AI and sustainability: the future of plastic management in the balearic tourism sector

In an archipelago where the balance between economic activity and the preservation of the marine environment is vital, innovation is our greatest ally. Save the Med has taken a strategic step toward the future of marine regeneration by leveraging cutting-edge technology.

Recently, the Foundation completed a groundbreaking technical and economic feasibility study for the evolution of the HAPI METHOD programme. The goal is ambitious yet essential: to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate the diagnosis of plastic waste within the Balearic Islands' tourism sector.

The HAPI method has already proven to be an effective tool for auditing and reducing the plastic footprint of the hotel industry. However, for change to be global, it must be scalable.

The integration of AI solutions will allow for:

• Automated Diagnostics: Identifying waste streams more quickly and accurately.

• Resource Optimisation: Reducing technical analysis times within establishments.

• Driving Circularity: Providing actionable data that helps businesses move away from single-use plastics for good.

This study does more than just analyse theoretical viability; it defines a clear technological roadmap. This action plan is designed to ensure the transition toward circular business models is both accessible and efficient for the Balearic tourism sector, ensuring that sustainability is no longer just an option, but an operational standard.

Strategic Collaboration and Funding

This breakthrough has been made possible thanks to institutional support and a shared vision for a greener future. The initiative was developed under Programme I – Investiga, part of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR). We are supported by funding from the European Union – Next Generation EU, underscoring the project's importance within the framework of Europe’s economic and ecological recovery.