Hotel group Accor will remove single-use plastic items from its properties in the next two years.

The European hotel group, whose brands include Ibis, Sofitel and Fairmont, will remove plastic toiletries and amenities such as plastic bottles and packaging by the end of this year, and all single use plastic items across the hotel by the end of 2022.

Accor, which has more than 5,000 hotels across 110 destinations, says the move will remove more than 200 million single-use plastic items from its hotels each year.

The hotel group had previously banned plastic straws, servers and cotton buds from its properties. It added that 94 per cent of its hotels have already done so, with the remaining hotels – mostly in China – to catch up by the end of March.

According to Accor, 89 per cent of Ibis hotels are currently using bulk dispensers for toiletries, while Fairmont properties have water filtration taps in guest rooms to remove the need for plastic bottled water.

“We are aware of the significant impact we have on our planet and our responsibility to create tangible benefits for our employees, guests, suppliers, partners and host communities,” said Sébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of Accor. 

“What guides us is the consciousness and social awareness that drives every person who strives to be a good citizen. It’s about being aware, socially conscious and consistent.”

Accor follows brands such as Marriott, InterContinental and Hyatt in pledging to remove single-use plastic items from their properties.

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