A Guide to Implementing Cradle to Cradle (C2C) in the Hospitality Industry

PROJECT ID

SME Name:

AllgäuTopHotels

Country:

Germany

Subsector:

Accomodation

*Thematic Axis and Specific Topic:

  • Axis: Circular and resource-efficient tourism
  • Topic: Circular procurement

*These are Cross-Re-Tour-specific thematic axes inspired by the Transition Pathway for Tourism. The thematic axis were chosen based on what category best reflects the main contributions of the project.

PROJECT SUMMARY & NEEDS

Project summary

This project developed a practical Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) procurement framework for the Allgäu Top Hotels network to support circular and sustainable purchasing. It combined expert interviews, greenhouse gas analysis, and product assessments to identify priority areas for improvement. The main outputs include a comprehensive procurement guide, supplier checklists, and model contract guidance for product-as-a-service solutions. Together, these tools help hotels integrate circular economy principles into procurement decisions, reduce environmental impacts, and promote resource efficiency, material health, and long-term sustainability across hotel operations.

Exploitation Area(s):

  • Furniture
  • Plastic
  • Staff nudging

SME needs adressed:

  • Improve resource efficiency
  • Reduce environmental footprint

OUTPUTS & OUTCOMES

Solution implemented

The project implemented a Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C)-based procurement approach for hotels by developing practical decision-support tools. These included a procurement guide, supplier assessment checklists, product evaluation criteria, and model contract guidance for circular business models such as Product-as-a-Service. The solution was informed by expert interviews, greenhouse gas analysis, and best practices, enabling hotels to integrate circularity, resource efficiency, and sustainability into everyday purchasing and supplier engagement.

Cross-Domain Innovation element

The SME adapted circular economy and Cradle-to-Cradle design principles from environmental science and product manufacturing sectors, as well as service-based business models (e.g., Product-as-a-Service, leasing) commonly used in industrial and B2B equipment management, to transform procurement and operations in the hospitality sector.

Key ouputs:

  • A comprehensive Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) procurement guideline and purchasing guide (~50 pages) with criteria, best practices, and product alternatives;
  • Structured product group analysis identifying high-impact areas for circular procurement;
  • A GHG (carbon) assessment of hotel procurement activities;
  • Supplier checklists and evaluation criteria for sustainability transformation;
  • Templates for circular service contracts (e.g., leasing/Product-as-a-Service models);
  • Consolidated expert insights and best practices from cross-sector interviews.

Key outcomes (Quantitative)

  • 60% reduction in GHG emissions compared to a no-measures baseline scenario in the analysed hotel;
  • 1 pilot GHG assessment conducted at hotel level covering procurement-related emissions;
  • 9 key product groups assessed for circular procurement potential;
  • 10+ cross-sector expert interviews conducted to inform solutions and best practices

Key outcomes (Qualitative)

  • Increased awareness and understanding of Cradle-to-Cradle principles among hotels and suppliers;
  • Improved decision-making in sustainable procurement through structured criteria and guidance;
  • Enhanced cross-sector collaboration and knowledge exchange between hospitality, academia, and suppliers;
  • Strengthened innovation culture within participating hotels (e.g. openness to circular solutions and new business models);
  • Better alignment of sustainability, procurement, and operational practices;
  • Higher transparency in supply chains and product sustainability information.

Lesson(s) learned:

The main practical lesson is that a gradual, cross-sector, and tool-based approach works best. Starting with a few priority areas, supported by expert input from different domains, proved effective for translating complex C2C concepts into practical actions. Developing clear tools (guides, checklists) enables implementation.
What should be repeated: strong stakeholder involvement and step-by-step adoption.
What to avoid: trying to transform all procurement at once or relying only on theory without practical guidance.

CONTACTS

Website / Social Media

www.allgaeu-top-hotels.de