Shangri-La Hotels Partners With UNISOAP For Sustainable Soap Recycling In UAE

In a significant move towards sustainability, Shangri-La Hotels has teamed up with UNISOAP UAE, a campaign driven by Goumbook, to launch a soap recycling initiative in their flagship properties located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the hospitality industry in the GCC, as Goumbook leads the charge in promoting sustainable living and green practices across the region.

With an estimated 16 million bars of soap discarded annually by UAE hotels, the environmental and landfill impact is considerable. The UNISOAP UAE campaign is set to tackle this issue head-on by collecting, hygienically recycling, and redistributing these soaps to communities in need, thus supporting improved hygiene practices where they are most crucial.

Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder and Managing Director of Goumbook, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. "UNISOAP UAE is proud to extend its efforts in a country swiftly adopting sustainable solutions across various sectors, including hospitality. Aligning with Shangri-La Hotels underscores a significant step towards environmental preservation, climate action, and raising global hygiene standards," Abella stated.

This initiative is a cornerstone of Shangri-La's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, encapsulated in their "Triple S" framework: Stay, Savour, and Shine. It underscores the group's dedication to weaving sustainability into its operational fabric and enhancing engagement with all stakeholders.

Nicholas Smith, VP of F&B at Shangri-La for the MEIA region and an active ESG proponent, highlighted their mission. "Our aim is to be the most beloved hospitality group, welcoming guests to life's vibrant experiences sustainably. This commitment drives us to empower our staff, uplift communities, care for the planet, and celebrate Asian heritage." He further detailed Shangri-La's substantial efforts towards this mission, including the 'Friendship City' initiative in Turkey, collaboration with Make-A-Wish International raising over $30K, and environmental conservation activities in Mauritius and Abu Dhabi. Notably, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri contributes to the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy by participating in a project aiming to plant 100 million mangroves by 203.

This partnership between Shangri-La Hotels and UNISOAP UAE signifies a transformative approach towards environmental stewardship and community support within the hospitality sector. By repurposing discarded soaps for those in need, this initiative not only confronts waste management challenges head-on but also significantly boosts hygiene access among vulnerable populations, setting a sterling example of corporate responsibility and sustainable practice.