#Japan #Tokyo #sustainable tourism #Mori Trust #Water Dispensers

Mori Trust Hotels Initiate Plastic Waste Reduction

Mori Trust Hotels & Resorts has taken a significant step towards sustainability by deciding to eliminate disposable plastic bottles from the guest rooms in 16 of its facilities, encompassing around 2,000 rooms. With water dispensers installed in each room, the initiative aims to reduce plastic waste by approximately 28.8 tons annually by the fiscal year 2027. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to providing an eco-friendly travel experience while promoting sustainable tourism.

Background to the Initiative

The tourism industry is grappling with pressing challenges, including the global crisis of marine plastic pollution and the impact of CO2 emissions on climate change. Given that Mori Trust operates in regions endowed with beautiful natural landscapes and resources, the expectation for environmentally-conscious business practices has never been higher.

Recognizing the need for a paradigm shift in serving consumables in guest rooms, Mori Trust Hotels & Resorts is moving forward with a circular economy approach. In addition to already implemented measures such as reducing plastic in amenities, the company is redesigning the guest experience by eliminating the use of disposable plastic bottles for drinks during stays.

The goal goes beyond just environmental concern; it seeks to redefine the essence of a guest’s accommodation experience. The initiative encourages guests to engage in eco-friendly practices by providing a sustainable and comfortable lodging experience, ultimately balancing sustainability with enhanced comfort and experience value.

Details of the Initiative

1. Elimination of Plastic Bottles:
- The use of disposable containers like plastic bottles and paper packs will cease in approximately 2,000 rooms across the selected facilities.

2. Installation of Water Dispensers:
- All rooms that will phase out plastic bottles will be equipped with water dispensers featuring purification capabilities, allowing guests to access clean water as needed.

3. Provision of Reusable Glassware:
- Rooms will also feature reusable carafes, glasses, and mugs, replacing single-use containers entirely, contributing to a much more sustainable lodging experience.

4. Setting Specific Plastic Reduction Goals:
- Mori Trust aims to eliminate the use of plastic bottles in the selected hotels by the end of the fiscal year 2027, targeting a reduction of 28.8 tons of plastic waste, equivalent to around 1.15 million 500ml plastic bottles.

By focusing on actual consumption data from the facilities involved, the company calculated the potential reduction in plastic waste.

Target Facilities

This initiative will be implemented in the following 16 facilities operated by Mori Trust:

• - Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
• - Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara
• - Ilahi SUI, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Miyako Okinawa
• - Tokyo Marriott Hotel
• - Fuji Marriott Hotel, Yamanakako
• - Karuizawa Marriott Hotel
• - Izu Marriott Hotel, Shuzenji
• - Biwako Marriott Hotel
• - Nanki Shirahama Marriott Hotel
• - Westin Hotel, Sendai
• - Courtyard by Marriott, Shin-Osaka Station
• - Courtyard by Marriott, Hakuba
• - Hotel La Foret, Nasushiobara
• - Laforet Hakone Gora, Yunonoki
• - Laforet Izu Onsen, Yunoniwa
• - Hotel Laforet, Shuzenji

Sustainability Efforts

Mori Trust Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to fostering sustainable practices and has already made strides in several areas:

• - Reducing Plastic Usage: In January 2023, they revised amenity provisions in select facilities to offer only what is necessary, establishing a free amenity space, and switching to eco-friendly products, aiming to cut 49.9 tons of plastic by March 2026.
• - Renewable Energy Initiatives: Beginning in 2023, hotels like Tokyo Marriott Hotel have started incorporating renewable energy.
• - Environmental Conservation Activities: Hotels engage in local environmental preservation efforts, such as restoration and cleanup of Kumano Kodo at Nanki Shirahama Marriott.
• - Preservation of Historical Structures: The company also focuses on preserving historical buildings, such as the former Nara Prefectural Governor’s residence, newly operated as Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which demonstrates a commitment to cultural heritage.

For more information on Mori Trust Hotels & Resorts and their sustainability initiatives, visit here.

About Mori Trust Hotels & Resorts

Founded in Tokyo, Mori Trust Hotels & Resorts, led by President Miwako Date, serves as the core of Mori Trust Group’s hotel operations. With 21 accommodations and 12 restaurants/cafés throughout Japan, they offer a blend of global standards from partnerships with prestigious international brands like Marriott and Hilton, alongside Japanese hospitality, promoting improvement in the tourism sector and the creation of fresh experiential values.