23 May The 500,000 kilo textile waste challenge in the Spanish hotel sector
What happens to all the sheets, towels and textiles hotels throw out every year? Resuinsa estimates around 70% of this waste could be recycled
The estimated 1.2 million hotel rooms in Spain generate around half a million kilos of textile waste per year without any proper handling. This figure highlights one of the huge challenges in the sector. Behind every impeccable hotel room lies an invisible reality clashing with the quality standards expected by guests.
Resuinsa, one of the top companies for hospitality textiles, has spearheaded a textile waste collection system over the last 18 months in collaboration with over 30 hotels across Spain. The company has used the initiative to analyse textile waste flows in the hotel sector, finding that 70% of this waste could be used in recycling or reuse processes. The remaining 30% fall outside the recycling circuit due to elements such as labels, zips, embroidery or buttons hindering any processing.
For Resuinsa CEO, Félix Martí, ‘the data point to a huge margin for improvement if we properly manage waste and work according to sustainability criteria throughout the supply chain. The sector’s involvement could make a real difference both domestically and internationally.’
A sector with leadership capacity awaiting a legal framework
The hotel sector in Spain (one of the top global tourist destinations) has a huge responsibility for driving real change in the textile industry. Its economic heft, influence and international visibility make it a powerful lobby. In this vein, sustainability ceases to be about image and becomes a question of shared responsibility amongst all stakeholders.
The approval of new European legislation on textile waste—implementation of which remains pending—will be key to fostering the circular economy. ‘It is essential the law comes into effect as soon as possible. The sector is fully prepared to spearhead change but requires a credible regulatory framework enabling it to move forward coherently and resiliently’, underlines Martí.
In this sense, Resuinsa has worked in line with circular economy principles for many years, developing long-lasting, recyclable textiles manufactures according to certified sustainability standards.
‘Innovation, commitment and long-term vision enable us to offer quality, design and comfort whilst caring for the environment. We are aware the challenge is huge, although it also represents an opportunity to make Spain an international benchmark in hotel sustainability, starting with such an essential element as textiles’, concludes Martí.
