The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) will transition towards a ban on plastic straws by 1 November 2018 in its operations around the world.
Plastic straws will be replaced with paper straws that meet sustainable paper considerations, and these will only be served upon request where possible. This is a first step in the company’s global approach to transition away from single-use plastics, including water bottles, packaging and bathroom amenities by 2020, through reduction, replacement with sustainable alternatives and increased recycling.
ÒOur approach on transitioning away from single-use plastics in our operations is in line with our global Sustainable Luxury Vision 2020, which emphasises the need to have a positive social, economic and environmental benefit on the local communities in which we operate,Ó said HSH Managing Director and CEO Clement Kwok. ÒWe recognise the detrimental impact that single-use plastics are having on the world and society at large. We believe businesses have a responsibility to take action and as an industry leader, we are pleased to play our part in driving this change.Ó
Janice Lao, HSH Director of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, said ÒThe issue of single-use plastics is incredibly concerning and one that clearly requires global commitment and collaborative action. We have been exploring different options for the past year and through the enormous efforts of our operations teams around the world, we are pleased to be able to implement this global approach. We hope that other organisations will be inspired by our actions and we look forward to sharing our learnings and experience as we work to make this commitment a reality.Ó
More details about the company’s Sustainable Luxury Vision 2020 can be read here and the 2017 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report is available here.
