Radisson Hotel Group’s Innovation in Recycling
Radisson Hotel Group is advancing its responsible business agenda by implementing an innovative closed-loop recycling system for hotel bulk liquid amenities in key markets such as India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This large-scale initiative is part of the Group’s broader commitment to reducing single-use plastic waste, supporting a circular and local economy, and providing sustainable stays for guests.
The initiative focuses on collecting used bulk amenity bottles, extracting any remaining liquids for recycling, and ensuring that the packaging is also recycled and repurposed. This circular economy approach fosters a more sustainable supply chain and significantly reduces plastic pollution.
In India, for instance, a closed-loop system has been established through a network of eleven recycling partners across the country. These partners collect amenity waste from hotels. The materials are sorted, cleaned, recycled, and converted into raw materials. This entire process is thoroughly documented and recorded through audits and regular reporting, ensuring the traceability of the closed-loop system.
As part of the Group’s commitment to Hotel Sustainability Basics, Radisson Hotel Group is transitioning from single-use bathroom amenities to bulk amenity dispensers. Currently, 91% of hotels have implemented soap dispensers in public washrooms. The Group aims to fully roll out reusable soap dispensers across its portfolio by the end of 2025. This initiative is expected to eliminate 57 million miniature amenity bottles each year and reduce plastic usage by nearly 500 tons.
Radisson Hotel Group has taken significant steps to eliminate single-use plastics from all dry bathroom amenities by replacing them with environmentally friendly alternatives. These dry amenities are packaged using innovative materials aimed at reducing plastic usage. For instance, stone paper, made from calcium carbonate bonded with high-density polyethene resin, has replaced traditional cellulose-based paper. Additionally, soybean oil ink is utilized for printing on these materials.
The packaging itself is made from FSC-certified cardboard, sourced from recycled materials and responsibly managed forests. The dry amenities are created using PSM materials, which are derived from plant starches, such as corn and potatoes, combined with plastic fillers like polypropylene. This initiative reflects the Group’s commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint while continuing to provide the high-quality service associated with its “Yes I Can” philosophy.
“We are committed to leading sustainability in the industry and reducing single use plastic waste across our operations,” said Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability and Security Officer, at Radisson Hotel Group.
“We make it easy for guests to experience sustainable stays, expressed by the verification on Hotel Sustainability Basics or a recognized eco-label certification. After food & beverage, amenities are the biggest portion of a typical hotel’s scope 3 emissions. With the closed loop recycling and the dry amenities free of single-use plastic, we work at substantially reducing these scope 3 emissions, en route to our Net Zero 2050 target. ”
The launch of Radisson Hotel Group’s responsible bathroom amenities is part of its broader sustainability strategy, which aims to meet the desires of its guests. A recent survey found that 75% of global travellers are seeking more sustainable travel options, and 43% believe that travel service providers play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of travel. Additionally, the Group is translating its objectives into actionable policies by offering Sustainable Stays through Hotel Sustainability Basics and eco-labels, while also encouraging guests to travel more responsibly.
Leave a comment