Hong Kong, 4 June 2018
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) will transition towards a ban on plastic straws by 1 November 2018 in its operations around the world.
Plastic straws will be replaced with paper straws that meet sustainable paper considerations, and these will only be served upon request where possible. This is a first step in the company’s global approach to transition away from single use plastics, including water bottles, packaging and bathroom amenities by 2020, through reduction, replacement with sustainable alternatives and increased recycling.
“Our approach on transitioning away from single use plastics in our operations is in line with our global Sustainable Luxury Vision 2020, which emphasises the need to have a positive social, economic and environmental benefit on the local communities in which we operate,” said HSH Managing Director and CEO Clement Kwok. “We recognise the detrimental impact that single use plastics are having on the world and society at large. We believe businesses have a responsibility to take action and as an industry leader, we are pleased to play our part in driving this change.”
Janice Lao, HSH Director of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, said “The issue of single use plastics is incredibly concerning and one that clearly requires global commitment and collaborative action. We have been exploring different options for the past year and through the enormous efforts of our operations teams around the world, we are pleased to be able to implement this global approach. We hope that other organisations will be inspired by our actions and we look forward to sharing our learnings and experience as we work to make this commitment a reality.”
More details about the company’s Sustainable Luxury Vision 2020 can be read here and the 2017 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report is available here.
About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited
Incorporated in 1866 and listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (00045), HSH is the holding company of a Group which is engaged in the ownership, development and management of prestigious hotel, commercial and residential properties in key locations in Asia, the United States and Europe, as well as the provision of tourism and leisure, club management and other services. The Peninsula Hotels portfolio comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Paris, The Peninsula Bangkok, and The Peninsula Manila. Projects under development include The Peninsula London, The Peninsula Yangon and The Peninsula Istanbul. The property portfolio of the Group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower and St. John’s Building in Hong Kong; The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and 21 avenue Kléber in Paris, France. The clubs and services portfolio of the Group includes The Peak Tram in Hong Kong; Thai Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand; Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California; Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising, and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.
For further information on this release, please contact:
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited
Lynne Mulholland
Director, Corporate Affairs
Tel: (852) 2840 7152 / 6718 8219
Email: lynnemulholland@peninsula.com
Lilian Lau
Manager, Corporate Affairs
Tel: (852) 2840 7743 / 9611 0502
Email: lilianlau@peninsula.com