The present study is part of a broader effort of the Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE) to promote sustainable resource management in the Mediterranean and more specifically reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.

In early 2021 MIO-ECSDE launched this research to quantify the consumption of SUP in tourism-related facilities in both EU countries and Non-EU countries taking into consideration the type, size, seasonality, participation in environmental certification programs and other aspects. The level of awareness of the businesses on the impacts of SUP on the coastal and marine environment will also be gauged.

From this study, an approximation of the use of SUP is expected to be derived along with a set of proposed solutions and sustainable alternatives that will minimize the cost of the transition. The identification of those SUP items that, when eliminated, reduced and/or replaced will make the biggest impact, is a key part of the study.


Why conduct such a study?

According to a MIO-ECSDE study, SUP in the Mediterranean coastline account for 38% of all items recorded, ranging from 18.6% to 66.9% for the different beaches, while 30% of the investigated beaches had more than 50% of SUP of the total items recorded.

Since July 2021, the EU implemented a directive banning 15 SUP items, as well as a significant consumption reduction for food containers and beverage cups promoting the scale-up of reusable alternatives (plastic or non-plastic).
As for the rest of the Mediterranean, under the Union for the Mediterranean and the Barcelona Convention, the circular economy, the minimization of plastics and marine litter represent/constitute priority themes. UNEP’s Mediterranean Action Plan is currently developing specific Regional Guidelines on measures to phase out Single-Use Plastic items in the Mediterranean.


Why respond to this survey if you are a tourism and recreation-related business (hotel, restaurant, canteen, cafe, snack bar, etc.)?

o Help us understand what might be inhibiting your transition.

o Be part of a Mediterranean-wide effort to monitor the Single-Use Plastics reduction.

o Protect your natural capital; preserve the environment that attracts your clients.

o Clients will reward your effort: public awareness on plastic pollution and particularly SUP is growing and it affects the choices of visitors.

o      Help us advocate on your behalf.



For further information, please contact Margaux Vlachos at: vlachou@mio-ecsde.org