IHG vows to rid hotels of bathroom miniatures

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has vowed to rid all 5,600 of its hotels of miniature bathroom toiletries in a bid to reduce its plastic waste.

The group will be replacing them with larger amenities or refillable ceramic options. It is understood to be the first global hotel company to commit to removing bathroom minis. Almost a third of IHG's estate has already adopted the change.

IHG's Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas offers bathroom products in refillable ceramic dispensers across its entire estate, while the group's Kimpton estate is already moving to larger-size amenities. Voco, Even and Avid brands have all offered bulk-size amenities since launch.

A representative for the group said: "We are now working with our teams to establish the best larger-size solutions for each of our brands that will offer the same great experience and minimise environmental impact. This may vary from brand to brand.

"While we recognise that switching to larger-size bottles will not remove plastic waste from our global hotel estate altogether, we are confident that this move will significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste we produce."

Keith Barr, chief executive of IHG, said the move would allow the group to "significantly reduce" its waste footprint and environmental impact.

The group has also pledged to remove plastic straws from its hotels by the end of the year, and several properties have partnered with technology company Winnow to track, measure and reduce food waste.

IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns more than 5,600 hotels and nearly 843,000 guest rooms in more than 100 countries, with over 1,900 hotels in its development pipeline.

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