Introduction
The Independent Hotel Show London 2025 returned to Olympia on 6–7 October 2025, drawing independent hoteliers, suppliers and industry pioneers for two days of learning and networking. This year’s programme offered more than 45 expert‑led sessions covering everything from luxury design and artificial intelligence to operational efficiency and sustainability. Clean the World attended to continue its mission of promoting circular‑economy practices and hygiene innovation within the hospitality sector.
Sustainability without the ESG Hub
Unlike the 2024 edition, there was no dedicated ESG Hub at the 2025 show. Instead, sustainability themes were woven into presentations and discussions across the seminar programme and exhibition floor. This shift meant that conversations about environmental and social responsibility occurred alongside sessions on revenue management, design and technology, reinforcing the idea that sustainable business practices belong at the heart of hospitality.
Clean the World’s presence
Austin Eaton (Head of Marketing for Clean the World Global in Europe and the UK), attended the show to champion circular‑economy and hygiene solutions. Building on the conversations from 2024—when Austin noted that attendee engagement revealed a strong desire to overcome sustainability hurdles and turn words into action[1]—the team met with hoteliers to discuss circular‑economy solutions and waste‑reduction strategies. Their message was simple: actionable, measurable sustainability initiatives can enhance guest experiences and improve a hotel’s bottom line.
Clean the World’s presence
One of the standout sessions for Clean the World’s team was “Profit with Purpose: Why Sustainability is Smart Business.” Moderator Sarah Duncan and panellists Ed Perryman, Lindsay Conway, Louise Macbeth and Ufi Ibrahim argued that sustainability is no longer a trend but a business essential. They explained how independent hotels are translating environmental responsibility into guest loyalty, operational savings and stronger brands[2]. The discussion ranged from energy efficiency and waste reduction to eliminating meat in some menus and preparing for forthcoming regulations[2]. Attendees left with real‑world strategies demonstrating that doing good can also mean doing well.
Session highlights: Profit with Purpose
One of the standout sessions for Clean the World’s team was “Profit with Purpose: Why Sustainability is Smart Business.” Moderator Sarah Duncan and panellists Ed Perryman, Lindsay Conway, Louise Macbeth and Ufi Ibrahim argued that sustainability is no longer a trend but a business essential. They explained how independent hotels are translating environmental responsibility into guest loyalty, operational savings and stronger brands[2]. The discussion ranged from energy efficiency and waste reduction to eliminating meat in some menus and preparing for forthcoming regulations[2]. Attendees left with real‑world strategies demonstrating that doing good can also mean doing well.
Key takeaways
- Action over rhetoric: Without a specific ESG zone, sustainability moved from a designated area into mainstream conversation. Sessions like “Profit with Purpose” provided tangible examples of profitable sustainability and echoed panellists’ predictions that investment in innovation and tangible action will replace mere reporting[3].
- Clean the World as a resource: Austin Eaton and the Clean the World team reinforced that waste‑management programmes and circular‑economy solutions are practical steps hotels can take immediately. Our experience is helping hotels convert insights into action [1].
- Collaborative learning: By embedding sustainability topics across multiple sessions, the show fostered a culture of continuous improvement. Hotels are encouraged to use the insights from the seminar programme to prioritise actions that deliver measurable environmental and social benefits
Looking ahead
Whether you’re just beginning your ESG journey or seeking to enhance existing programmes, the Clean the World team is ready to help you assess your practices, implement our waste‑reduction initiatives. Together, we can ensure that sustainability becomes a standard part of hospitality, and that doing good for the planet also supports a thriving business.
[1] Roundup of the Independent Hotel Show – Sustainable Hotel News
https://sustainablehotelnews.com/roundup-of-the-independent-hotel-show/
[2] Profit with Purpose: Why Sustainability is Smart Business – Independent Hotel Show London 2025
[3] ESG self-audit option for brands taking part in The Independent Hotel Show – Sustainable Hotel News
https://sustainablehotelnews.com/the-independent-hotel-show-introduces-esg-self-audit/
