Partnering with Clean the World, Hilton Worldwide has reaffirmed its global commitment to the recycling and redistribution of used soap and hygiene products to millions of people around the world. With more than 850 hotels currently participating in soap and amenity recycling, Hilton Worldwide properties have donated nearly 600,000 pounds of soap, which have been converted into over one million new bars to help prevent hygiene-related deaths and illness.
Since 2011, Hilton has joined with key organizations on soap and amenity bottle recycling programs that help to reduce waste at properties while providing access to basic hygiene products. One of Hilton’s original partners in this effort, Global Soap, recently announced it has joined forces with Clean the World. Hilton was the first major hospitality company to partner with Global Soap, helping the organization expand its footprint globally and providing operational expertise to improve soap processing capabilities. The two organizations were the world’s only large-scale recyclers of hotel soap and other amenity products – and continue to be under the Clean the World banner. Together, they claim to have contributed to a 30 percent reduction in pre-adolescent deaths from hygiene-related illnesses.
“Although this marks the beginning of our official joint commitment with Hilton Worldwide, we have been partners in spirit and practice since 2009,” said Shawn Seipler, executive director, Clean the World. “Hilton’s portfolio of hotels has a longstanding commitment to Clean the World’s recycling program, and we are excited to welcome hundreds more now that we have teamed up with Global Soap.”
Soap reprocessing is just one element of Hilton’s larger global waste solutions program known as RePurpose, which focuses on eliminating waste sent to landfills. RePurpose provides resources and partnerships that support Hilton Worldwide’s portfolio of hotels in their efforts to reduce waste and increase recycling of items ranging from soap to bed mattresses to food. Collectively, hotels have reduced waste by more than 26 percent over the last five years, achieving the company’s initial waste goal two years ahead of schedule.
“Our partnership with Clean the World is a testament to the efforts of our hotels around the world to reduce our impact on the environment,” said Maxime Verstraete, vice president of sustainability, Hilton Worldwide. “Our initial work with Global Soap helped lay the foundation for a comprehensive in-room waste strategy that provided turn-key solutions for our hotels. Whether it’s soap or any other product that’s left behind, our guests count on us to manage our waste responsibly and develop solutions that enhance the guest experience.”
Hilton Worldwide’s leadership in recycling used soap and other hygiene products reinforces its commitment to global sustainability efforts. Hilton Worldwide was one of the first major multi-brand hospitality companies to make environmental reporting and continuous improvement a brand standard and has earned ISO 9001, 14001 and 50001 certifications for its comprehensive quality, environmental and energy management.
Hilton Worldwide also has regional partnerships with other soap recyclers including SealedAir/Diversey Care (Soap for Hope initiative) and Soap Cycling in Asia to ensure cost effective, efficient and local recycling solutions for hotels around the world.
