Many SMEs face financial barriers when it comes to investing in sustainability.

Providing grants, subsidies, or tax incentives lowers the entry threshold, making it easier for businesses to transition to circular practices such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly services.

When these resources and incentives do not exist, it is difficult to be more sustainable. Some companies can’t simply afford the change. However, there are always small steps that can help.

Within this context, Rutas Pangea, a cycling tourism company from Madrid, found a simple and effective way to reduce plastic waste. In 2021, they stopped using single-use plastic bottles and started giving clients stainless steel reusable bottles. They also placed water jugs in their vehicles so people could refill their bottles during trips.

This helped change client habits and reduced plastic consumption. The idea is low-cost and easy to copy, but it still faced resistance from people and businesses who are used to single-use bottles. Some hotels and restaurants still offer plastic, and it’s hard to convince them to change.

Even with these difficulties, Rutas Pangea received good feedback from customers. Many appreciated the effort and were happy to adopt new habits. The company is also looking into other sustainable options like using eco-friendly grease and soaps for bike maintenance.

This best practice proves that small, practical actions can make a big difference. If there is public or private funding, or support from local governments, more SMEs could follow the same path. This matches the national lesson that financial aid, government incentives, and education are all key for successful circular practices.