4 MIN READ
3-4-2025
How Cruise Ships are Reducing Their Plastic Footprint
Alex Schulze , CEO/Co-Founder
How Cruise Ships are Reducing Their Plastic Footprint
The cruise business has long been linked to opulent getaways, providing passengers with the chance to comfortably and stylishly visit a variety of locations. But it has also been under more and more attention for its effects on the environment, especially in relation to plastic garbage. Like any other metropolis, cruise ships are big floating cities that produce a lot of rubbish, much of it plastic. The plastic footprint of cruise liners is massive, ranging from straws and water bottles to packaging and amenities. However, the cruise industry has started to make major efforts to cut back on its use of plastic as sustainability becomes a more urgent concern. In order to create a more sustainable future, this article examines how cruise ships are tackling their plastic footprint.
The Problem of Plastic on Cruise Ships
Managing waste, notably plastic, has long been a problem for cruise ships, which are enormous operations. Thousands of people can travel on a single, enormous cruise ship, and during that time, each of them produces garbage. Because many of the materials used, including plastic bottles, straws, food packaging, and toiletries, are not biodegradable and contribute to ocean pollution when improperly disposed of or not recycled, the large amount of plastic waste is troublesome.
An estimated 1,000 tons of waste, mostly plastic, are produced weekly by cruise liners, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If this garbage is not adequately managed, it frequently ends up in the ocean. In the Caribbean and other well-known cruise locations, where plastic pollution from cruise ships may seriously harm marine ecosystems and species, the issue is especially acute.
Nonetheless, a lot of cruise companies are starting to realize that they must alter their operations in order to lessen this environmental impact. As a result, the industry is increasingly moving to improve waste management systems, replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives, and do away with single-use plastics.
Strategies for Reducing Plastic Waste
A number of cruise lines have put in place extensive sustainability initiatives to lessen their use of plastic. The following are some important tactics that have been used to reduce plastic waste:
1. Removing Single-Use Polymers
Reducing the usage of single-use plastics, which are common in cruise ship operations, is one of the most significant adjustments cruise companies are making. Cutlery, stirrers, and plastic straws have been among the first to disappear. For example, one of the biggest cruise lines in the world, Carnival Corporation, declared in 2019 that it would gradually phase out plastic bags, stirrers, and straws on all of its ships. As part of this promise, the corporation plans to eliminate over 1 billion single-use plastic products from its operations each year.
Similar commitments to do away with single-use plastics by 2025 have been made by Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. These initiatives contribute to lowering the amount of plastic waste produced on each cruise, but they are only the first steps in a larger plan to cut down on plastic usage in the sector.
2. Using Sustainable Substitutes
More environmentally friendly substitutes for plastic are being used on cruise liners. For instance, paper or biodegradable straws have taken the place of plastic ones. Companies are occasionally providing travelers with reusable alternatives, such refillable bottles or stainless steel straws.
Cruise lines are also implementing reforms in the packaging industry. Plastic packaging is becoming less common as more cruise lines choose to package their goods in recyclable or biodegradable materials. Food products, which are frequently individually wrapped in plastic, require extra attention. Cruise ships are contributing to the long-term reduction of plastic waste by converting to compostable materials like bamboo or plant-based plastic substitutes.
3. Purchasing Technologies for Waste Management
Cruise ships are investing in cutting-edge waste management technology to better handle plastic waste. By using these methods, cruise companies can more effectively sort and recycle waste, keeping as much plastic out of the ocean and landfills as feasible. Compactors and shredders are being used by certain ships to reduce the size of plastic garbage, which makes it simpler to store and transport for recycling.
Furthermore, waste-to-energy systems that transform garbage into renewable energy are being incorporated into modern ships as part of their sustainable design. By producing electricity while lowering the demand for extra resources, this lessens the environmental impact of cruise ships.
4. Passengers and Crew Education
Cruise ship sustainability initiatives entail more than just altering procedures; they also involve educating crew members and passengers about environmental responsibility. Nowadays, a lot of cruise lines encourage guests to take part in sustainability projects and offer education on the value of minimizing plastic waste. For instance, several cruise companies provide rewards to passengers who choose to use reusable water bottles or who contribute to the reduction of plastic trash while on board
In addition to providing sustainability training to crew members, numerous cruise companies have implemented sustainability officers who oversee and carry out waste reduction initiatives across the ship's operations.
5. Sustainability Certifications for Cruise Ship Lines
In order to show their dedication to environmental responsibility, cruise lines are increasingly looking for sustainability certificates. For instance, the trade group for the industry, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), has set sustainable standards for its member businesses. These include cutting emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and decreasing waste. Numerous cruise lines have embraced these guidelines and look for independent confirmation to make sure they are fulfilling their sustainable objectives.
Additionally, several cruise lines are spending money on environmentally friendly ship designs. For example, some new ships are being constructed with eco-friendly technologies, like energy-efficient engines and sophisticated wastewater treatment systems, which assist lessen the ship's overall environmental effect, including plastic trash.
The Role of Technology in Reducing Plastic Footprints
A major factor in assisting cruise ships in lessening their plastic footprint is technology. Enhancing the sustainability of the sector depends on developments in alternative materials and waste tracking and management. Furthermore, digital solutions that enhance overall energy efficiency, minimize fuel consumption, and optimize operations support the larger objective of minimizing environmental impact.
For instance, several cruise lines track material disposal and trash generation using sophisticated algorithms. Better management and more effective recycling are made possible by this. Additionally, by supplying fresh water from the sea, technological developments in water filtering and desalination systems lessen the need for plastic-bottled water.
Conclusion
Although the cruise industry has made great progress in minimizing its plastic footprint, more has to be done. Cruise lines are leading by example in the travel and tourism sector by doing away with single-use plastics, implementing sustainable alternatives, investing in waste management systems, and educating passengers. Cruise lines will face increasing pressure to innovate and lessen their environmental effect as consumer demand for sustainable travel experiences rises. The cruise business can set the standard for sustainability and guarantee that future generations can continue to enjoy the oceans without sacrificing their health and beauty with continued dedication and technology breakthroughs.
Sources:
1. Carnival Corporation, "Our Commitment to Sustainability: Reducing Single-Use Plastics," Carnival, 2019.
2. Royal Caribbean Group, "Sustainability and Responsible Tourism," Royal Caribbean, 2022.
3. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), "Environmental Sustainability in the Cruise Industry," CLIA, 2021.
4. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "Cruise Ship Pollution: Impact on Oceans and Waste Management," EPA, 2020.