Fairmont Pacific Rim eliminates use of non‑essential single‑use plastics

Fairmont Pacific Rim has announced the elimination of non-essential single-use plastics from its guest journey, including throughout its public spaces, guestrooms, dining venues and spa. The initiative has been verified by GreenStep Solutions Inc., a Certified B Corporation dedicated to providing organizations with environmental impact performance assessments, technology and certifications to measure and improve sustainability performance.

In 2018, Fairmont Pacific Rim and GreenStep Solutions Inc. initiated the strategy through an audit process of all single-use plastics within the hotel operation. The assessment included reviewing the purpose and frequency of single-use plastic practices, followed by the development of a comprehensive road map towards the reduction of single-use plastics by removing items entirely, identifying reusable alternatives, and/or introducing sustainable materials in their place.

"This certification is a major milestone for our hotel and one we hope to inspire continued sustainability efforts across our industry," said Jens Moesker, regional vice president and general manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim. Fairmont Pacific Rim is committed to reducing its environmental impacts; examples of the significant updates the hotel has undertaken include:

• 36,000 plastic key cards used annually have been replaced by reusable FSC Certified cherry wood.
• Approximately 1,600 kilograms (198,700) of small bath amenity bottles used annually have been replaced with large format refillable bottles.
• 600 kilograms of plastic water bottles consumed per year have been removed from the guest experience and replaced with recyclable alternatives.
• 12,500 plastic laundry bags used per year have been replaced with a reusable cloth alternative.
• In-room amenities such as razors, toothbrushes, cotton buds and shower caps have been replaced with environmentally friendly versions.
• All food and beverage take-away containers and cutlery have been replaced with fibre-based solutions.