Introduction
Hotels generate significant textile waste—uniforms, F&B linens, towels, and guest room items cycle through constant laundering, wear, and replacement. For sustainability teams, the challenge is turning ESG goals into operational programs that work day-to-day.
In an interview with Mr. Ryo Miura, Director of Housekeeping at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, we learn how the hotel moved from “replacement by default” to textile reuse, recycling, and staff-engaged sustainability—and how these efforts earned the hotel an iRecycle Sustainability Bronze Award.
1) How much textile replacement happens before hotels begin sustainability initiatives?
Before sustainability programs, Island Shangri-La replaced textiles at meaningful annual volumes due to wear and operational needs:
- Staff uniforms: ~4,000 pieces/year
- F&B linens: ~20,000 pieces/year
- Guest room linens & towels: ~18,000 pieces/year
The takeaway for hotels: textile replacement is not a niche issue—it’s a recurring operational workflow with measurable environmental impact, making it a strong entry point for ESG action.
2) Why were textiles replaced in the past?
Island Shangri-La highlighted two primary drivers behind replacement:
-
Quality degradation
Frequent laundering and daily use lead to fading, loss of shape, and reduced presentation—especially important for luxury standards. -
Hygiene concerns
Stains and embedded dirt can make items unsuitable for continued use, even when fabrics still have structural integrity.
For sustainability teams, this is important: reuse and recycling programs need to be designed around these real constraints (quality + hygiene), not just “waste reduction” intentions.
3) What was the previous disposal route—and what changed?
Previously, the majority of uniforms and textiles were sent to landfill.
In December 2023, Island Shangri-La redirected usable old textiles for donation to animal welfare organizations, including Sai Kung Stray Friends (SKSFF) and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (SPCA).
This shift did three things at once:
- Extended useful textile life
- Reduced landfill waste
- Created social impact by supporting local shelters
4) How did the hotel discover eco-friendly/recycled uniform solutions?
The hotel became aware of eco-friendly and recycled uniform solutions in October 2024 through a professional network. Mr. Miura credits a personal connection—someone he knew from his Executive Master’s studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University—as the doorway to exploring solutions.
Key insight: partnerships often begin through relationships and networks, and sustainability leaders can benefit from identifying “warm introductions” rather than only formal procurement paths.
5) Why work with Crestwell Attire?
Island Shangri-La chose a partner that could translate sustainability into practical housekeeping outcomes. Mr. Miura explained that Crestwell stood out because it combines:
- Professional design support
- An AI-supported design system that shortens design/revision cycles while improving accuracy and efficiency
- A wide selection of eco-friendly fabrics with proven sustainability experience
For hotels: sustainability partners must be operationally fluent, not just environmentally focused.
6) What matters most after the pilot test—performance, or sustainability?
The hotel’s pilot evaluation prioritized what always matters in hotel operations: comfort, functionality, and staff pride.
In the pilot, eco-friendly uniforms performed very well in:
- Comfort & body temperature control (breathability and moisture management)
- Durability & maintenance (shape, color, and quality after repeated laundering)
- Safety & functionality (ease of movement for daily housekeeping tasks)
Staff feedback was strongly positive, especially because the uniforms felt modern, comfortable, and aligned with the hotel’s values.
7) How did the tote bag project come to life?
To make sustainability more “real” for colleagues, Island Shangri-La created tote bags made from recycled hotel textiles.
The idea originated while planning a meaningful gift for Housekeeping colleagues during International Housekeeping Week. Rather than a conventional item, the gift needed to tell a story—showing the recycling flow from used textiles into a new practical product.
The tote bags helped colleagues understand the process and participate actively in the recycling journey, not just observe it.
8) What does winning an ESG award really mean?
Mr. Miura framed the iRecycle ESG Award as recognition of team effort, especially from the Laundry and Uniform & Linen teams.
He emphasized that the award reflects a deeper principle:
ESG impact becomes durable when it’s embedded into daily operations and supported by frontline colleagues.
9) What’s next for the coming year?
Island Shangri-La’s focus is to:
- Strengthen and sustain existing initiatives (so they remain embedded, not one-off)
- Continue monitoring industry insights and ethical innovations
- Pilot new ideas when they align with operational needs, brand values, and ESG goals
Their approach is practical, collaborative, and designed for continuous improvement.
Practical Takeaways for Hotels & Sustainability Teams
Based on Island Shangri-La’s experience, a replicable model emerges:
- Start with operational reality: identify where textiles are replaced and why
- Design around constraints: quality + hygiene determine feasibility
- Choose disposal routes with impact: donation can extend life and support communities
- Select partners who improve operations: design efficiency and performance are essential
- Engage staff visibly: products like recycled tote bags turn ESG into shared ownership
- Sustain through frontline buy-in: laundry/uniform teams often decide whether ESG sticks