US: Marriott says it will swap single-use toiletry bottles for larger pump-top bottles by December 2020 in most of its properties.
Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive of Marriott International, said: “This is our second global initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastics in just over a year, which underscores how important we believe it is to continuously find ways to reduce our hotels’ environmental impact. It’s a huge priority for us.”
Around 1,000 Marriott properties across North America already offer the larger, recyclable amenities. The company’s of global portfolio numbers around 7,000.
The move is expected to stop about 500 million of the mini bottles from going to landfills each year; a 30 per cent annual reduction on the company’s amenity plastic usage once the switch is fully implemented.
Marriott’s extended stay brands are among theleades in the process. Last year five Marriott brands switched to larger bottles: Courtyard by Marriott, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, Fairfield by Marriott and TownePlace Suites. Four had already made the change (Aloft, Element by Westin, Four Points and Moxy) while AC by Marriott hotels are currently making the change.
The initiative is part of Marriott’s “Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction” commitment that addresses social and environmental issues. The company is also working towards reducing landfill waste by 45 per cent and responsibly sourcing its top 10 product purchase categories – including guestroom amenities – by 2025.
The move follows a similar announcement last month by IHG, which said it will eliminate about 200 million bottles each year by 2021.</p
