Guests care about the environmental credentials of their in-room amenities which is why demand for 'green' products has never been higher.
Swisstrade Director Peter Weingartner was thrilled to speak with Accomnews magazine editor Kate Jackson recently for their Summer 2019 edition feature to find out more about how to embrace the trend towards sustainable amenities.
How to choose environmentally friendly guest bathroom toiletries?
When choosing environmentally sustainable amenity solutions, it is important to look for internationally accredited and reputable trademarks that guarantee ecological values, ethically sound manufacturing processes and sustainably sourced ingredients. The following symbols represent internationally recognised organisations and should be printed and well visible on the packaging of eco-friendly amenities and other hotel cosmetics:
- EU EcoLabel
- Nordic EcoLabel
- ECO CERT
- BioCosmetique
- Fairtrade
- EcoPure
What symbols / numbers denote that packaging is recyclable?
The same applies for recyclable materials used in packaging which are indicated by plastic resin codes. In most cases this is represented by a chasing arrow symbol surrounding a number between 1 and 7 which identifies the type of plastic resin used to manufacture the item. In the below case, #1 identifies PET plastic, which is often used in the packaging of hotel toiletries.
How do you choose amenities with natural or organic ingredients whilst still offering a luxurious guest experience?
The choice of offering organic, natural or simply put, eco-friendly toiletries does not reduce the quality of the product or make the guest experience less luxurious or memorable. On the contrary, the advancement of science and technology in hotel cosmetics today allow us to offer premium and luxury brands that harnesses the benefits of natural ingredients to create hair and skincare products that deliver premium results. A good example is the world’s leading spa brand ELEMIS, which is now available in the all-new fragrance, White Lotus &
Lime.
What trends are emerging for hotels that are committed to being more in line with the green movement?
As hotel operators, locally and globally, are increasingly aware of their profound impact on the environment, we are seeing a rapidly growing willingness to implement environmentally sustainable amenity solutions. One particular and evident global trend is the movement towards hygienic, sealed (non-refillable) and tamper-proof amenity dispensers. This very is driven by a significant reduction in plastic waste, a lower cost-in-use, a drop in labor intensity and the prevention of liquid formulation being washed into landfill.
Aside from pure economic and ecological incentives, the implementation of high-quality amenity dispensers carries huge marketing value for those properties looking to demonstrate industry leadership and underline their commitment to an environmental ‘green policy’.
To further support the trend towards ecological dispensing of toiletries, we are today able to offer hoteliers a whole array of sophisticated dispensing systems and designs to suit each property’s style and preferences. [says Peter Weingartner, Principal of Swisstrade and supplier of leading dispensing systems for in excess of 20 years]. For instance, formulations under the [our] ‘Responsible Living’ Collection Naturals Remedies, ECO by Green Culture and BioNaturals have been developed with mild preservatives and no colorants under strict
sustainability criteria, while the [our] Luxury Collection offers the brand-conscious operator the ability of offering an indulgent guest experience with brands such as British ELEMIS or French icon LALIQUE.
Consequently, the rising guest sensitivity around environmental impact of waste produced by single-use amenities and the rapidly growing acceptance level from travelers in support of eco-friendly solutions in hotel bathrooms, will see an imminent move towards sealed amenity dispensers.
Talk to us about how we can help your property become more sustainable while reducing operating costs. Register your interest in our dispenser range today
