Single-use Plastic in the Guest Experience Makes Way for Sustainable Alternatives in the Maldives

3 years ago, we became the first Hospitality group to commit to progressively eliminate single-use plastic items from the guest experience. Today, our teams’ mobilization and hard work are bearing fruit: 84% of our hotels have already successfully risen to the challenge. 

Collective Mobilization to Lead Industry Best Practices

Committed to reducing our environmental impact – aligned with the evolving expectations of guests who increasingly look for more responsible kinds of accommodation – we went beyond local legislation and decided to strengthen our governance, deploying a global action plan in head offices and hotels. The aim? Eliminate single-use plastic items in the guest experience and offer eco-responsible alternatives for 46 plastic items, while contributing to a concrete change of mindset. By mobilizing all the teams at a local, regional and global level, at the end of 2020, our hotels had removed all plastic straws, stirrers, cotton buds, individual amenities and cups – and are more committed than ever to take their efforts further.

In December, we launched the ‘Our Planet, Our Commitment’ mini-series to share stories about how our hotel teams around the world protect and preserve biodiversity. Now we’re showcasing their initiatives to find sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic.

Dive into the Eco-initiatives Implemented at Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi

Situated on the remote Maldivian atoll of Shaviyani, Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi is a natural paradise abundant with indigenous flora and fauna – home to more than 400 marine species, as well as various land birds and tropical trees. Understanding the need to preserve the surrounding environment and resources, the hotel prioritizes eco-friendly initiatives. In this episode, find out more about the teams’ initiatives and local synergies from Sustainability Manager, Samuel Dixon.

Stepping Up Efforts to Reduce the Impact of Plastic

• Drinking water production: To further minimize the need for single-use plastic items, the hotel has an on-site Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant that produces drinking water for guests and team members, which is served in reusable Fairmont-branded glass bottles.
• Sustainability Lab: As part of the hotel’s ongoing commitment to operating more sustainably, a hub for recycling and eco-education has been launched. The Sustainability Lab transforms plastic and glass waste collected from local island communities or during beach cleanups into bespoke souvenirs, unique furniture and useful equipment for local schools. The lab also aims to raise awareness among guests, empower local communities and support the hotel’s ambition to become the first zero-waste-generating resort in the Maldives.

About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group

Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry's most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing more than 40 luxury, premium, midscale and economy hotel brands, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor's unmatched position in lifestyle hospitality – one of the fastest growing categories in the industry – is led by Ennismore, a joint venture, which Accor holds a majority shareholding. Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Accor boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and more than 260,000 team members worldwide. Members benefit from the company's comprehensive loyalty program – ALL - Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the Group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com, or follow Accor on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.