Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), the nation’s premier hospitality firm, is once again underscoring its steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship. On World Environment Day, IHCL is amplifying its efforts in impactful waste management and plastic reduction, aligning keenly with the United Nations’ urgent call to ‘Beat Plastic Pollution.’ This renewed focus is a central pillar of IHCL’s ongoing sustainability journey, seamlessly integrated into its comprehensive ESG+ framework, Paathya.
Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources at IHCL, articulated the company’s perspective, stating, “At IHCL, sustainability isn’t merely an initiative; it’s intrinsically woven into our core business strategy and overarching purpose. We acutely recognize the global plastic crisis’s urgency and are resolutely committed to being a significant part of the solution. Through our Paathya framework, we are driving systemic change by rigorously eliminating single-use plastics and making substantial investments in long-term waste management solutions. As our journey continues to evolve, our unwavering focus remains on generating a lasting positive impact, not just within the confines of our hotels but across the communities we proudly serve.”
IHCL has already made substantial advancements in eradicating single-use plastics throughout its extensive operations. A key innovation has been the installation of in-house glass water bottling plants across 64 of its hotels. Furthermore, the company has introduced more environmentally conscious 500 ml and 250 ml water bottles for banquets and spas, moving away from larger plastic alternatives. Bathroom amenities are now crafted from biodegradable materials, reflecting a broader shift towards sustainable sourcing. In a significant move, the transition to carbon-neutral bamboo key cards, manufactured from renewable resources, has prevented an impressive 623 tonnes of plastic from entering the waste stream. Across all IHCL properties, waste segregation at the source is meticulously implemented, with every waste stream carefully tracked and directed for recycling through authorized channels. Addressing organic waste, 101 hotels have successfully installed organic waste composters or biogas systems, collectively diverting over 8,119 tonnes of organic waste from landfills.
Beyond its direct operations, IHCL has forged a powerful partnership with United Way Mumbai, establishing a comprehensive community waste management program. This collaborative effort has yielded remarkable results, leading to the collection of more than 112,000 kilograms of waste in just six months, with over 41,500 kilograms successfully earmarked for recycling. As part of this partnership, interactive educational sessions are regularly conducted across colleges in Mumbai, raising critical awareness on marine pollution, the vital importance of mangrove conservation, and practical strategies for effective waste management. Further demonstrating its commitment to community well-being, IHCL has undertaken the adoption of Mahim Reti Bunder and Mahim Causeway in Mumbai, implementing a multifaceted approach to waste management in these significant local areas.
