How Biodegradable Supplies Can Enhance the Hotel Guest Experience?

Learn how to enhance the hotel guest experience with biodegradable supplies, including a guide to ha...

Learn how to enhance the hotel guest experience with biodegradable supplies, including a guide to hands-on steps and product selection.
 

Why Does the Hospitality Industry Need to Change?


Hotels are often favored by tourists or business people for their convenience and service. In a competitive marketplace, providing first-class service that exceeds expectations is the key to differentiating a hotel. The hospitality industry needs to keep up with regulations and consumers to make beneficial changes.

Sustainable Hospitality
More and more consumers are considering environmental performance when choosing a hotel. a survey by Booking shows that more than 70% of travelers prefer eco-friendly hotels.

The current environmental footprint of the hospitality industry has been criticized. According to the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the hospitality industry alone accounts for approximately 1% of global carbon emissions. In order to mitigate the effects of global warming, the hospitality industry will need to reduce its carbon emissions by 66 percent by 2030 and more than 90 percent by 2050 as it continues to grow.
Hotels are one of the major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, with major causes including energy consumption, transportation and waste generation. With the growing environmental trend, sustainable hospitality is a must for the future, whether it's to enhance brand image to attract consumers, or to comply with international regulations and climate goals.


How can Biodegradable Supplies Improve Hotel Appeal?

Organic cotton bedding gives customers a good resting experience


1. Enhance Hotel Brand Image and Appeal


More and more consumers are environmentally conscious, and the adoption of sustainable supplies by hotels caters to customer values and shapes the image of a green hotel. In the highly competitive hotel market, it becomes an important factor of differentiation to attract more customers and enhance competitiveness.

 

2. Enhance Guests' stay Experience


The natural look of biodegradable products combined with high quality service creates a healthy and comfortable stay. Imagine entering a hotel room with comfortable organic cotton bedding to enhance sleep quality, bamboo toothbrushes to protect oral health, and in-room eco-friendly gifts with the hotel's logo to leave a lasting impression. Through these small items, which do not require excessive investment, the hotel's sense of social responsibility is reflected, which can enhance customer engagement and satisfaction, and build a long-term relationship with guests.

 

3. Economic Benefits


Long-term adoption of biodegradable products can save the hotel's operating costs. Selecting experienced and reliable suppliers can reduce purchasing costs when purchasing in bulk. At the same time, by providing a sustainable lodging experience, hotels can attract more repeat guests, resulting in long-term economic benefits.
 

4. Policies and Regulations


Governments are implementing various environmental policies, including plastic ban, EPR, emission reduction targets, etc. Hotels need to adapt to policy changes and lay out sustainable program development in advance. In the long run, this will reduce the operating costs of the hotel in the future and demonstrate social responsibility.


Sustainable Practices in Different Areas of the Hotel


A good hotel should take into account the sustainable needs of different areas to give customers a comprehensive green experience.

 

1. Guest Rooms

Bamboo toothbrush and comb

 

Guest rooms are one of the most consumable areas, requiring daily cleaning and replacement of disposable items, as well as frequent check-ins and check-outs. Sustainable practices in guestrooms can significantly reduce a hotel's waste disposal and purchasing costs.

The right materials and packaging for biodegradable toiletries can give customers a comfortable experience. For example, using bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic ones. AccorHotels has introduced biodegradable toiletry containers made of polylactic acid (PLA) to replace traditional plastic vials.
Replacement of plastic-coated disposable paper cups with reusable cups, replacement of plastic garbage bags, etc.
Bedding and towels made of organic cotton or bamboo fibers are grown without the use of chemical pesticides and are soft and comfortable.


2. Restaurants

Hotel restaurants that use reusable tableware.

Plant-based tableware, including all items in the dining room, such as cutlery, plates, cups, straws, food packaging, etc. Materials such as wood, bamboo, and wheat straw are naturally biodegradable and environmentally friendly. At the same time, they can provide customers with an elegant and hygienic dining experience.
Sourcing organic or local food. This not only supports the local economy, but also reduces carbon emissions from transportation.

 

3. Public Areas and Events


Set up clear signage and educational materials in public areas to promote the hotel's sustainability philosophy to customers and encourage them to participate in environmental initiatives.
Use promotional materials and notepads made of recycled paper or other environmentally friendly materials to further reduce paper waste.
Installation of sorting bins in public areas to encourage guests to properly sort waste and increase recycling and composting rates.


What Biodegradable Products Are Worth Including in Hotel Purchases?


After understanding the importance of compostable and biodegradable products for hotels, you need to know which materials to include in your considerations.
 

1. Wood products

Wooden dinnerware set on dining table.


Wood products are a popular alternative to plastic. It's natural, environmentally friendly and has a warm texture, making it a good choice for hotels that need a casual and relaxing atmosphere. F&B items such as wooden cutlery, and trays are simple practices for sustainable hospitality. Disposable wooden products are non-toxic and hygienic, and reusable wooden products are durable and elegant. Providing wooden toys for children reduces the risk of play.
 

2. Bamboo products


Bamboo has a short growth cycle and is strong and durable. Its natural anti-bacterial properties make it suitable for making bamboo toothbrushes, combs and cutlery. Bamboo is also becoming increasingly popular for making hotel decorations and furniture.
 

3. Organic Cotton


Organic cotton is soft, comfortable and breathable. Its skin-friendly properties have led to its use in products such as bedding, towels and bathrobes. It is grown without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers and is reusable, reducing environmental pollution.
 

4. Palm Leaf Products


Palm leaves are a common material in the food service industry and it is often used to make tableware such as plates, cups and bowls. It is made from the leaves that fall from palm trees, so it does not damage the environment and is water resistant.
 

5. Bagasse Products

Bagasse containers for fruit
Bagasse is an agricultural by-product. Many of the everyday takeaway or packing boxes are made from bagasse. It is compostable and biodegradable, which reduces the workload for post-use waste management.
 

6. PLA Products


PLA is a type of bioplastic made from plant-based materials such as corn starch or sugarcane and has good heat resistance. Although it is a type of plastic, it is biodegradable under certain conditions, so it is necessary to ensure that local industrial composting facilities are available. Straws made from it, food packaging, etc. meet the hotel's sustainability goals.

 

Products made with any of these materials have a reduced carbon footprint. If you would like to learn more about the differences between them, please refer to these articles: bamboo vs palm leaf, bamboo tableware vs. wooden tableware, and bamboo vs sugarcane.


4 Tips for Improving the Guest Experience

 

A customer is checking in at the front desk of the hotel.


1. Customize Biodegradable Items


Customize welcome gifts to enhance the guest stay experience. For example, small local specialty items made from biodegradable materials or eco-friendly shopping bags printed with the hotel's logo. Incorporating the brand's story into the hotel's items by printing logos, slogans, patterns, and brand colors increases brand recognition and communicates the hotel's commitment to sustainability.

 

2. Maintain a Good Online Reputation


Use social media platforms to regularly post content about the hotel's adoption of biodegradable supplies, participation in eco-friendly projects, and other sustainable behaviors to attract potential guests and engage with existing guests. On review platforms or the hotel's official website, respond carefully to customer comments and feedback, actively solve problems, and demonstrate the hotel's professionalism and responsibility. 

Also encourage customers to share their stay experience and photos on social media, retweet and recognize the best user-generated content to foster a sense of community.

 

3. Provide Personalized Eco-friendly Services


Provide personalized recommendations and eco-friendly services based on guests' preferences and needs. For example, recommending local restaurants, attractions and activities, offering suggestions for environmentally friendly outing, etc.
 

4. Enhance Staff Training


Train staff in environmental knowledge and skills, so that they understand the hotel's environmental policy and implement it. Set up a reward mechanism to motivate staff to take the initiative to spread the hotel's environmental protection concept, and enhance guests' awareness of the hotel's features.

 

How to Find Biodegradable Products Suppliers for Hotels?


Details determine success or failure. Biodegradable items, especially disposable items, are the main consumables for hotels. Finding long-term reliable suppliers is the key to ensuring the normal operation of the hotel.
 

1. Identify specific needs: Hotels need to focus on guest needs and which products to purchase to meet guest preferences. Narrow down potential suppliers by considering how to maximize the value of the hotel and the value guests perceive from the supplies.

 

2. Learn about suppliers from a variety of sources such as sourcing platforms, supplier websites, brokers or trade shows. Then evaluate the reputation of potential suppliers through customer reviews, customer cases, certifications, etc. 

If you want to purchase from Chinese suppliers, refer to this guide: https://www.anchenggy.com/blog/sourcing-compostable-products-from-chinese-suppliers-benefits.html


3. Request samples from suppliers to assess the quality of their products and ensure that they meet the standards. Meet with them to discuss whether they can meet various sourcing requirements, e.g. customization, etc.


4. Compare prices from different suppliers. Identify the most cost-effective supplier of biodegradable products, taking into account factors such as product quality, reliability, volume purchasing and long-term cooperation.
 

5. Delivery and transportation. Evaluate the supplier's manufacturing and delivery processes to ensure that goods are received on the required date to avoid disruption to daily hotel operations. It's best to work with suppliers that have international warehouses to reduce transit time. Also understand pricing terms. Manufacturers who can keep track of order progress are more reliable.
 

6. Customer and after-sales support. Wouldn't it be annoying if you had a question about an order or product and couldn't reach the supplier? Evaluate the manufacturer's responsiveness, problem-solving ability, and other services. This will ensure that the whole purchasing process goes smoothly.

 

Conclusion


Biodegradable items are becoming increasingly important to the hospitality industry to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. By practicing sustainable practices in different areas of the hotel, the hotel will gradually increase its brand awareness and long-term revenue.

 

Ancheng is a Reliable Partner for the Hospitality Industry!


Ancheng is a manufacturer specializing in biodegradable tableware. We mainly produce bamboo and wooden cutlery, plates, coffee stirrers, bamboo skewers and so on. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, we have a monthly production capacity of 2.5+ Billion pcs to deliver the sustainable products you need quickly. Integrating production and sales, we can fulfill your one-stop shopping at factory price. Providing 24/7 customer support, you can always know the product information or order status. Our disposable tableware complies with FSC, BRC and many other international certifications to ensure the safety and health of our customers. Want to know more about our products and services? Contact our professional team now!

 

Sven Wang

Hello, I'm Sven Wang, the Manager of Ancheng. With extensive expertise in raw materials and production processes, I'm dedicated to advancing sustainable tableware and constantly improving eco-friendly options for the modern catering industry. You can trust that Ancheng is committed to providing the highest quality. Welcome!

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