Travelers want greener stays. Full stop.
More people are actively avoiding hotels that use single-use plastics. Sustainability isn’t a “nice-to-have” anymore—it’s a must-have, especially in the hotel and tourism sectors. The hospitality industry contributes around 1% of global carbon emissions. That’s a big footprint for one industry. But here’s the upside: hotels are in a unique position to drive positive change. Going plastic-free isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business.
Why Hotels Are Ditching Plastics
Because Guests Demand It
Eco-aware travelers are putting their money where their values are. They want recyclable and biodegradable materials. They read the labels. They leave reviews about it.
Hotels that offer compostable toiletries, refillable water stations, and green packaging are already standing out. Those that don’t? They're losing bookings.
Because It Cuts Costs Long Term
Hotels spend less on waste disposal and more on guest loyalty. Compostable and biodegradable materials may have upfront costs, but over time, they save on operations—especially with energy and water efficiencies baked in.
Certifications like BPI Compostable, FSC, and ISO show you're not greenwashing—you're actually doing the work. That builds trust.
Where to Start: Key Plastic-Free Swaps
1. Amenities: Go Plastic-Free
Ditch mini plastic shampoo bottles. Go with refillable dispensers. Swap plastic toothbrushes for bamboo. Offer compostable razors. Switch to bagasse-based products where possible.
These aren’t just cute touches—they’re statements.
Minibars? Replace plastic wraps with paper bands or custom stickers. Every detail matters.
2. Refill Stations Beat Bottled Water
Water refill stations are a no-brainer. They eliminate plastic waste and offer convenience. Glass bottles and filtered jugs in rooms do the job without polluting oceans.
Hotels can even offer branded, reusable bottles for guests to take home. That’s marketing and sustainability in one.
3. Food Packaging: Go Green or Go Home
Room service and takeout packaging is a hot spot for plastic. Compostable food containers, paper bowls, and recyclable boxes should be the default. Skip the plastic cutlery—go for wooden or starch-based utensils.
Switch to eco-friendly fries cups, compostable meal boxes, and biodegradable cups for beverages. Look for aqueous-coated cups, which are both compostable and recyclable (and no, they don’t leach microplastics like PE-lined ones).
Make Guests Part of the Mission
Sustainability works best when it's a team effort. Guests want to help. Make it easy.
Spread the Word
Put up signs in the lobby and bathrooms. Send eco-tips in pre-arrival emails. Use your app (or website) to explain your green policies. Even a small card in the room—“Here’s how we’re cutting waste”—can go a long way.
Offer Incentives
Discounts for skipping daily room cleaning? Yes. Loyalty points for using refill stations? Absolutely.
Guests who feel part of the change are more likely to return—and tell others.
Beyond Plastics: Other Sustainable Wins
Local Sourcing = Less Waste + Better Taste
Buying local cuts transport emissions and supports the community. Hotels can brag about their farm-to-table breakfast and seasonal menus. Guests love the story—and the flavor.
Recyclable Packaging and Composting
Set up clear recycling bins in rooms and common areas. Label them well. Train housekeeping staff to handle waste properly. Start a food composting program in your kitchen. It’s doable—and impactful.
Energy & Water Efficiency
Install motion-sensor lights. Use smart thermostats. Offer linen reuse programs. These aren't just sustainable—they're expected.
Hotels can also look into solar panels or water-saving fixtures. Big investment upfront, big savings down the line.
What’s Stopping Hotels?
Let’s be real. Going plastic-free isn’t always easy.
Costs (Short-Term)
Sustainable upgrades can feel expensive. Energy systems, green materials, compostable packaging—they add up. But compare that to growing landfill costs and shrinking customer trust in non-sustainable brands.
Sustainability isn’t a cost. It’s an investment.
Eco Integration Takes Time
Smart meters. Digital water monitoring. Eco HVAC. These aren’t plug-and-play. They need time, money, and training. But they pay off fast. Hotels can track savings, reduce energy waste, and make better decisions.
Supplier Switches
Finding the right vendors—ones that offer compostable and biodegradable food packaging products or recyclable options—can take time. But there are more choices now than ever. And they’re scaling fast. At SoGreenPack, we can definitely help in this area.
Look for suppliers with BRCGS, Amfori BSCI, BPI, FSC, or ISO certifications. It’s how you know you’re getting the real deal.
What’s Next: Trends Shaping the Future
Regulations Are Coming
In Europe, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is changing the game. Expect bans on unnecessary single-use plastics. The U.S. isn’t far behind. Getting ahead of regulations now gives hotels a competitive edge.
Compostable and Biodegradable Materials Are the Future
Bioplastics like PLA aren’t always the best option—they take time to decompose and often need industrial facilities. Water-based (aqueous) coatings and bagasse-based containers break down faster, with less impact.
They’re lightweight but sturdy, thick and high quality—perfect for the hospitality industry.
Smart Rooms = Smart Sustainability
Digital room controls that optimize temperature and lighting? No more energy waste. Paperless check-in and communication? Less paper, more efficiency. Sustainability doesn’t mean giving up comfort—it means smarter service.
Guest Sentiments Are Shifting
Sustainable travel is on the rise. According to Booking.com, 71% of global travelers want to make more sustainable choices.
And hotels that align with those values are seeing higher occupancy, better reviews, and more repeat guests.
Hotels Can Lead the Way
Hotels don’t need to be perfect. But they do need to start.
Every plastic-free swap, every compostable alternative, every recycled container adds up. Sustainability in the hospitality industry isn’t a trend—it’s the new standard.
And it’s not just about looking good on Instagram. It’s about real impact: cutting waste, protecting ecosystems, and building a brand that guests trust.
So go on—ditch the plastic. Choose packaging that decomposes. Work with local suppliers. Invest in the future.
Because a truly sustainable stay isn’t just possible—it’s expected.
Want help transitioning to eco-friendly, compostable, and biodegradable food packaging for your hotel, resort, or chain? Check out our catalogue of high-quality disposable tableware and green packaging options. From fried chicken buckets to popcorn tubs, versatile bowls to fries cups—we’ve got what your guests (and the planet) will love. Contact [email protected] for more details.
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