Sponsored article: Biggest barriers to sustainability in hospitality industry revealed

The figures, which are revealed this World Ocean Day (8th June) by BRITA Professional, also highlight cost as the biggest barrier to hospitality businesses being more sustainable, with over 40% of companies finding it a challenge.

Exploring the recent drive to reduce single-use plastics, the research also found that while the hospitality, restaurant and catering sector is supportive of the government single-use plastic tax, three quarters of businesses believe it does not go far enough. These insights are part of a new report from BRITA Professional, ‘Life is Better Filtered; The Planet Around You', which offers an in-depth look at sustainability barriers in the hospitality sector.

The study also shows that, of the sustainability targets in place, reducing waste levels is the current focus for eight in 10 businesses. Looking to the future, 70% of hospitality companies are planning to reduce the use of single-use plastics and nearly two thirds are banning plastic straws. Furthermore, a third of hospitality businesses are taking steps to install filtered water systems instead of serving water in single-use plastic bottles.

Key statistics also found in the research include:
• Over 40% of hospitality outlets want more information and advice to help them become sustainable
• 42% of organisations want to partner with sustainable suppliers to help meet CSR targets
• One in three businesses say installing a water filtration system would offer customers a sustainable alternative to bottled water

Speaking about the launch of the Life is Better Filtered: The Planet Around You report, Sarah Taylor, managing director of BRITA UK, said; "It is positive to see how committed the hospitality sector is to adopting more sustainable practices. We understand the pressures in the industry and the challenges which can occur on the journey to becoming more sustainable. At BRITA, this is something we're passionate about within our own business and have developed a dedicated ‘green team' who promote our 100% recyclable filter cartridges and oversee initiatives like a zero to landfill policy and reducing carbon emissions.

"Supporting hospitality businesses to implement simple, cost-effective measures in their sustainability drive is more essential than ever. Our aim is to work in partnership with the sector, particularly in the fight to reduce single-use plastic, to continue to tackle sustainability issues head on."

Download a copy of the ‘Life if Better Filtered: The Planet Around You' report here >>