Recognizing our Role in Redefining Hotel Amenities for a Sustainable Future
We were delighted to see our work profiled in the September issue of Hotel Magazine. The feature, titled “Passing the Buck: Who’s Really Responsible for Hotel Amenities?”, explores the growing movement within hospitality to rethink bathroom amenities and reduce single‑use waste. It asks a simple but powerful question: Who is responsible for the life of those little bottles once a guest checks out? The article’s answer is clear—everyone: suppliers, hotels and guests all have a part to play in closing the loop on amenity waste cleantheworld.org.
What the Article Highlights
The piece offers an honest look at the challenges hotels face when trying to eliminate tiny bottles and other single‑use products. Many properties have switched to refillable dispensers or biodegradable packaging, but the article points out that these solutions can still hide environmental impacts. Large refill containers are often made from plastic, and partially used dispensers may still be discarded. The article urges the industry to go beyond surface‑level changes and consider the entire product lifecycle.
Some of the key takeaways include:
- The sustainability imperative – Environmental accountability is now a central part of the hospitality experience. Guests expect hotels to make sustainable choices, and many research a property’s environmental credentials before booking.
- Dispensers aren’t a cure‑all – Switching from miniature bottles to bulk dispensers reduces visible waste but still relies on plastic refill containers and can lead to half‑used bottles being thrown away.
- Shared responsibility – Real change requires cooperation from suppliers, hotels and guests. The article emphasises that sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation.
- Success stories – The feature celebrates hotels that have adopted circular programmes. For example, THE PIG Hotels partnered with Clean the World and diverted more than 1,100 kilograms of soap from landfill, turning it into over 22,000 new bars for vulnerable communities. This initiative saved 30,650 litres of water and prevented more than 1.5 tonnes of carbon emissions.
- Data‑driven decisions – A Clean the World survey mentioned in the article found that 88% of travellers factor sustainability into their hotel booking decisions, yet 57% believe hotels would not responsibly dispose of leftover amenities. This underscores the importance of transparent communication and robust recycling programs.
Why This Recognition Matters
Being featured in a respected industry publication validates our mission and underscores the urgency of moving beyond incremental fixes. For more than 16 years, Clean the World has partnered with hotels to reclaim leftover soaps and bottled amenities, diverting them from landfill and transforming them into hygiene products for communities in need. Our model doesn’t just reduce waste; it reduces carbon emissions, conserves water and helps prevent hygiene‑related illnesses worldwide.
We believe that awareness is the first step towards change. When hotels ask, “What happens to this product when the guest leaves?” they are challenged to think differently about procurement, operations and disposal. By raising these questions, Hotel Magazine’s feature supports a broader industry shift toward circularity and shared accountability.
How Hotels Can Take Action
If you’re a hotelier or supplier inspired by the article, here are practical steps to make amenity programs more sustainable:
- Partner with a recycling program – Joining forces with organizations like Clean the World ensures that leftover soaps and bottles are responsibly managed. Our hotel partners receive impact reports via our portal that quantifies waste diverted, water saved, carbon emissions avoided and soap donated to communities in need, supporting with data management and showcasing their impact to stakeholders.
- Choose lifecycle‑conscious products – Work with suppliers that prioritize recycled content, biodegradable materials and refillable packaging. Look for amenity lines that consider origin, recyclability and post‑consumption impact.
- Educate guests and staff – Clearly communicate sustainability efforts to guests so they understand how to participate. Train housekeeping teams to follow established recycling protocols and avoid discarding items prematurely.
- Measure and report – Use impact tracking tools to monitor waste diversion, water savings and carbon reductions. Transparency helps build trust with guests and shows progress towards environmental goals.
Our Commitment Continues
We are grateful to Hotel Magazine for shining a light on the complexities of amenity waste and for recognizing the role of Clean the World in driving positive change. As the article notes, the industry is at a pivotal moment. With regulatory pressure growing and guests demanding more sustainable options, hoteliers have both a challenge and an opportunity.
At Clean the World, we remain committed to helping hotels and suppliers build circular amenity programs that benefit both the planet and people. By working together, we can turn bathroom waste into meaningful impact, providing hygiene resources to vulnerable communities and reducing the environmental footprint of the hospitality sector.
Want to learn more or join the movement? Contact us to explore how your property can take the next step toward truly sustainable amenities.
