ENVIRONMENT

BUSINESS: 423 PRACTICES


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Initiative

Cactus Hotels & ReHORECA: Integrated Circular Economy Model and Zero Waste Hospitality in Crete

Cactus Hotels & ReHORECA: Integrated Circular Economy Model and Zero Waste Hospitality in Crete
SUBMITTED FROM:

THEOFILOS CHALKIADAKIS S.A.

The company Theofilos Chalkiadakis S.A. has been active in the hospitality industry since 1980. The investments of all these years in the construction of new modern hotel units are many. It is worth noting that the company has invested in the construction of two new hotel complexes in the last two years, with Cactus Bay welcoming its guests in the summer season of 2018 and continuing with Cactus Mare in the summer season of 2019 while at the same time they continue the renovations and the creation of additional infrastructure at Cactus Royal 5 * & Cactus Beach 4 *.



Objective Action

The Cactus Hotels initiative, developed in collaboration with ReHORECA, aims to create an integrated circular economy and sustainable waste management model for the hospitality sector, significantly reducing environmental impact and diverting waste from landfill.

The collaboration was established with the vision of:

Implementing source separation systems.
Recovering recyclable and organic waste streams.
Reducing resource waste and improving efficiency.
Training and engaging employees and guests.
Creating a pioneering “Zero Waste Hospitality” model for Greek tourism.

The initiative directly connects hotel operations with circular economy principles, transforming sustainability from a strategic commitment into an everyday operational practice.

 

 

Target Audience

The Cactus Hotels initiative, in collaboration with ReHORECA, addresses:

Hotel Employees

With the aim of educating and raising awareness among employees regarding circular economy principles and sustainable waste management practices.

Customers and Guests

Encouraging them to actively participate in responsible consumption practices, recycling, and waste reduction initiatives during their stay.

Partners, Suppliers and Contractors

Creating a shared value chain that adopts sustainable practices and promotes environmental responsibility throughout the supply chain.

Local Community and Organisations

Strengthening environmental awareness and supporting sustainable development at a regional level.

Hospitality and Tourism Sector

Serving as a best practice example of circular economy implementation that can inspire and be replicated by other tourism businesses.

 

Duration

From July 2025 to present, with continuous implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of sustainability actions.


Description

The collaboration between Cactus Hotels and ReHORECA started in 2025 and is based on the development of a data-driven circular economy system specifically adapted to the needs of the hospitality industry.

The programme includes:

Collection and management of at least 9 different waste streams.
Daily recording and analysis of waste data.
Source separation in guest rooms and operational areas.
Recovery and valorisation of organic and recyclable materials.
Reuse of equipment and materials where possible.
Employee training programmes.
Guest awareness and engagement activities.
Continuous monitoring through digital tools and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

The implementation is based on three fundamental pillars:

1. Innovative Waste Management Practices

The introduction of structured processes for prevention, separation, recovery, and responsible management of waste streams.

2. Collaboration with Specialised Circular Economy Partners

Working with expert organisations to ensure scientific guidance, traceability, and effective resource recovery.

3. Education and Engagement of People

Empowering employees, partners, and guests to actively contribute to sustainability objectives.

The initiative stands out because it:

Connects the hospitality sector with circular economy principles traditionally applied in industrial sectors.
Is based on real and measurable operational data.
Creates a replicable circular economy model for Greek tourism.
Integrates sustainability into the everyday hospitality experience.

 


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Impact on Society

The initiative has already generated significant and measurable results:

Measurable Results

196,082 guest nights during the implementation period.
186.6 tonnes of total waste managed through the circular economy system.
65% reduction of waste directed to landfill.
113 tonnes of organic and recyclable materials collected and recovered during the first months of implementation.
More than 88% employee participation in sustainability training and engagement activities.
More than 99,500 guests informed and engaged in sustainability practices.
Achievement of 0.95 kg of waste per guest night, significantly below international hospitality benchmarks.

 

Impact

Employees

Employees have incorporated responsible consumption and waste management practices into their daily operations, strengthening environmental awareness and collaboration across departments.

Guests

Guests actively participate in waste separation, recycling, and waste reduction initiatives, transforming their stay into a more sustainable hospitality experience.

Local Community

The local community benefits from environmental awareness initiatives, partnerships with responsible waste management organisations, and actions supporting environmental protection.

Tourism Sector

A replicable circular economy model has been created for the Greek hospitality industry, demonstrating that sustainable practices can successfully operate within large-scale tourism businesses.

 



Initiative Location

Stalis, Crete, Greece, with implementation of the initiative across all hotels of the Cactus Hotels Group.


Working with Organization

Collaboration with Another Organisation

The initiative is implemented in collaboration with ReHORECA, a specialised organisation focusing on circular economy solutions and sustainable waste management for the hospitality and food service sectors.

ReHORECA provides:

Technical expertise.
Scientific support.
Specialised equipment.
Waste management methodologies.
Continuous monitoring and evaluation of implementation progress.

Mr. Nikos Chalkiadakis, CEO of Cactus Hotels and founding member of ReHORECA, ensures the strategic connection between hotel operations and a wider network promoting sustainable development and circular economy practices.

 


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Workers Participation

Employee / Volunteer Participation

The initiative is based on the active participation of employees through:

Training programmes on waste separation, recycling, and waste reduction.
Creation of internal “Green Teams”.
Operational monitoring groups supporting the implementation of sustainability practices.
Participation in beach clean-up activities and environmental initiatives.
Continuous dialogue between departments to improve processes.

This active involvement fosters a strong culture of environmental responsibility among both employees and guests.


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Benefits for Οrganization

Operational Benefits

Reduction of waste management costs.
Improved resource efficiency.
Enhanced environmental and operational performance.
Support for the Group’s Zero Waste to Landfill strategy.

 

Strategic Benefits

Strengthening corporate reputation as a leader in sustainable hospitality.
Enhancing relationships with guests, partners, employees, and the local community.
Supporting ESG strategy development and future sustainability certifications.
Creating a competitive advantage in the sustainable tourism market.

 




Connection with Global Goals







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