Almost all hotel guests use bathroom products during their stay. The hotel’s choice of product in this area conveys an implied message about the commitment the property has to sustainability. This message is increasingly important to today’s travelers, who have high expectations for sustainability. They are driving hotels of all sizes and sectors to increase their green practices. Gerd von podewils is the chief marketing officer at ADA Cosmetics International GmbH. “We refer to it as a tectonic change” because it has been happening all over. The shift is driven by the guests who are looking for a more environmentally friendly place to stay. Hotels follow their guests’ wishes.
While the hotelier may simply use sustainable bathroom products, it is difficult for manufacturers to “green” these items. The sustainability of a product must include its ingredients, materials, packaging, manufacturing process and dispenser design. ADA Cosmetics, a leading manufacturer in the industry that prioritizes sustainability across all of these aspects, ensures that hotels provide sustainable bathroom accessories in every way.
Sustainability and safe ingredients
In 2008, the company created its first natural shampoo and bodywash. Von Podewils said, “Sustainability was not yet a trend but we provided it.” In the United States, the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 brought cosmetics under FDA regulations. But ADA Cosmetics was always ahead of the curve when it came to managing consumer risk. The Product Ingredients policy excludes from all formulations the “ingredients that are of concern”, identified by ADA labs worldwide. These include parabens and mineral oils. It also includes microplastics and nanomaterials. If there’s an ingredient in question or under review [by the FDA]Von Podewils said, “We make our own assessments and could ban the product even before its official prohibition.” The company also offers liquid cosmetics that are Cradle-to-Cradle Certified.
Dry Amenities
The bathroom amenities include towels, slippers, towels, brushes, swabs and combs. These should all be made from sustainable materials. ADA Cosmetics, for example, uses sustainable materials like recycled paper and wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Von Podewils said, “We ensure that the materials we use are recycled and prepared to be reused.”
He noted that certifications such as Cradle-to-Cradle or FSC can only be earned by external audit. This is crucial “because so much greenwashing goes on right now,” he said. Everyone is putting in some kind of effort. [sustainability] We only use certifications which are audited externally. Cradle To Cradle has a special importance because it encompasses the entire value-chain, including the ingredients and ethical standards that govern our work. There is a real total assessment of the value chain.”
Dispensers and Refill Systems
Von Podewils said that using dispensers instead of miniature cosmetics bottles reduces waste plastic by approximately 50 percent. Refillable dispensers also save an additional 30 percent. Refillable dispensers can pose a hygiene problem, as the pumping system may become contaminated over time. In a study done last year, by Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (the leading German hygiene institution), 38 of 57 refillable dispensers tested were heavily contaminated, while none of the closed-press dispensers was. “When used in the sink or shower, water can collect inside the pump. Within a few days, a biofilm forms in the stagnant water. “This bacterial film then gets pumped into the bottle with each stroke, through the small air exchange hole,” explained he. You’re therefore contaminating any liquid that is inside the bottle. The SmartCare System’s membrane is patented and prevents contamination because the liquid will be released at the bottom or through the dispenser when you gently squeeze it. We developed drainage systems for the pumps a few month ago. This ensures that any water entering the pump will be diverted to drain away from the body. The first safe, hygienic, and fully recyclable pump system is now available in the market.
Refillution was introduced by ADA Cosmetics last year, and it has improved dispenser refilling. This machine uses the three-gallon bags-in-boxes that are exclusive to ADA Cosmetics. They ensure savings in cost, improved hygiene, and sustainability. This high-speed dispenser refills 300ml in a matter of seconds. It is equipped with a peristaltic system which does not touch the liquid. The duckbill valve is a one-piece, elastomeric piece that prevents backflow, and therefore any contamination or dripping of liquid.
Packaging and packing
ADA Cosmetics aligned their process to Canopy Planet’s Pack4Good program in order to ensure sustainable packaging for its products and shipping materials. We are looking at all aspects of the value chain [for sustainability]Von Podewils said that even shipping boxes, which guests do not see. We only use FSC certified paper, as it does not damage the rainforest. This is the first step. “The next step is FSC-recycled, which means no trees will be needed.
Green Hotel Certification
Green Key is the leading certification for hotel operations in the United States. Green Key looks at all aspects of the hotel, and we’re only cosmetics. Green Key has strict rules about who can contribute to its scoring system. Our Cradle to Cradle Certified cosmetics for hotels are accepted by Green Key as part of the scorecard.
Bathroom amenities, while they may appear to be a small part of sustainability efforts, do have an impact on a hotel’s sustainability score in programs such as Green Key. These amenities will be noticed by the increasingly eco-conscious customers who are driving the industry.
