The Hilton Property in Fiji have partnered with Diversey and Fiji Chemicals in launching wastage reduction initiatives.
Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa on Denarau and DoubleTree Resort – Sonaisali Island has collaborated with Diversey and Fiji Chemicals to launch three innovative programmes that will directly tackle shared social environmental challenges.
Cluster general manager Carey Osborne said, as part of an effort to reduce waste while positively impacting its communities.
Soap for Hope: Involves converting soap remnants left behind when guests check out of their hotel rooms into new bars of soap.
Linens for Life: Grew out of the fact that every year a typical 300-room hotel generates one to two metric tons of used linens with everything from bed sheets to employee uniforms.
Coffee Briques: Are coffee grounds compressed into rectangular briquettes that can be used as a fuel source instead of the firewood or charcoal that people in distressed environments rely on.
Ms Osbourne has been working and uses these programmess for over 10 years across five different countries.
“It’s not only a great way to reduce waste, which we all know hotels generate so much, but it gives those items a new life,” she said.
“More importantly, it can go back into our local communities, particularly those who are potentially a little bit more underprivileged and need some help in creating some revenue streams. And it can take those items and actually repurpose them either for sale or to use in their own community.”
Diversey Global director Stefan Phang said these programmes entail all aspects of making products which have been carried at various Hilton Hotels overseas.
“I am very proud and honored that Hilton is the first hotel in Fiji starting this programme with us,” he said.
Fiji Chemical Limited managing director Darran Bentley–Fisher said: “We have identified communities that will work with us in transforming into a wide range of attractive products, from clothing and stuffed animals to reusable shopping bags and purses.”
He added that about 11,000 tonnes of soap waste is produced by their customers a year, and will be put to good use in the community.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj