Phase 1: Reduction in Plastic Water Bottles
IHCL introduced in-house water bottling plants and transitioned from
single-use plastic bottles to reusable glass bottles. IHCL collaborated with
technology providers, material suppliers, and recycling partners to
implement in-house water bottling plants and transition to reusable glass
bottles. Some of the challenges faced included technological
considerations, ensuring the availability of glass bottles, compliance with
regulatory requirements set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority
of India (FSSAI), and addressing consumer preferences for plastic usage.
Phase 2: Eliminating plastics from bathroom amenities,
amenity packaging and room keys
In phase 2, plastic packaging for bathroom amenities is being addressed
through engagement with suppliers and experts specializing in
sustainable packaging solutions. Some solutions include use of refillable
ceramic dispensers for soap, shampoo, conditioner and bodywash,
biodegradable toothbrushes and earplugs, and jute or cotton laundry
bags, choosing tea, coffee and snacks with non-plastic packaging, and
substituting wooden material for plastics in keycards. Some of the
challenges faced were sourcing suitable paper packaging materials that
meet quality standards, ensuring compatibility with various amenities,
maintaining guest satisfaction, and coordinating the phased
implementation across multiple hotels.
Through the process, across both phases, IHCL achieved significant
milestones:
