How to choose sustainable hotel bedding

Sustainable Hotel Bedding for Eco-Conscious Accommodation

65% of UK travellers would feel better about staying in accommodation if they knew it had a sustainable certification or label, according to research by Booking.com.

Sustainability is a rising priority in the hospitality industry. Hotels are major consumers of resources, and bedding plays a significant role in your environmental footprint.

However, choosing sustainable bedding options can offer many benefits to your hotel:

Attract new guests: 59% of UK travellers said they would like to filter their accommodation options for those with a sustainable certification next time they book. Using sustainable bedding is one way to demonstrate your dedication to the environment while permitting your hotel to be seen by more searches.
Save costs: Durable, high-quality bedding materials can reduce replacement frequency, leading to long-term cost savings.
Enhance brand reputation: Showcasing a commitment to sustainability attracts eco-conscious travellers and strengthens your brand image.

By making informed choices about bedding, hotels can contribute to a greener future for the industry, all while creating a positive impact on their bottom line and guest experience.

So, what should you consider when choosing sustainable hotel bed linen?

What hotel bedding materials should you choose to be sustainable?

With sustainable hotel bedding, the materials matter. Here's a breakdown of your eco-friendly options that also give your guests a comfortable night’s sleep:

Natural Fibres

Organic Cotton: Soft, breathable, and naturally hypoallergenic, organic cotton boasts a significantly lower environmental impact than conventional cotton. For example, it uses 88-91% less water in its production than conventional cotton.
Linen: A luxurious and durable choice, linen is derived from the flax plant, which requires minimal water and thrives in less fertile soil.

Naturally temperature-regulating and resistant to wrinkles, linen offers long-lasting comfort for your guests.

Lyocell: This fabric is crafted from recycled wood pulp, making it a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibres.

Lyocell boasts excellent moisture-wicking properties, keeping guests cool and comfortable throughout the night.

Other options

Recycled materials: Look for bedding options made from recycled cotton or down. This extends the lifespan of existing materials and reduces reliance on virgin resources.

For example, the Ashton Duvet

This 10.5 tog hotel duvet filling is made by breaking down 100% PET plastic bottles which would have ended up in landfills to produce a smooth soft microfibre filling.

Fillings:

For duvets and pillows, consider these sustainable fillings:

Plant-based alternatives: Innovative plant-based fillings made from corn fibre or other natural materials offer a cruelty-free and eco-friendly option.
A vegan choice: Consider avoiding down altogether and focus on natural or recycled fibre duvets and pillows.

For example, The Ashton Pillow

This pillow is made by breaking down 100% PET plastic bottles which could have ended up in landfills or the world’s oceans to produce a sumptuously smooth soft microfibre filling.

By choosing sustainable materials for your hotel bedding, you're not just making an eco-conscious decision, you're providing guests with a luxurious and comfortable sleep experience.

Choose sustainable bedding manufacturers

Look for evidence: Look for stats about how the company has reduced their impact on the planet. This could include offsetting their carbon footprint or switching to sustainable supply chains.
Prioritise ethical sourcing: Choose suppliers with Fair Trade certification to ensure fair treatment of workers throughout the supply chain.
Look across their range: Explore whether a company offers only a handful of eco-friendly products or whether their entire range is made sustainably. Companies offering the latter will prioritise eco-friendly practices across their operations.
Look for transparency: Research a supplier's environmental commitments. Look for companies striving for carbon neutrality and minimising waste.
Seek B Corp status: Consider partnering with B Corp-certified businesses, demonstrating their dedication to social and environmental responsibility.

Choose Star Linen as your sustainable hotel bedding supplier

Star Linen goes beyond just products.

We're a B Corp-certified company, demonstrating our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. We're also carbon neutral, having offset emissions through projects like reforestation in Costa Rica (planting over 1 million trees) and installing energy-efficient lighting in India (reducing over 35,000 tonnes of CO2e annually).

Our commitment extends to waste reduction. We diverted over 546,000 plastic bottles from landfills by collecting old bedding and using recycled materials in our new Ashton duvet and pillow range.

Discover more about Star Linen sustainability.

Other considerations for a sustained eco-friendly impact

What are your other sustainable considerations when choosing hotel linen?

Durability is key

Investing in high-quality, sustainable materials like linen or organic cotton goes a long way.

By prioritising durability, you reduce the need for frequent replacements, minimising waste and associated environmental impacts. Complement this with clear care instructions for guests, ensuring your bedding enjoys a long and comfortable life.

Empower guest choice

Linen reuse programs offer guests the option to forgo daily towel and bedding changes.

This reduces water usage associated with laundering and minimises energy consumption.

Consider clear signage, opt-in cards, or online preferences to give guests control and promote eco-conscious choices during their stay.

Plan for the future

Research end-of-life options for your bedding.

Some materials like organic cotton or recycled synthetics may have textile recycling programs available. Partnering with responsible waste management companies ensures your used bedding is disposed of responsibly or even finds a new life through recycling.

By considering the entire lifecycle of your bedding, you can significantly reduce your hotel's overall environmental footprint.

Spread your green message to your guests

Showcase Your Commitment

Highlight your sustainable choices on your website, booking platforms, on your menus and in welcome packets. This informs guests about your eco-conscious approach and resonates with travellers seeking greener options.

Educate and Empower

Use in-room signage, cards, or a QR code leading to a webpage to educate guests about your sustainable practices and the benefits of linen reuse programs. This empowers them to participate and contribute to a more responsible travel experience.

Complementary Choices

Elevate your eco-friendly image by offering additional sustainable amenities. Consider bath products using recycled packaging, refillable dispensers, and eco-friendly towelling.

Consistency in your sustainability efforts creates a positive brand message and resonates with environmentally conscious travellers.

Key takeaways for eco-conscious hoteliers

You can significantly reduce your hotel's environmental impact by making informed choices about sustainable bedding. Here's a quick recap:

Prioritise sustainable materials: Opt for organic cotton, linen, Tencel, or recycled materials whenever possible.
Seek certified suppliers: Look for certifications like Fair Trade, or B Corp to ensure ethical and eco-friendly practices.
Durability matters: Invest in high-quality materials and provide proper care instructions to extend product life.
Empower guests: Offer linen reuse programs and educate them about your sustainability efforts.
Communicate your commitment: Showcase your eco-friendly bedding choices and highlight your responsible practices to guests.

Remember, your commitment to sustainable bedding makes a positive difference. Reduce waste, conserve resources, and create a more eco-friendly experience for your guests.