With the latest move, Sonder expects to eliminate around 1.6 million single-use plastic amenity items (6,700kg) annually in its North American operations alone
Sonder will phase out single-use plastic amenities by end of 2022. (Credit: fotoblend from Pixabay)
Tech-enabled hospitality provider Sonder Holdings has pledged to remove single-use plastic amenities in all of its guest-facing units no later than 31 December 2022.
With the latest move, Sonder expects to eliminate around 1.6 million single-use plastic amenity items (6,700kg) annually in its North American operations alone.
Sonder will induce some changes in the supply chain and source sustainable packaging from suppliers for the implementation of the plan.
The guest amenity items that are planned to be shifted to more sustainable or reusable sources include bottled water, disposable cups, toiletry bottles, packaged coffee, packaged foods/drinks/condiments, straws, and stirrers.
Sonder co-founder and chief executive officer Francis Davidson said: “We’re implementing this responsible business practice early to proactively keep our environmental impact low.
“Removing single-use plastic amenities in all guest units across our global portfolio aligns with our mission to revolutionise hospitality and deliver what the modern traveller demands.
“It also makes good business sense, driving long-term efficiencies and savings for our operations. We’ve carefully selected amenities that provide the same quality to our guests with less waste.”
Sonder will use toiletries by Davines, a brand that works according to social and environmental sustainability norms.
Shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner will come in wall-mounted, refillable dispensers, while soap bars and body lotion will come in paper and aluminium packaging that is free of single-use plastic.
Sonder will provide coffee packages in home compostable and BPI certified packaging, produced in collaboration with Metropolis Coffee Company.
The new coffee pods are designed to meet Sonder’s standards for eliminating single-use plastic and aluminium foil, and ground coffee is delivered in compostable bags.
Sonder’s ban of single-use plastic amenities in all of its guest-facing apartments by the end of 2022 is part of the company’s People, Place, & Planet framework, which also includes commitments to optimise energy use.