Eco-Friendly Hotel Amenities for Truly Sustainable Hospitality

Sustainability is the future of the hospitality industry

Businesses that prioritise sustainability deserve appreciation, but after all, these practices are about market demand and business growth. A survey by FloWater showed that nearly 6 out of 10 travellers would prefer to stay at hotels that prioritised eco-friendly practices such as eliminating single-use plastics. This demand for a sustainable approach in the hospitality industry not only contributes to cost-effectiveness in the long term but also highlights the potential for revenue growth.

Moreover, sustainability positively influences guest perception and loyalty. Guests are more likely to trust and choose sustainable hotels, viewing them as responsible brands that prioritise environmental impact. Involving guests in your sustainability goals can also improve customers’ satisfaction and brand reputation. It’s a good idea to let them know about your sustainability initiatives and how they can contribute during their stay. This enhances consumer value perception and fosters guest loyalty, ultimately leading to increased occupancy rates and positive reviews.

In addition, governments worldwide are implementing regulations and initiatives to encourage sustainability in the hospitality industry. In the EU, large companies and listed companies are now required to publish regular reports on the social and environmental risks they face and on how their activities impact people and the environment. This report is for investor and stakeholder assessment on financial risks and opportunities arising from climate change and other sustainability issues.

Single-use plastics bans in hotels

One of the key factors increasing demand for sustainable hospitality are the single-use plastics ban that have taken effect in many countries.

Areca palm leaf disposable plates and wooden utensils

US: California became the first state to ban single-use plastic toiletries at hotels in 2019, whilst New York passed a similar ban in 2021 – both due to come into effect in 2024 for larger hotels and in 2025 for smaller establishments. From January 1, 20274 Washington will also prohibit hotels from providing guests with personal care products made of single-use plastic.

EU: Single-use plastic miniature toiletries are set to be banned across the EU from 2030, aiming to tackle the EU’s mounting piles of packaging waste. This ban will also apply to plastic packaging for unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables, condiments and sugar, shrink-wraps for suitcases in airports, and ultra-lightweight plastic bags.

Nepal: The Hotel Association Nepal has declared that all 3,000 member establishments nationwide will enforce a ban on various single-use plastics, including toothbrushes, combs, water bottles, drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, and expanded polystyrene food service products, starting January 1, 2025.

Taiwan: The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) announced that hotels in Taiwan will discontinue providing disposable items like combs, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shower caps in guest rooms starting in 2025. However, guests may still request these items from hotel staff. These regulations do not extend to hotel facilities, such as spas or swimming pools.

South Korea: Under new environmental regulations which came into effect earlier this year, hotels and other lodging establishments in South Korea with more than 50 rooms are prohibited from providing complimentary single-use toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and razors.

In response to this regulation, large Korean hotels have already initiated the transition from individual-use bathroom products to multi-use alternatives. Meanwhile, mid-scale hotels are turning to vending machines that provide guests with the option to purchase single-use items.

Hong Kong: The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) announced that Hong Kong will ban disposable plastic tableware from April 22 this year, on the same day as Earth Day. In the first phase of these regulations, hotels and guesthouses will be prohibited from providing plastic toiletries and plastic-bottled water in rooms.

This ban includes items such as plastic-handled toothbrushes, plastic-packed toothpaste, shower caps, razors, nail files, and combs. Additionally, toiletries such as shampoo, body wash, conditioners, body lotions, and hand sanitisers packed in disposable plastic containers will also be restricted.

(Source: solinatra.com)