Beirholm and Green Key enter cooperation agreement

Beirholm and Green Key enter cooperation agreement to increase the focus on sustainable textiles in the hospitality industry.

The Danish family-owned company, Beirholm, is the leading supplier of industrial textiles to the rental laundries in Europe, which supplies most of the European hospitality industry.  For more than 150 years, the company’s trendy, Scandinavian textile designs have brought joy and life to Europe’s hotels and their guests.

Today, Beirholm’s innovative and durable BeirTex® textiles are engineered to offer the quality, comfort and CO2e-savings desired by hotel guests while ensuring a high return on investment. And through the company’s holistic approach to sustainability, the BeirTex® textiles live up to some of the strictest social and environmental standards. For instance, the BeirTex® textiles are certified according to EU Ecolabel, Green Button, Oeko-Tex® Made in Green and Oeko-Tex® 100 standards. Combined with the company’s support of The Better Cotton Initiative, their BeirTex® textiles are sustainable from the cotton farm to the hotel room.

And don’t just take their word for it! Recently, Beirholm’s innovative BeirTex® bed linen was nominated for the German Sustainability Award (GSA). The bed linen offers revolutionary durability, a lightweight construction, and a sustainable raw materials blend of Fairtrade organic cotton, virgin- and recycled polyester generated from 20 recycled PET bottles. Consequently, the BeirTex® bed linen reduces CO2-equivalent emissions by up to more than 70% over its entire lifecycle compared to the average hotel bed linen in the industry.

The linen is woven in an exclusive, breathable, and soft satin binding quality, which is available in 13 unique designs and can be upcycled at the end of its usable life.

The goal of the cooperation between Beirholm and Green Key is to focus on using sustainable textiles in the hospitality industry. With Beirholm’s knowledge of sustainable textiles and Green Key’s 3.200 members committed to making an impact, the cooperation seeks to make the hospitality industry even greener.

To watch a brief introduction to our new partner, Beirholm, click here.

Andreas Beirholm, Business Development Manager at Beirholm, says:

“Beirholm develops sustainable and climate friendly performance textiles for the hospitality industry. This makes us a great match with the efforts done by Green Key. We are looking forward to the cooperation and to support the continued greening of the hospitality industry.”

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, adds:

“In our new Green Key criteria taking effect from 2022, we have increased the focus on sustainability through the use of environmentally friendly products, the reduction in use of resources and the recycling of material after use. Beirholm has these components well incorporated in their business structure, so we are happy to have Beirholm as a corporate partner supporting the industry.”

First of its kind methodology to measure waste in the hotel industry

The cooperation of WWF and Green View, as well as well-known hotel groups - Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International- has created an industry-wide waste measurement methodology.

Though efforts have been made to reduce waste in the hotel sector by donating items of value or by implementing inputting initiatives, there has still been a large gap in the market to measure hotel chain waste as there has been no standard measurement methodology. Recently, a new first-of-its-kind method to aid hotels to resolve this difficulty has been revealed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Greenview, a global sustainability consulting group to help hotels solve this problem.

The Hotel Waste Measurement Methodology has been proposed to deliver a shared approach to collecting, measuring, and reporting waste data within the hotel industry. It is developing a consistent technique for hotels and properties of different sizes to create significant targets that are tracked over time to reduce waste and landfill use. Working on robust current waste tracking strategies and implementing goals standardises numerous data collection methods and addresses any data gaps and challenges.

According to WWF, a priority is addressing the challenges of managing food waste in the various hotel operations and creating change in the noteworthy prospect of improving organisation productivity and beginning development of their social and environmental goals. 

It is agreed that to reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the hotel industry is a significant partner to accomplish goals. These include 12.3, which intends to decrease food waste by 50% by 2030 and 12.5, which demands substantial reductions in waste generation throughout prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. Numerous relevant stakeholders have assessed this methodology to ensure it tackles the specific difficulties different size hotels face.

Madhu Rajesh, CEO, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, states that “By coming together as an industry, and sharing expertise, we can develop resources that are designed for the industry context and support every hotel to manage and improve their impact – wherever they are on their sustainability journey”. 

Here you can download the full methodology: https://sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/resource/hwmm/

The development of the hospitality industry in Slovenia

The hospitality industry in Slovenia has opposed various challenges and through determination and the support from Green Key has aided their development. Green Key National Operator for Slovenia; Boris Susmak shares his thoughts and experiences over the last three years.

Can you describe the development of the Green Key programme in Slovenia? It has been quite a development from the beginning, having challenges attracting establishments while today the programme has become popular in Slovenia. What kind of internal and external factors created this development?

In the last three years, the Green Key programme in Slovenia has had significant growth up to almost 90 facilities at this moment.

We did struggle for a few years before really starting the programme. However, we did many valuable things meanwhile such as translating application forms, preparing Green Key brochures, arranged some meetings with potentials candidates, but only the national Slovenian Green scheme with the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology's financial initiatives for the potential candidates entering the Slovenian Green scheme made a real breakthrough and started the programme three years ago.

Within the last three years, the programme's growth was so intense that we had to employ one full-time person, and only volunteering was not possible. Today we do have three DOVES-FEE Slovenia members involved, one full-time, two on a volunteer basis. We also established an excellent partnership with an NGO, Institute ROS, that organises Sustainable Tourism Workshops and help the potential candidates that decide for such support gain the Green Key status.

We do have to stress that growth occurred even with solid sustainable labels alternatives on the market. Nowadays, we are proud to be N.1 sustainable label for tourism facilities in Slovenia. The success is probably connected with the methodology/framework Green Key uses because we are on competitive levels, price-wise.

Most Green Key awarded establishments in Slovenia are in the "small accommodations" category. Why is this category so popular in Slovenia? And has it impacted the interest for Green Key from other types of establishments (in different categories)?

The small accommodation category leads, mainly because the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology's financial initiatives suit them most.

We are confident that the Slovenia Green scheme national campaign made the most significant impact on other categories. For example, in 2021, the focus is on Green cuisine, so many top restaurants join the Green Key programme. For instance, JRE restaurants, many of them also awarded Michelin.

But we do have to stress that we do have all accommodations types present already. Unforgettably, we did have the world's first winery involved in Green Key (https://klet-brda.si/) as our first attraction. The hotels started joining the programme last year, and we now have more than ten hotels involved already. On the other hand, there is a demand for a Tourism agencies/offices category that we do not have in the Green Key programme.

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the Green Key programme in Slovenia and what is your vision for Green Key in Slovenia in the coming years? Do you see the development in Slovenia having a possible impact on attracting establishments to Green Key in the wider Balkan region?

We are cautious with the projections, especially due to the Covid-19 situation and because national green initiatives will not be present or will have a different focus.

On the other hand, we noticed a change in tourist behaviour that search for clean, not so crowded destinations where you can taste almost zero km food and more actively spend your holidays in nature. Green Key facilities are and can be a reference point for this category of travellers.

We hope that the number of Green Key establishments in Slovenia and the EU (where most tourists came in Slovenia) will still grow.

We are also very confident that sustainable tourism will be a part of all booking platforms. It will attract even more establishments worldwide to join one of the sustainable or eco-labels available on the market. We are very confident that Green key, as a world-leading label, will have the best success.

ACT.Global helps restoring confidence in the hospitality industry following COVID-19

Green Key’s partner ACT.Global provides the hospitality industry with a long-term and sustainable disinfection solution that helps combat COVID-19 by significantly reducing the risk of contamination on surfaces while also decomposing common pollutants from the air.

Premium Purity™ ATP sampling, source: ACT.global

It is well established that the COVID-19 crisis has had a dramatic effect on the hospitality industry. Several countries are starting to lift the bans and trying to return to normal. Yet the question remains: Will guests and staff feel comfortable re-inhabiting hotels shared by others who could potentially be sick?

To restore confidence among their guests and staff, hotels have to be proactive and document that they are taking all necessary measures to give their guests a comfortable and safe experience. 

ACT.Global offers a way of providing protection that does not involve the use of toxic bleach or other potentially harmful chemicals. They call this solution Premium Purity™.

Real-life cases from the cruise industry show a 50% reduction in gastrointestinal and respiratory outbreaks as well as a significant reduction in the use of toxic chemicals, water, and plastic related to the cleaning process. 

By implementing Premium Purity™, hotels can welcome back staff and guest to a low-microbial establishment where all surfaces treated are transformed from being passive to active players in the fight against COVID-19. In fact, with Premium Purity™ establishments can in full certainty claim that they are healthier and safer than most private homes. 

Premium Purity™ consists of ACT CleanCoat™ and the ACT ECA System™ combined with ACT Consulting and Monitoring.

Evaluated effective against COVID-19

ACT CleanCoat™ is a surface treatment based on an advanced technology that decomposes harmful microbes such as bacteria, viruses, airborne mold spores, and chemical compounds such as VOCs and NOx. 

The coating is transparent, odorless, and can be applied to all types of surfaces. When exposed to normal light, a photocatalytic reaction decomposes microbes and purifies the air. 

The recognised German lab, Dr Brill + Partner GmbH have tested ACT CleanCoat™ and conclude: 

Therefore, after successful experiments with three non-enveloped viruses, ACT CleanCoat™ is also effective against the so-called blood-borne viruses including HBV, HCV and HIV as well as against members of other virus families such as orthomyxoviridae (incl. all human and animal influenza viruses like H5N1 and H1N1), coronaviridae (MERS-CoV) and filoviridae, including Ebola virus.

ACT CleanCoat™ is effective for up to one year and continually disinfects all surfaces and cleans the air - all it takes is normal light.

Contamination

The coronavirus causes fever and respiratory symptoms. According to WHO, the virus can spread in the following ways: 

People can catch Covid-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with Covid-19 who coughs, sneezes or otherwise exhales droplets. 

People can also catch Covid-19 by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus, then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Tests show the coronavirus can remain active on surfaces for several days. https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

ACT CleanCoat™ increases the decomposition of the virus on coated surfaces; In other words, ACT CleanCoat™ protects against cross-contamination of the infection via surfaces. 

ACT ECA System - for daily cleaning

The ACT ECA System™ is the sustainable alternative to conventional cleaning with harsh detergents.

ECA means electro-chemically activated. It is a process in which water and salt are run through a cell and create a mild cleaning liquid. With an ACT ECA Pro Generator, you can produce pH-neutral and environmentally friendly ACT ECA Water on site.

ACT ECA Water replaces all conventional cleaning detergents - and by doing so helps to significantly reduce the use of toxic chemicals, water, and plastic. 

Reaching your targets

An essential part of Premium Purity™  includes collecting, tracking, and supplying clients with relevant hygiene data and reports to ensure the established targets are achieved.

A feature story from ACT.Global

Green Key's partner Ecolab ready to support establishments get back to business safely

Green Key International is providing access for its establishments to Ecolab’s programme of hygiene tools, materials and training, to offer peace of mind as the hospitality industry prepares to re-open post COVID-19

For decades, Green Key’s partner Ecolab has been helping its customers address big challenges and operate successfully in both good times and difficult times. Building on its experience of managing pandemics, from SARs in 2002, to MERS in 2012 and to today’s novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Ecolab demonstrates its commitment to keeping lodging, foodservice and healthcare markets cleaner, safer and healthier by releasing its relentless recovery programme.

Green Key International works with its awarded establishments to share best practices and stories of solidarity in its network. Support in the industry and from local communities are helping businesses in facing this period of adversity. The Ecolab programme is a free resource developed by Ecolab to provide expertise and guidance on combatting the spread of COVID-19 and reducing the risk of infection for employees and guests.

As social, leisure, retail and business operations recommence, collaboration of reputable partners like Ecolab and Green Key International is more important than ever to support establishments to safely restart their activities.

Ecolab has developed a programme of tools, materials and training accessible to all Green Key establishments as they prepare to welcome returning guests and customers:

• Informative and actionable information guiding hotels, restaurants, catering establishments and facilities as they prepare to reopen​

• Hygiene plans, wall charts and checklists to enable best hygiene practices, and  rebuild guest and customer confidence​

• Training for employees delivered on-site, remotely or via webinars, including state-of-the-art training materials from Ecolab’s online training experts Lobster Inc.​

• Innovative product solutions assuring highest hygiene standards through the customers operation ​

• Remotely or on-site service provided by Ecolab’s specialists who are trained to support customers before, during and after their reopening ​

The entire programme is available by visiting ecolab.com and for Green Key establishments in the global toolbox resource.

About Ecolab

A trusted partner at nearly three million customer locations, Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources. With annual sales of $15 billion and 49,000 associates, Ecolab delivers comprehensive solutions, data-driven insights and on-site service to promote safe food, maintain clean environments, optimize water and energy use, and improve operational efficiencies for customers in the food, healthcare, energy, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world.

For more Ecolab news and information, visit www.ecolab.com.

Follow Ecolab on Twitter @ecolab, Facebook at facebook.com/ecolab, LinkedIn at Ecolab or Instagram at Ecolab Inc.

Green Key present at the UK´s leading hospitality event

This September, Green Key will be present at Hotel360, the UK´s leading hospitality event dealing with the improvement of the hospitality industry. To contribute to the future of this ever-evolving industry, Green Key will be part of the “Go Green Advice Hub”, a 2019 brand new feature where visitors will be looking for solutions to build a more sustainable business.

Over two days, on the 18th and 19th of September, experts will introduce visitors to the latest innovations and talk about the future of the industry at Hotel360. This hub for hospitality innovation will connect industry´s professionals to solutions and services to make their establishments part of the leading ones.

In the years to come, the hospitality industry will have to focus on sustainability and responsibility, that is why communication about innovations is key to spread sustainable practices in this sector. After providing them with an environmental management framework, these industry´s most successful names will have to turn this knowledge into practices. For that, Green Key will help furnishing tools to help them reduce their water, energy usage and CO2 emissions.

Moreover, the desire to create a sustainable tourism industry goes hand in hand with a growing generation of eco-conscious travelers. Staff and guests also have to be aware of each establishment’s initiatives for the environment, as for Green Key awarded establishments. Being eco-labelled is a token of quality and proves that the establishment is committed to reducing its environmental impact.

“The Green Key team are really excited to share with visitors to Hotel360 the simple but effective actions they can take to make their hotel more environmentally friendly and how to work towards the Green Key award.”

- Emma Whitlock, Green Key Development Manager at Keep Britain Tidy

Green Key is delighted to be part of the eco-experts who will help and advise establishments in their transition. The participation in Hotel360 aims at training environmental conscious hospitality leaders who will put the development of green and responsible establishments at the top of their projects.

You can already visit hotel360.co.uk to secure your free ticket and be sure to meet our Green Key eco-experts!