Marriott to eliminate single-use toiletry bottles

Marriott has said most of its hotels will be swapping single-use toiletry bottles for full-size, pump-top bottles by December 2020.

Around 1,000 North America Marriott properties of 7,000 global portfolio already offer the larger, recyclable amenities.

The move is expected to stop about 500 million of the mini bottles from going to landfills each year; a 30% annual reduction on the company's amenity plastic usage once the switch is fully implemented.

Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive of Marriott International, said: "This is our second global initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastics in just over a year, which underscores how important we believe it is to continuously find ways to reduce our hotels' environmental impact. It's a huge priority for us."

Last year five of Marriott International's brands switched to larger bottles: Courtyard by Marriott, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, Fairfield by Marriott and TownePlace Suites. Four had already made the change (Aloft, Element by Westin, Four Points and Moxy) while AC by Marriott-branded hotels are now on the way to making the change.

The initiative is part of Marriott International's ‘Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction' platform that addresses social and environmental issues. As part of this, it is working towards reducing landfill waste by 45% and responsibly sourcing its top 10 product purchase categories – including guestroom amenities – by 2025.