RPM Program Partners with the Clean The World Recycling Initiative for Hotels
Plastic waste is a growing problem worldwide, and the hospitality industry is no exception. Every year, the hospitality sector generates approximately 5 million tons of plastic waste, from single-use toiletries to packaging materials.
The good news is that some hotels are taking steps to reduce their plastic footprint, and one initiative that's gaining global traction is the Clean the World Hotel Recycling Initiative.
Clean the World started in 2009 with the recycling of bars of soap from hotels. The initiative has since collected 50 million pounds of used and unused soap and recycled this into new products for reuse in the developing world, refugee relief and disaster areas.
The even better news is that Clean the World has partnered with the RPM Program to further develop the Plastic Recycling Initiative under a Responsible Plastic Management and Zero Plastic to Landfill umbrella and our target is the wider hospitality sector.
This plastic recycling program now helps 8000 plus hotels in 127 countries to recycle their plastic waste. The focus has been bathroom plastic amenity bottles such as shampoo, conditioner and body lotion which are typically discarded after use. The plastic recycling project is widening out the scope to target all hotel plastic and to also incorporate more hospitality organisations. The program now attracts global recyclers and plastic converters who are keen to take the used plastic and create new functional products for reuse.
Participating organisations collect their plastic waste, which is then picked up by the program and sorted before being sent to the approved recycling facilities. The program also provides participating hotels with recycling bins and education materials to help them reduce their waste. The RPM and CTW focus is on Zero Plastic to Landfill and enhanced plastic circularity.
Benefits of the Plastic Recycling Initiative
- Environmental Impact: By recycling their plastic waste, hotels can reduce their environmental impact. Plastic waste has a significant impact on the environment, from polluting waterways to harming wildlife. Recycling plastic waste helps to reduce these negative impacts.
- Cost Savings: Recycling plastic waste can also help hotels save money. By reducing their waste, they may be able to reduce their waste disposal costs, and by recycling, they may be able to generate revenue from the sale of recycled materials.
- Reputation: Participating in the Recycling Initiative can also enhance a hotel's reputation. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their actions, and hotels that take steps to reduce their plastic footprint can benefit from positive PR and increased customer loyalty. The program can help hotels meet certification standards.
Reasons Why the Plastic Recycling Initiative is Needed
- Plastic waste is a growing problem: Plastic waste is a significant environmental problem, and hotels are a significant contributor to this issue. By participating in the Plastic Recycling Initiative, hotels can take steps to reduce their plastic footprint.
- Consumer demand: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their actions, and hotels that fail to address this issue may lose business to competitors that are taking steps to reduce their plastic footprint.
- Regulatory pressure: Governments around the world are taking steps to reduce plastic waste, and hotels may face regulatory pressure to reduce their plastic footprint. By participating in the Hospitality Plastic Recycling Initiative, hotels can get ahead of regulatory requirements and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
In summary the hospitality plastic recycling initiative is a program that can help hotels and other hospitality organisations to reduce their plastic footprint, save money, enhance their reputation, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
With plastic waste becoming an increasingly pressing environmental issue, initiatives like this are needed to help address the problem and create a more sustainable future across the hospitality sector.
If you are in the hospitality sector or are a recycler seeking plastic recycling opportunities then get in contact with us to learn more about this important initiative: aaronmarshall@rpmprogram.com