NATIONAL REPORT—As a hotel owner or resort operator, you have opportunities to make a welcoming environment for your guests while contributing to a healthier planet. One effective way to achieve both is by repurposing materials within your establishment. This approach can save costs and enhance guest comfort. Plus, it can improve your property’s aesthetics and bolster your reputation as an eco-conscious business. Here are practical ideas for repurposing materials for comfort and sustainability. Get started and make the most of the benefits behind these sustainable shifts. Upcycled Furniture for Unique Aesthetics Transform guestrooms and communal areas by incorporating upcycled furniture. For instance, reimagine old suitcases into storage chests. Also, try repurposing any reclaimed wood...

KEHL, GERMANY—Hotel guests can now experience an elevated level of personal luxury with the introduction of SmartCare—the world’s most hygienic and sustainable dispenser system—to the Balmain Signature Hotel Collection. This launch marks a significant milestone in the partnership between ADA Cosmetics and Balmain Hair, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence. With every detail thoughtfully curated to enhance comfort and sophistication, the Balmain Signature Hotel Collection invites guests to indulge in unforgettable moments of personal luxury. Now, this experience is further enriched through SmartCare—a groundbreaking addition that aligns perfectly with the collection’s high standards in design and performance. The...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Half-finished plates of food, vegetables that spoiled in the walk-in, and a few stale pieces of toast from the breakfast buffet don’t sound all that shocking. After each service, restaurant and hotel food waste isn’t very dramatic, but over time all the wasted food really adds up. Food waste is one of the most pressing challenges in the restaurant industry. It affects the business’ profitability and sustainability. It also has significant ecological, planetary and human implications. Every year, restaurants worldwide generate millions of tons of food waste, contributing to economic losses and environmental harm. At the same time, the...

GREENSBORO, N.C.—UNIFI, Inc., the makers of REPREVE and one of the world’s leading innovators in recycled and synthetic yarns, launches REPREVE with CiCLO technology, recycled polyester and nylon embedded with a biodegradable technology that enables synthetics to break down naturally. REPREVE with CiCLO technology was created in collaboration with Intrinsic Advanced Materials, LLC, a joint venture between Parkdale Advanced Materials, Inc. and Intrinsic Textiles Group, LLC. REPREVE with CiCLO technology is enhanced with a patented additive at the fiber level that allows synthetic yarns to mimic natural materials such as wool. This will enable them to break down in environments such...

Last week I attended the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans. One of the most interesting companies I came across at the trade show was AdReach. The company makes it easy for upscale properties to supply affordable water to guests in Tetra Prisma Aseptic 330mL cartons made from 63.4 percent renewable plant-based materials. All paperboard used in the cartons comes from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests and other controlled sources. The recyclable cartons include a plant-based cap that is also recyclable. A lodging establishment must commit to purchase at least 1 pallet (2,304 cartons) per month for 12 months....

MIAMI—Groupe GM, an international leader in guest amenities, is marking Earth Month by addressing one of the hospitality sector’s biggest challenges: the environmental impact of waste. The hospitality industry generates a startling 150 million tons of plastic waste annually, much of which comes from food and drink consumption, bathroom toiletries, and laundry packaging. As modern travelers increasingly seek out hotels that prioritize sustainability, it is crucial for hospitality businesses to adopt eco-conscious solutions. Hotels can make a meaningful difference by carefully selecting and optimizing the amenities they offer. Groupe GM is committed to providing innovative solutions that help hotels reduce their...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Oceana released a new report, “Plastic Foam Needs ‘To Go,’” revealing the dangers behind single-use plastic foam products like clamshell takeout food containers, cups, packing peanuts, and disposable coolers. According to the report, plastic foam, which is also called expanded polystyrene, compromises our health and our oceans. Plastic foam is made with hazardous chemicals, like its main building block styrene, which is toxic to the human nervous system. Styrene is linked to cancer and considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Styrene and other chemicals can easily leach into food and beverages at all temperatures,...

NATIONAL REPORT—Key cards have become a symbol of the hospitality world, acting as a unique customer touchpoint. Did you know that plastic cards aren’t a business’ only option? The hospitality sector has undergone a significant shift in terms of what key card material options a business can choose, especially as eco-conscious practices take center stage. The advancement from keys to electronic cards has streamlined guest access and security, but the materials used in these cards matter almost as much as the technology they contain. Selecting the right material not only enhances functionality but also supports sustainability goals and communicates your...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Sustainability is no longer an optional consideration for the hospitality industry—it is a business imperative. With buildings accounting for 1 percent of global carbon emissions and hotels producing significantly more energy usage than other types of structures, the call for sustainable practices in hospitality has never been louder. According to Booking.com, 83 percent of travelers believe sustainable travel is essential, and the demand for eco-friendly hospitality is growing dramatically. This article explores the importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry, showcases real-life examples of sustainable practices in action, and highlights key trends and strategies hotels with a sustainability mindset can adopt...

Today’s design decisions for the hospitality industry, and the built environment generally, will have an impact on human health, ecosystem health, and planetary health for generations. So, it’s important that “cost” is appropriately defined and understood. This is made more complicated by a lack of published information (the majority of products used in the built environment do not fully disclose their contents and only a small minority of HPDs are prepared by an independent third party) and the prevalence of greenwashing. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or simply “vinyl”) is very familiar to many designers and has been for decades, so understandably,...