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Circular Economy on board

TUI Cruises has embedded the circular economy as a key focus within its Sustainability Strategy. As part of this strategy, circular economy principles are to be gradually integrated into selected core business processes. Circular@Sea consolidates activities related to the reuse, reprocessing, and recovery of materials within a maritime context.

Circular@Sea

What volume of resources do we humans consume – and how much of this can Planet Earth renew?

The question highlights an imbalance that the circular economy model seeks to address. On the one hand, the model advocates the efficient use of resources – and on the other hand, it recommends keeping materials and products in the economic cycle as long as possible. Feasible circular economy methods include sharing, repairing, reusing or refurbishing, recycling. These also comprise the product-as-a-service approach, where utility takes precedence over ownership – leasing is a clear example. This takes the model well beyond waste management alone.

Cornerstone of the circular economy

Design-phase optimization

As early as the development stage, care is taken to select materials that can be used, reused, refurbished, or recycled for as long as possible. Depending on the area of application, biodegradable materials may also be used.

Maximizing product lifetime

Extending the useful life of products is a key principle of the circular economy. Practices such as repair, maintenance, and reuse, as well as more efficient processes, contribute to this.

Natural regeneration

The circular economy aims to contribute to the more efficient use of resources and to reduce the use of primary raw materials. Depending on the application, biological or renewable materials may also be used.

Circular Cruising - circular packaging concepts for cruises

Together with Futouris e.V. and expert partner EPEA, TUI Cruises has launched a project focusing on packaging concepts for the cruise industry. The project aims to develop approaches for reducing packaging waste. To this end, packaging and material flows within the cruise ship supply chain are being analyzed, and potential areas for optimization are being examined.

A joint inspection of Mein Schiff 3 took place in Bremerhaven, Germany in December 2024 to launch the project.

About the project