Our everyday lives are changing and with it, businesses that want to be ahead of the curve are changing. The Zero Waste Horeca program is an initiative that is bringing change to the hospitality and cafeteria industry in Greece. Launched as a pilot in 2018, it travelled to dozens of regions across the country and now embraces the efforts of more than 3000 businesses that are part of a dynamic network practicing circular waste management and energy waste elimination. The programme advises, trains and guides catering and hospitality businesses to reduce their waste, save energy and water through sustainable and innovative practices of reuse, source separation, composting and recycling. Through their active participation, businesses reduce their operating costs, increase their competitiveness and improve their image to customers.

The results of the program are impressive. The performance of the platform’s HORECA members in waste management and recycling is 53% while the performance of the average HORECA store in Greece is less than 5%.

By the end of 2022, when the programme has its own digital platform, and HoReCa businesses are invited to sign up as members, completely free of charge, to be trained in circular economy issues and adopt sustainable practices, reducing their environmental footprint as well as their operating costs. In addition, HoReCa businesses that join the platform have the opportunity to receive cash prizes for their outstanding or innovative practices, as well as “Zero Waste HoReCa Distinction” (Gold, Silver or Bronze), depending on the goals they have achieved in the areas of waste management, energy and water saving, and sustainable procurement.

 

In the past year, 210 member companies of the network, after being evaluated by an independent multi-member jury and based on measurable goals and outcomes, received Zero Waste Distinction for adopting sustainable practices in the following four areas on which the program focuses: Waste Reduction (prevention and recycling), Energy Conservation, Water Conservation, and Sustainable Procurement. At the same time, 11 companies were singled out for outstanding or difficult-to-implement initiatives, receiving special cash prizes. And this year is expected to see an even greater increase in the number of companies receiving awards, possibly exceeding 400.

Businesses can now successfully meet the challenges posed by new legislation to adopt sustainable practices, reduce their operating costs, and attract an increasingly environmentally aware public while investing in their reputation. Access to the program is free for any business, regardless of geographic location, as long as they visit the website and register.

The programme is implemented by the NGO Ecological Recycling Society with funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation, the support of Coca-Cola in Greece, and under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Energy.