When summer ends, the beaches empty, but a bulky and silent waste remains. What happens to the four tonnes of inflatable mattresses...

Renetas: the inflatable mattress recycling initiative in Playa de Muro, Mallorca

When summer ends, the beaches empty, but a bulky and silent waste remains. What happens to the four tonnes of inflatable mattresses that are abandoned every season in Mallorca alone? In Playa de Muro, that waste is transformed into a second opportunity. This is the story of Renetas, a project that brings together sustainability, inclusion and creativity.

What is Renetas and how did it start in Playa de Muro?

Renetas is a joint initiative between the Playa de Muro Hotel Association and the social organisation Mater.

This project collects inflatable PVC mattresses, a non-recyclable material, and transforms them into festive flags and decorations that fill the streets of Mallorca with colour during the summer.

A project of real inclusion

The 25 people involved in Renetas actively participate in all stages of the process: from collecting the materials in hotels, cleaning, cutting, designing and producing the decorative products. This not only reduces waste, but also encourages their autonomy, self-esteem and social visibility .

Mater: more than 60 years transforming lives

The driving force behind Renetas is Mater, a non-profit organisation founded in 1964 by the Franciscan Sisters Daughters of Mercy. Its mission has always been clear: to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities throughout their entire life journey.

With more than 450 professionals and presence in Palma, Inca, Sineu and Ariany, Mater offers services ranging from education and residential support to vocational training, early intervention and occupational services. Renetas is just one of the many ways in which Mater promotes the circular economy and environmental care.

The key role of the Playa de Muro Hotel Association

Thanks to the support of the Playa de Muro Hotel Association, the inflatable mattresses left behind by tourists at the end of their stay are collected from almost all the hotels in the area. This year a total of 4.410 tonnes of inflatable mattresses have been recovered.

This approach positions Playa de Muro as a circular tourism destination, where the positive impact goes beyond visitors and actively involves the local community.

The Playa de Muro Hotel Association is not only a meeting point for tourist establishments, but also a key actor in sustainable local development. Its involvement in Renetas guarantees a constant flow of materials and demonstrates how the tourism sector can act with social and environmental awareness.

If you stay in one of the hotels that belong to the association, you are directly contributing to a fairer and more sustainable future.

FAQ’s about the Renetas project

Where are the inflatable mattresses collected?

In more than 20 hotels in the Playa de Muro area.

Who manufactures the products?

25 users of Mater’s Day Services (15 from the Occupational Service and 10 from the Day Centre).

Where can I see the products?

At local festivals in Mallorca and events decorated with Renetas garlands.

Can I collaborate with the project?

Yes, you can both purchase these decorative elements and help collect inflatable mattresses. The collection takes place from May to November. If you need more information, you can ask at the reception of your accommodation in Playa de Muro.