospitality firms and regions.

What are the main (or preliminary) results?

Through desk research and interviews as well as three experts focus groups, the project generated technical, legal, and behavioral insights, documented through practical guidelines and research outputs. Project results include strengthened partnerships between business, education, and civil society, along with increased awareness of circular practices among hospitality stakeholders. The legal dimension of circular economy solution and the needed knowledge about it, are among the key project results. Ultimately, the project aims to become a scalable model for circular transformation across the hospitality sector.