AIDA Cruises has announced that it is further developing its “Recycling Loops in Cruising: Rethought” project with Futouris e.V., Oceancircle and the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT.
The goal is to scientifically assess current circular-economy practices in ship interior fittings and identify opportunities to develop more practical solutions for the cruise industry.
“The circular economy is an important approach for us, because it keeps resources in the use cycle for as long as possible and enables materials to be meaningfully reused after their original purpose,” said Dirk Inger, senior vice president of sustainability at AIDA Cruises.
“With this project, we want not only to investigate and further develop concrete circular-economy approaches for ship interior fittings. It is also crucial for us to make the findings usable for the entire industry,” said Swantje Lehners, managing director of Futouris e.V.
“For this reason, we will derive concrete recommendations for action for cruise lines, examine whether the results can be transferred to the hotel industry and bring the findings together in a practical industry guide,” added Lehners.
AIDA said in a press release that the project builds on experience gained from the AIDA Evolution modernization program.
Since it began in 2025, AIDA has implemented circular-economy approaches in ship interior fittings with Oceancircle.
The project processes retired carpets, curtains and canopy fabrics and uses them for new applications, particularly as underlay for new carpet areas onboard.
In addition, the project is using 100 percent recyclable carpeting for the first time.
The project will scientifically examine existing approaches to carpet recycling and future additional materials and assess their environmental impact.
The project partners will then analyze the material and substance flows of ship interior fittings to identify further opportunities for reuse, refurbishment and recycling.
Fraunhofer UMSICHT supports the project scientifically through life-cycle assessments, material-flow analyses and stakeholder engagement.
Oceancircle GmbH contributes experience from the circular-economy approaches already implemented.
Futouris e.V. coordinates the project, focusing on transferring knowledge to the tourism industry, while AIDA Cruises contributes experience from ship operations and fleet modernization.
