Commitment to a Plastic-Free Future
In an era where sustainable luxury is redefining the hospitality industry, Six Senses has taken a bold step by sharing its meticulously developed Journey to Plastic Freedom playbook. This extensive guide offers 82 actionable solutions designed to eliminate plastic across housekeeping, back of house, food and beverage, and spa operations. With this initiative, Six Senses is inviting hoteliers worldwide to adopt innovative solutions that blend environmental consciousness with uncompromising guest experiences.
Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses, emphasised, “Sustainability is a defining characteristic of what luxury means to us. We are sharing our playbook with other hotel groups because the issue needs collective action if we are to make a real impact on our environment. If that means sharing our trade secrets with the wider industry, then so be it. What we know from our years of experience is that sustainability doesn’t have to be to the detriment to guest experience. This playbook only tells half the story. The real legacy will be how our journey is embedded within further afield and who knows, potentially become part of life for all hotel operations.”
The Evolution of Plastic-Free Practices at Six Senses
Six Senses has long been a pioneer in plastic-free hospitality, phasing out single-use plastic bottles, straws, and disposable packaging by 2016. This journey began with a successful pilot program at Six Senses Laamu, where a comprehensive inventory of plastic use revealed the hidden extent of plastic dependency. According to Jeff Smith, Vice President of Sustainability, the transition was challenging but ultimately rewarding, as it opened the eyes of staff members to a world previously obscured by convenience.
“We launched an extensive awareness campaign with six training modules that empowered our team to identify and eliminate unnecessary plastic,” said Smith. These plastic solutions—from toothpaste tablets to beeswax wraps—are now integral to Six Senses operations, setting new standards across 27 hotels.”
Today, Six Senses solutions span from natural beeswax wraps pioneered by Dawa Tshering at Six Senses Paro to recyclable slippers introduced by Anupam Banerjee at Six Senses Zighy Bay. Each solution is the product of a ground-up effort that combines ecological integrity with operational efficiency, offering a roadmap for industry-wide change.
A Revolutionary Playbook for the Hospitality Industry
The Journey to Plastic Freedom playbook categorizes solutions by four primary operational areas and serves as an essential guide for industry professionals seeking sustainable alternatives. From replacing toothpaste tubes to eliminating single-use coffee capsules, Six Senses 82 solutions reveal that there’s no small act when it comes to environmental stewardship. To amplify this movement, Six Senses has already shared the playbook across 6,400 IHG properties, a strategic step towards setting a new benchmark in luxury sustainability.
“Reducing plastic isn’t merely about disposal; it’s about minimizing the entire lifecycle impact of plastic, from crude oil extraction to waste management,” Smith elaborated. This philosophy led Six Senses to not only reform in-house practices but also partner with suppliers willing to innovate alongside the brand’s vision.
The playbook, crafted with input from sustainable tourism experts such as Rachel McCaffery of Green Case, Ally Dragozet of Sea Going Green, and Phil Bloomfield of Ready to Bloom, showcases the brand’s unwavering commitment to ecological leadership. These industry experts contribute valuable insights on sustainable alternatives, ensuring that each solution is both practical and impactful.
Setting a New Standard for Plastic-Free Luxury
Six Senses commitment to eliminating plastic from its operations extends beyond merely recycling. Recognizing that plastic pollution has a significant environmental impact from the very start of its lifecycle, Six Senses focuses on prevention over disposal. Through partnerships with stakeholders and suppliers, the brand has cultivated a network of ecologically minded collaborators who are as invested in sustainability as they are in delivering luxury experiences.
For guests, these plastic-free solutions are more than just an operational feat; they are an invitation to engage in a new kind of luxury that respects both nature and well-being. The playbook, available for download after a live webinar on November 6, extends an open hand to the global hospitality community to join Six Senses in reimagining a future free from plastic.
Beyond Plastic: A Legacy of Sustainability
This initiative is part of Six Senses broader commitment to sustainable luxury, exemplified by projects funded through the Six Senses Sustainability Fund. Efforts range from protecting endangered species like the Black-shanked Douc Langur at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay to improving community access to clean water at Six Senses Yao Noi. These initiatives reinforce the brand’s holistic approach to ecological and social responsibility, demonstrating that true luxury aligns with stewardship of both nature and local communities.
