Fairmont Pacific Rim eliminates single-use plastic

The Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, B.C., has eliminated nonessential single-use plastics from its public spaces, guestrooms, dining venues and spa. The milestone was verified by British Columbia-based GreenStep Solutions, a certified B Corporation dedicated to providing organizations with environmental impact performance assessments, technology and certifications to measure and improve sustainability performance. 

In 2018, Fairmont Pacific Rim and GreenStep began working to eliminate through an extensive audit process of all single-use plastics within the hotel operation. The assessment included reviewing the purpose and frequency of single-use plastic practices followed by the development of a comprehensive roadmap toward the reduction of single-use plastics by removing items entirely, identifying reusable alternatives and/or introducing sustainable materials in their place. In August, GreenStep awarded Fairmont Pacific Rim the third-party verifier's first single-use plastic-free certification within the North American hospitality sector.

“This certification is a major milestone for our hotel and one we hope to inspire continued sustainability efforts across our industry,” Jens Moesker, regional VP and general manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim, said in a statement. “Changing long-held industry practices required creative solutions from all of our staff and this achievement is a testament to their commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship demonstrated by all.”

Steps Fairmont Pacific Rim has undertaken:

  • 36,000 plastic keycards used annually have been replaced by reusable Forest Stewardship Council-certified cherry wood. 
  • Approximately 1,600 kilograms of small bath amenity bottles used annually have been replaced with large refillable bottles.
  • 600 kilograms of plastic water bottles consumed per year have been removed and replaced with recyclable alternatives.
  • 12,500 plastic laundry bags used per year have been replaced with a reusable cloth alternative. 
  • In-room amenities such as razors, toothbrushes, cotton buds and shower caps have been replaced with environmentally friendly versions.
  • All food and beverage take-away containers and cutlery have been replaced with fiber-based solutions.