As the cruise industry pushes toward a more sustainable future, PONANT EXPLORATIONS is taking significant strides with its ‘Zero Plastic’ initiative, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.The cruise line’s Green Globe Certified fleet, including the m/s Paul Gauguin, has implemented measurable changes aimed at drastically reducing single-use plastics across all operations.A major milestone was reached in April 2025 when PONANT’s entire fleet became equipped with Nordaq filtration systems. These self-serve water fountains allow water to be bottled on board using recyclable glass containers, eliminating the need for plastic bottles in staterooms and restaurants.
“This approach alone saves nearly one million plastic bottles each year which is the equivalent of more than 20 tonnes of plastic,” PONANT CEO Asia Pacific Deb Corbett said.Compared to 2019, the use of over 820,000 plastic water bottles has been avoided. On ships fitted with Nordaq systems, this shift has led to a more than 90% reduction in single-use plastics. Minor exceptions remain only during transitional periods or in remote regions with limited access.The sustainability drive doesn’t stop at water bottles. “Zero Plastic” measures have extended to phasing out plastic straws, cups, laundry bags, and single-serve food packaging. These efforts have resulted in a dramatic decrease in single-use plastic from 0.63 kg per guest per operation in 2020 to just 0.006 kg in 2024.
Each guest is now provided with a reusable water bottle at the start of their journey, a move designed to boost both convenience and environmental awareness. Guests are encouraged to take the bottle home as a lasting souvenir of their sustainable voyage.PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ long-standing dedication to sustainability is further demonstrated by its role as a signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative since 2021. Led by the UNWTO, the initiative supports a shift toward circular plastic economies within the travel sector.“As the travel industry evolves, initiatives like these are setting a new benchmark for responsible cruising,” Corbett said.
