Sustainable sophistication with eco-friendly dispensers

Every guest wants to enjoy the convenience and luxury of a well-equipped bathroom. From plush towels to fragrant soaps, and luscious shampoos and moisturisers, these amenities will impact your guests’ impression of your accommodation.

In 2024, gone are the days of tiny single-use bottles cluttering up precious space on the vanity or in the shower. Today, hoteliers are embracing eco-friendly practices and efficient design by installing dispensers for shampoo, conditioners, body wash and more.

To learn more about the benefits of dispensers compared to traditional toiletries, both for the environment and guest satisfaction, AccomNews spoke to three industry experts.

This article was published in the new Autumn edition of AccomNews available now. Read it HERE

When compared to traditional toiletries, dispensers are a more eco-friendly option for hoteliers looking to improve their commitment to sustainability, something that Wim Eshuys, General Manager – Sales and Marketing at Weatherdon, said is being led by consumer demands.

“In today’s hospitality landscape, sustainability takes centre stage, driving a shift towards large dispensers,” he said.

“Hotels prioritise refillable, traceable, and plastic-free options, aligning with eco-conscious practices to minimise environmental impact.”

Interior Images General Manager Mark Houston said there are many advantages to dispensers. “The benefits of dispensers include less product wastage, as you are not disposing of partly used amenities and then providing the next guest with a new set of mini toiletries.”

Peter Weingartner, Principal of Swisstrade said that while moving towards dispensers reduces plastic waste when compared to traditional toiletries, it is imperative to ensure the dispenser packaging meets the latest material and recyclability standards.

Reducing the workload for housekeeping staff is always a priority for hoteliers. And while dispensers may appear to reduce the workload for the housekeeping team, it’s important to select the right dispenser system for your business.

“Dispensers alleviate the housekeeping workload by simplifying product replenishment processes,” Mr Eshuys said.

“With bulk dispensers, staff spend less time restocking individual amenities, reducing labour-intensive tasks. Additionally, dispensers typically require less frequent refills compared to single-use packaging, further decreasing maintenance efforts. By streamlining replenishment procedures, dispensers contribute to operational efficiency and enable housekeeping staff to focus on other essential duties, ultimately enhancing overall productivity.”

 Mr Houston explained: “The workload required really depends on the type of dispenser used.

“A non-refillable dispenser will not need to be replaced for three to six weeks, depending on the product and your occupancy. For example, body wash is always used more.

“There are many different ways a refillable dispenser program can be operated and depending on how often the hotel chooses to refill them, this will affect the workload for housekeepers.”

Mr Weingartner echoed this sentiment, saying that while most dispensers will only need to be refilled or replaced monthly, the labour cost associated with this process cannot be underestimated.

With the rising popularity of dispensers in hospitality settings, hoteliers can now select from a wide range of styles and colours, ensuring there is a dispenser range to suit every accommodation.

“Different brands have different packaging styles and colours,” Mr Houston said. “Dispensers can come in neutral tones such as dark browns, blacks and whites as well as a selection of bright colours.”

Mr Weingartner said: “There is an abundance of dispenser models and technologies available on the market, making it important to invest in some research before selecting what’s right for your property.

Additionally, hoteliers can look to customise their dispensers to match their design aesthetic or brand.

“Accommodation operators have a large range of options in designs, colours, and styles when selecting amenities,” Mr Eshuys said.

“From sleek and modern designs to classic and elegant styles, operators can tailor choices to their brand identity and guest preferences. With a wide range of colours and finishes, like aluminium, recycled plastic and polycarbonate available; they can create cohesive and visually appealing experiences throughout their properties, enhancing guest satisfaction and brand perception.”

Mr Weingartner added: “Beyond formulation, packaging and fragrance, the brand story and image are key decision drivers in selecting the brand or product that best suits a property.

“Toiletries are one of the most recognised ‘influencers’ of guest well-being, therefore offering a great opportunity to up the ante without the need for high capital cost.”

Finally, fragrance and product formulation are an important consideration when looking to make the switch to a dispenser system. With a wide range of products available, there is something to suit all budgets and accommodation types.

“Operators have the option to choose from an extensive range of brands and formulations to meet the needs of their guest demographic, including all-natural formulations, international luxury spa brands, ph-neutral, skin-friendly formulations or ranges with a specific haircare composition,” Mr Weingartner explained.

Mr Houston said that while product formulation depends on the brand, hoteliers will often make choices dependent on budget. “For example, a product with a lot of essential oils will be more expensive than a formulation containing synthetic fragrance,” he said.

“However, an advantage of Australian made brands is that they generally use higher quality formulations and contain more natural ingredients than many of the overseas products that hotels have been using previously.”

Mr Eshuys said that selecting products that are crafted with responsibility and care for the environment is an important consideration for hoteliers looking to improve their commitment to sustainability.

“Operators are offered a diverse range of product formulations, distinguished by their meticulous focus on quality and sustainability,” he said.

“These formulations feature natural ingredients, undergo rigorous dermatological testing, and can attain certifications such as vegan, GMO-free, and gluten-free. This ensures operators have access to premium amenities that adhere to stringent environmental and ethical standards.”