The 5 top hotels using refillable products
The era of tiny plastic toiletry bottles is coming to an end. Once a staple of hotel bathrooms, these single use items are not just wasteful but also costly. A 2019 report by the Environmental Impact Institute found that refillable systems can cut packaging, delivery and disposal costs by 25%, making them a smarter long term investment for hotels.
Beyond cost savings, sustainability is now a key factor in guest expectations. Modern travelers are increasingly eco conscious and hotels that fail to adapt risk damaging their reputation. In response, some of the world’s top hospitality brands are making bold commitments to eliminate single use plastics, replacing them with refillable, luxury quality amenities.
From global chains like IHG and Marriott to luxury leaders like Four Seasons and Hilton, hotels are redefining sustainability in hospitality. Here’s a look at the top hotels pioneering refillable product initiatives and setting new standards for responsible travel.
IHG Hotels & Resorts
As a pioneer in sustainable hospitality, IHG Hotels & Resorts made waves in 2019 by becoming the first global hotel company to commit to removing single use bathroom miniatures. By 2025, this initiative has come to full fruition across its 4,000+ hotels worldwide, in collaboration with Unilever. Bulk amenities from Unilever’s Dove brand are now standard in IHG Essentials and Suites Collection hotels, offering full size hand wash, body wash, shampoo and conditioner. This transition is part of IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow plan, aiming to eliminate all single use items by 2030. The move saves 850 tonnes of plastic annually in America alone, setting a benchmark for sustainable tourism.
2. Marriott International
As the world’s largest hospitality company, Marriott International is setting new standards in sustainability with its commitment to reducing single use plastics. By the end of 2025, Marriott will establish a formal reduction goal and begin disclosing its baseline footprint in 2026, following an agreement with Green Century. The hotel giant has already transitioned from single use toiletry bottles to larger, more sustainable dispensers across its 1.5 million rooms worldwide.
With regulatory and economic pressures driving change, Marriott’s efforts signal a larger industry shift toward responsible tourism. “Given Marriott’s scale, small changes make massive impacts,” said Douglass Guernsey, shareholder advocate with Green Century.
3. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Photo credit: John Athimaritis
Hilton is leading the way in sustainable hospitality with its commitment to eliminating single-use plastics and reducing its overall environmental impact. As the first major hotel company to set science based carbon reduction targets, Hilton has implemented Sustainable Design Checklists to guide developers in constructing eco friendly hotels. The company’s Travel with Purpose strategy includes a roadmap to cut emissions intensity by 75% for managed properties by 2030.
A core focus has been waste reduction, including phasing out single use plastics and introducing refillable bulk amenities across its portfolio.
“We strive every day to meet the expectations of the growing number of purpose driven consumers who value sustainable and conscientious travel.”
With an emphasis on energy efficiency, water stewardship and responsible tourism, Hilton is proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.
4. Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
As a leader in luxury hospitality, Four Seasons is proving that sustainability and elegance can coexist. The brand has made significant strides in reducing single use plastics across its global portfolio, prioritising waste reduction and marine conservation. By transitioning to refillable bathroom amenities, Four Seasons is estimated to eliminate over 250 metric tons of single use plastics annually.
Through its partnership with Clean the World, Four Seasons has also diverted over six metric tons of soap and plastic waste from landfills, while its collaboration with ecoSPIRITS in Asia-Pacific has eliminated 3.5 metric tons of single use glass packaging waste. With most properties having already phased out plastic water bottles, the brand is well on its way to achieving a fully sustainable guest experience.
5. Imperial London Hotels
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Imperial London Hotels’ operations, from reducing plastic waste to harnessing renewable energy. A standout initiative is the switch to 100% plant based, biodegradable cleaning products supplied by SURE, Diversey. In an effort to cut down single use plastics, the group provides refillable glass water bottles in event spaces and has installed advanced BRITA water filtration systems to lower carbon emissions.
Water conservation is another key focus, with shower and tap optimizations reducing water usage by 60%. Guests are also encouraged to participate in linen reuse programs to further minimize environmental impact. Recycling efforts are bolstered by segregated bins across all sites, while food waste is converted into renewable energy, helping power the national grid. Even guest transportation is considered, with bike-friendly initiatives promoting sustainable travel around London.
The shift to refillable amenities is more than just a cost saving measure, it’s a crucial step toward a more sustainable hospitality industry. As we’ve seen, leading hotel brands are proving that luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. As guest expectations evolve, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s essential. Travelers are actively seeking out hotels that align with their values, and those that fail to adapt risk being left behind. By embracing refillable products and broader waste reduction initiatives, hotels are not just protecting the planet; they’re enhancing guest experiences and future-proofing their brands.
With more hospitality leaders joining the movement, refillable amenities are fast becoming the industry norm. The question is no longer if hotels will make the change, but how quickly they can rise to the challenge. As guest expectations evolve, sustainability is no longer optional, it’s essential. Travelers are actively seeking out hotels that align with their values and those that fail to adapt risk being left behind. By embracing refillable products and broader waste reduction initiatives, hotels are not just protecting the planet; they’re enhancing guest experiences and future proofing their brands.
With more hospitality leaders joining the movement, refillable amenities are fast becoming the industry norm. The question is no longer if hotels will make the change, but how quickly they can rise to the challenge.
Sources:
https://www.hunteramenities.com/blog/how-refillable-solutions-are-saving-millions-and-the-planet/
https://www.greencentury.com/marriott-international-to-measure-cut-plastic-waste/
https://www.fourseasons.com/content/dam/fourseasons/images/web/PDFs/2022-ESG-Report.pdf