Accor Greater China has announced plans to replace single-use plastic bathroom amenities with biodegradable containers at premium hotels across the country.
The initiative – which will initially roll out at Sofitel properties across China – will see 290ml biodegradable capsules “encased in chic ceramic containers that incorporate contemporary designs”.
The capsules are made from renewable raw plant materials including corn and cassava, with “polylactic acid (PLA) inner bottles to ensure the highest hygiene and practicality”.
Following a rollout at Sofitel properties with amenity partner Lanvin from this month, Accor plans to extend the initiative to other premium and luxury brands in 2021.
Accor said that the “eco-innovation and environmental-friendly container was derived after a series of professional experiments, trials and testing conducted over the course of a year”.
The group expects it to remove 16 million single-use plastic bathroom amenity bottles per year.
Earlier this year Accor committed to remove all single-use plastic items from its guest experience, at all hotels globally, by 2022.
As part of the pledge the group has joined the UN Global Tourism Plastic Initiative, launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism Organisation, in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Accor to eliminate single-use plastics from guest experience
Commenting on the news Gary Rosen, CEO Accor Greater China, said:
“We are honoured to lead the market as a pioneer in identifying and rolling out this innovative and sustainable initiative in Greater China. We aspire to set an example as a responsible corporate citizen while positively changing mindsets by adopting the logic of reduce, re-use and recycle.
“Our non-plastic amenities solution underscores our commitment to the environment and the communities where we operate our hotels. It is a holistic concept that fulfils many criteria including ecological impact, quality guest experience and excellent brand alignment.”
