Luxury hotels in Seoul are adopting new measures to reduce plastic waste, including the recycling of keycards, as part of broader environmental initiatives.
Initiatives to Minimize Plastic Waste
Several high-end hotels in the South Korean capital have begun implementing policies aimed at decreasing their reliance on single-use plastics. These efforts include switching to biodegradable alternatives and introducing reusable items in guest rooms and dining areas.
Recycling Keycards as Part of Green Policies
Among the changes, hotels are now collecting used plastic keycards from guests at checkout. These cards are then sent to recycling facilities, where they are processed and repurposed. Hotel management has stated that this initiative is designed to reduce the volume of plastic waste generated by daily hotel operations.
Additional Steps Toward Sustainability
Other measures taken by luxury hotels in Seoul include replacing plastic water bottles with glass or paper alternatives, offering refillable toiletry dispensers instead of single-use containers, and eliminating plastic straws and cutlery in restaurants and cafes. These steps are part of a wider movement within the hospitality industry to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices.
Industry Response and Future Plans
Hotel representatives have indicated that guest feedback on these changes has generally been positive, with many travelers expressing support for environmentally friendly practices. Some hotels have announced plans to further expand their sustainability programs in the coming months, including exploring additional recycling initiatives and sourcing more eco-friendly materials for guest amenities.
