The integration of sustainable elements is on the rise in the hotel industry. Many guests are prioritizing their health and wellbeing, as well as the environment’s. This means they are embracing natural and organic materials and furniture that is sustainably and ethically sourced, and selecting hotels that uphold eco-friendly practices. Hotels and resorts that follow through on their sustainable commitments not only boost their credibility with potential guests, but they help conserve the environment simultaneously.
However, embracing sustainable hotel practices isn’t as simple as installing LED light bulbs in every room. To create a holistically sustainable environment, each individual element that contributes to the space needs to be considered. Linens, for example, directly impact the guest experience. Lesser quality bedding and towels stand the chance of negatively impacting one’s stay, especially if they’re not properly certified for their sustainability and wellness standards.
These certifications are visual, as they’re printed on the tags of every sheet and towel. This assures guests that where they rest their head at night does not contain any potentially harmful elements and transparently shows that the hotel is keeping the guests and their needs top of mind.
Sustainability in the Hotel Industry
For hotels, sustainability means buying good quality products from the start. Small boutique hotels are taking the lead when it comes to implementing sustainable elements. When the focus is smaller and easier to control, it’s possible to make a larger statement as more elements can be layered together to develop a richer experience. A lot of companies want to be sustainable, or at least perceived as eco-friendly, but aren’t willing to pay the initial costs involved to establish these practices.
Proper research surrounding the elements brought into the rooms and lounges is important for longevity; purchasing products designed to last. It helps to work with suppliers that partner with ethical factories for manufacturing. This method allows for a certain trust to be established that says, “I’ve taken the time to delicately craft these products and uphold ethical practices, (all) while prioritizing sustainability and wellness.” It’s up to the hotels to carry this ethos into their daily functions and process.
Sustainability & Wellness Certifications for Linens
Industry-leading sustainability and wellness certifications for linens in the United States include but aren’t limited to OEKO-TEX Standards and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
OEKO-TEX standards enable everyone to make responsible decisions and protect natural resources. Products bearing the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 labels have been scientifically tested for the presence of harmful substances and are a better and safer choice for your health. Textiles carrying the OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN label are produced more sustainably in socially responsible workplaces. GOTS stipulates requirements throughout the supply chain for both ecological and labor conditions in textile and apparel manufacturing using organically produced raw materials.
When a bedding manufacturer says it prioritizes sustainability efforts and ethical practices, it’s important for the leaders to visit the factories handling their products. Annual certifications such as OEKO-TEX or GOTS are applied for and obtained at the factory level. Developing close relationships with the manufacturer at the factory can help ensure everything is ethically made and thoroughly reviewed for its eco-friendly standards year-after-year before being shipped.
Sometimes, it’s a good idea to invite clients to the factory to show them where their goods are being made, to help them understand the process and see how it’s made. This will enable them to appreciate the process’s final quality. With fast fashion growing, the more that can be done to make the client feel comfortable, the better.
Benefits & Advantages for the Hotel Industry
Certifications support guests’ health and wellbeing, responding to recent demands for eco-friendly accommodations. They encourage the addition of other sustainable efficiency practices and have the power to enhance a brand’s reputation. Larger hotel chains, for example, will communicate their sustainability efforts during the booking process on the website, verbally through staff, and on branded pamphlets and documents located in the lounges and guestrooms. Recognizing that guests are incorporating more sustainable elements into their daily lives, being upfront about any positive efforts makes the guest’s journey to finding the perfect eco-conscious hotel much easier.
The Challenges
Unfortunately, the upkeep of sustainable products and furnishings once purchased, must be carefully monitored. Having regular communication with the launderer is key, as hotel bedding and linens should not be washed the same way you’d wash your bedding and clothes at home. Hotel laundry services can adjust the chemicals, temperature, and speed at which the linens are washed, based on their material structure. This will help preserve the linens’ original structure. Taking the time to be properly educated on your bedding products and how they should be cared for will provide the best results and allow for the longest lifespan of your products.
Another challenge with sustainable products is the cost factor. Initially onboarding more sustainable operations isn’t cheap. However, the decision should be viewed as a long-term investment that will benefit the hotel in the long run by reducing operational costs and lowering the hotel’s carbon footprint.
Sustainability’s Evolving Role in the Hotel Industry
A focus on personal health and well-being, as well as the Earth’s, isn’t going away any time soon. As the climate crisis and its damaging effects on the environment continue to permeate the news cycle and our social media feeds, individuals and companies alike are actively making changes that prioritize health and wellness.
On a product level, items that are sustainably manufactured and packaged with materials that are ethically sourced are growing in popularity, especially ones with valid sustainability and wellness certifications. The hotel industry has recognized this global shift in priorities and has started to integrate sustainable elements and practices into their daily operations. As well as adapting to eco-conscious manufacturing efforts, there are even more ways to contribute—such as partnering with organizations that plant trees or clean the oceans.
Looking forward, sustainable innovations will increasingly be prioritizing recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable elements, in an effort to reduce the hotel industry’s environmental footprint.
About the Author:
Heidi Luber is the CEO and fourth-generation owner of Lubertex International. Tracing back to its establishment in 1937 in Montreal, Canada, Lubertex initially specialized in importing, selling, and manufacturing home fabrics. Under Heidi’s strategic direction as a visionary leader over the past 29 years, the company has evolved into a premier provider of fine bed and bath linens, catering to the hotel and retail markets. Her commitment to innovation and excellence has propelled Lubertex to the forefront of the industry, solidifying its reputation as a trusted supplier renowned for quality and customization.
Lubertex International Inc. has the experience of importing home textiles since 1962. The brand focuses on its clients’ detailed needs and takes pride in manufacturing custom fine bed and bath linens for the hotel and retail markets. Lubertex specializes in high quality 100 percent cotton and blended cotton and poly, as well as luxury bathrobes, slippers, toweling. Lubertex is a versatile company that thrives on a unique service, working closely with its customers and listening carefully to all their requirements. This, combined with the brand’s extensive know-how, allows Lubertex to help clients create the highest quality customized bedding solutions within their budget. For more information, visit www.lubertex.com.
