BUSINESS: 411 PRACTICES
With 19 hotels & resorts in the most beautiful destinations of Greece, Mitsis Hotels has been a tourism pioneer for over 45 years now, offering excellent service, great locations, impeccable facilities, sophisticated dining and a broad spectrum of options for its clientele, all in a sustainable manner.
The programme represents one of the first integrated circular economy models in the hospitality sector, aiming to facilitate the transition from a linear waste management approach to a functional circular system, where waste reduction, material reuse and resource recovery are embedded into the daily operations of hotel units. At the same time, it seeks to actively contribute to the development of a new waste management standard for the Greek hospitality industry.
The n-ZeroWaste programme primarily targets the Greek hospitality sector, and particularly large-scale tourism units seeking to transition from a linear waste management model to a more sustainable and circular operational model. At the same time, the initiative addresses the wider hospitality and tourism industry by promoting responsible consumption practices, recycling, material reuse and the reduction of environmental footprint.
The initiative took place throughout 2025. During this period, an integrated circular waste management system was developed and implemented, aiming to support the transition towards a more sustainable and efficient operational model for the hospitality sector.
The n-ZeroWaste circular economy programme of Mitsis Group was developed with the aim of creating an integrated and functional sustainable waste management model for the Greek hospitality sector. The initiative was piloted across four hotel units in Hersonissos, Crete, in collaboration with EPTA S.A., introducing circular economy practices into the daily operations of hotel units.
Within the framework of the programme, waste management procedures were redesigned through the implementation of waste separation at source, the creation of dedicated waste streams, the upgrade of waste management infrastructure, and the enhancement of recycling and material reuse practices. At the same time, KPI monitoring mechanisms and cost-benefit assessment tools were developed, integrating sustainability into both operational and strategic decision-making processes.
Particular emphasis was also placed on the education and active participation of employees and guests, strengthening environmental awareness and fostering the collective culture required for the transition towards a zero-waste hospitality model.
The pilot implementation of the programme demonstrated in practice that circular economy principles can be effectively applied on a large scale within the hospitality sector, generating measurable environmental and operational benefits. During the implementation period, up to 75% of waste was reused or recycled, while more than 800 tonnes of waste were diverted from landfill. At the same time, a reduction of more than 80 tonnes of CO₂-eq emissions was recorded, while the optimisation of waste management procedures led to a 16% reduction in operational costs.
The programme was piloted across four Mitsis Group hotel units in Hersonissos, Crete, one of Greece’s leading tourism destinations with high visitor traffic and increased waste management demands. The selection of this specific area was made strategically, allowing the programme to be implemented within a demanding and dynamic tourism environment where circular economy principles can generate substantial environmental and operational impact.
The programme was implemented in collaboration with EPTA S.A., through a pilot application across four hotel units of the Group in Hersonissos, Crete, following a holistic approach that redefined waste management practices across all stages of hotel operations. Within this framework, waste separation procedures at source were redesigned, dedicated waste streams were established, and waste management infrastructure was upgraded, aiming to optimise recycling and material reuse processes. At the same time, a KPI monitoring and cost-benefit analysis system was developed, embedding sustainability at the core of operational management and decision-making processes.
Employee and guest engagement also played a central role in the programme's implementation. Through awareness and educaional initiatives, the programme strengthened participation and cultivated the collaborative culture required to support a long-term zero-waste transition.
The implementation of the n-ZeroWaste programme generated significant environmental and operational benefits for Mitsis Group, demonstrating that circular economy principles can be effectively applied on a large scale within the hospitality sector.
During the implementation period, up to 75% of waste was reused or recycled, while more than 800 tonnes of waste were diverted from landfill. At the same time, a reduction of more than 80 tonnes of CO₂-eq emissions was recorded, contributing substantially to the reduction of the Group’s environmental footprint.
At an operational level, the optimisation of waste management procedures led to a 16% reduction in operational costs, while also enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening the integration of ESG practices into the Group’s overall sustainability strategy. Furthermore, the programme reinforced the organisation’s reputation as a benchmark for sustainable and responsible hospitality, creating added value for stakeholders and local communities.
