What we do

To help tackle the region’s plastic waste problem, LooP Zone introduces the concept of a “low plastic zone” -a defined area where local stakeholders work together to prevent and reduce plastic waste and litter, both on land and at sea. The initiative aims to measurably and sustainably reduce the use of single-use plastics (SUPs) in the hospitality sector (HORECA) across five tourist islands, supporting the transition toward a more sustainable local tourism economy.

3-pillar approach

The project will develop a holistic three-pillar approach — involving the public sector, private sector, and innovation -to drive systemic change at the local level. This builds on existing initiatives in the target areas, where efforts have so far focused on individual pillars.

The three-pillar model will be used to research, develop, test, and share the following:

  1. A bottom-up policy approach to help local authorities design policies and regulations that reduce SUP use in the HORECA sector.
  2. A set of practical tools and methods to help HORECA businesses switch to alternatives to single-use plastics.
  3. A business and innovation support programme to increase the local supply and availability of sustainable alternatives to SUP products

Scaling Up the Model

The tested LooPZone model will be further developed and shared through:

  • One-stop-shop platform that brings together partners across sectors and borders, guided by a common framework and shared tools. This platform will support the delivery and transfer of the three-pillar model.
  • Technical policy guidelines to help public bodies at all levels design and implement Local Action Plans that meet national and regional goals for reducing single-use plastics (SUPs), supporting the shift to a circular and sustainable tourism economy.
  • An expanded cross-border network of tourist islands to share and apply the three-pillar LooPZone model in new locations across the Mediterranean.