Six Senses on track to eliminate plastics

Wellness resort operator continues to remove virgin plastic materials from hotel and spa operations

Global

By Mark Smith

30 December 2022

www.sixsenses.com

Six Senses, the global wellness resort operator, has said it is on track to eliminate virgin plastic materials from its hotel and spa operations.

Following its pledge as a founding signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative in 2019, efforts to eliminate single-use plastic are on track. This includes eliminating the brand’s ’18 Most Unwanted’ items – everything from guest amenities to behind-the-scenes material such as coffee pods and fruit packaging.

Six Senses is working to remove plastic from its hotel and spa operations

It also means sourcing plastic-free products, arranging packaging take-back, bottling drinking water on property and sharing best practices.

In 2021, Six Senses was also the first hospitality brand to collaborate with the United States Coalition on Sustainability and SustainChain as part of an ambitious Plastic Free 2022 strategy to remove and avoid all virgin plastic materials from its hotel and spa operations.

“When the world woke up to plastic straws, we realised we need to go much further to continue to lead on sustainability in the hospitality industry, so back in 2017, we set the audacious goal of eliminating all unnecessary plastics.”

Jeff Smith

Vice president of sustainability at Six Senses

Sustainability commitment

The group-wide journey to banish the ‘18 Most Unwanted’ plastic items will be showcased and celebrated over the coming months via the local resorts’ Instagram reels, from guest amenities to packaging. The brand will also issue a summary of elimination numbers early next year.

“[Our sustainability] journey began with an inventory of all remaining plastics, once straws and bottles had been eliminated,” said Jeff Smith, vice-president of sustainability at Six Senses. “And now continues with supplier engagement, seeking natural materials, and adopting circular solutions. Our solution to plastic waste is to avoid it before it happens.”

By the end of 2022, Six Senses will have:

Eliminated all unnecessary plastic packaging of bathroom amenities, room amenities, and retail spaces.

Introduced more reusable solutions in the kitchens to replace cling-film and plastic packaging of fresh products.

Sourced naturally compostable packing and other materials where appropriate by engaging with suppliers.

Worked with other hotels and industry partners to share best practices, supplier recommendations, and other information to help all stakeholders move away from plastic.

Eliminated more than 1.5 million plastic bottles each year by bottling its own drinking water in reusable glass bottles.

Used natural materials to substitute everything from plastic straws to toothbrushes, and also crates, cloth bags, bottles, and containers that can be reused and refilled.

About Six Senses

Six Senses operates 20 hotels and resorts in 17 countries and has signed a further 34 properties into the development pipeline. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses maintains a leadership commitment to community, sustainability, emotional hospitality, wellness, and crafted experiences. The group is set to launch Six Senses Rome in early 2023.

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