Sustainability to go
From soap in a paper bag to protecting the marine environment: sustainability in the hotel industry is no longer just about organic certificates or reusable drinking straws. Rather, it is clever ideas that are suitable for everyday use, innovative products and genuine commitment that make the difference. This article brings together inspiring examples from the field – and shows how sustainability can become a tangible attitude.
1. green choice in the hotel room: the Kaiserhof Vienna shows the way
Anyone staying at the Kaiserhof Hotel in Vienna quickly realizes that they think beyond wasting resources. A simple but effective idea: there is a small paper bag in the bathroom with the inscription “Take your soap with you!” - an invitation to reuse instead of a throwaway mentality. Even smarter: those who forgo daily room service and fresh towels receive a 10% discount at the bar. Sustainability that is rewarded and saves resources at the same time.
2. intelligent chemistry: Ecolab sets new standards with Smartpower
Save water, protect water bodies, reduce CO2 - the Smartpower Clean line from Ecolab shows how next-generation cleaning solutions work. The new dishwashing products are 100% free of chlorine, EDTA, phosphate and phosphonate and carry the Nordic Swan ecolabel. Thanks to their block form and smart dosing, they reduce packaging waste by up to 95% and cut CO2 emissions during transportation by 70%. The result: brilliant wash results - sustainable and economical at the same time.
3. longevity instead of electronic waste: how Jura is challenging the throwaway society
With its fully automatic coffee machines, Jura focuses on longevity instead of planned wear and tear. The machines can be cleaned and maintained at the touch of a button - without any manual unscrewing. At the heart of the sustainability concept is the new Claris water filter made from 100% bio-based plastic. Produced from tall oil, a by-product of wood processing, its life cycle begins with a negative CO2 balance. This makes sustainability a matter of course in everyday life.
4. species protection in action: turtle conservation at Six Senses Con Dao
The Vietnamese resort Six Senses Con Dao impressively demonstrates how deeply sustainability can go. With the “Let's Get Cracking” hatchery, the resort protects endangered sea turtles, supervises nesting and rearing phases and enables regular releases into the wild. Over 29,000 baby turtles have been released since 2018. The project is not only a successful model for species conservation, but also an emotional educational experience for guests - including “Turtle Talks” and live hatchlings.
5. oceans in focus: Novotel & WWF protect the seas
As an official partner of the WWF, Novotel is committed to consistent marine protection. As part of the Sustainable Seafood Principles, 350 endangered fish species are excluded and fish and seafood are only purchased from certified sources. A global “Plant Forward” initiative is running in parallel, with the aim of making at least 25% of all menus plant-based by 2026. Interactive games for children, educational formats for employees and specific conservation projects in the Mediterranean region make the strategy tangible - and ecologically effective.
Our conclusion for the future: sustainability starts with ideas that can be implemented and have an impact
Whether in the hotel industry, housekeeping or the kitchen - if you want to take responsibility for the planet, you don't have to stop at the vision. It is the concrete details that inspire guests, improve processes and bring about real change. The future is green - and it starts with the next stay, the next coffee, the next touch in the hotel room.
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