Environmental concerns
Are hotel clients’ environmental concerns impacting their selection?
Claudia van der Werf, owner, Desert River: “We do not notice a particular concern with environmental issues, except perhaps from the so-called ‘eco-resorts’”.
Linda Bruun Mortensen, creative director and brand manager Voglia House & Garden Furniture: “Yes definitely, but I don’t feel any particular impact on the furniture industry. There are of course hotels that choose eco-friendly furniture, but most of them try to be environmental friendly by saving on water and electricity.”
Abubakar Mohamed, project manager Balchik General Trading: “Yes, hoteliers are leaning more towards environment friendly choices as a way of sustaining the environment. A lot of hoteliers are now considering where the wood comes from, what kind of laws govern that particular forest and are asking if it is sustainable and if the community benefitted from it.”
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Jonathan Warth, sales manager Select Furnishings: “Environmental concerns, such as awareness of how deforestation impacts climate change and the effects of toxic finishes in the air, have led buyers to demand green furniture. Better, these polyresin plastics can be reused. It’s among the easiest things to recycle, requiring only that people save their waste and creative companies reshape it.”
Jerry Lim, managing director of the Alma Contract (Mondecasa): “Many hoteliers are actively involved and trying to stay green. We are constantly sourcing materials that are recyclable. Aluminium and stainless steel frames that we use are recyclable. The processes in our factory are constantly being reviewed to ensure that we reduce carbon footprints.”
Dan Lacey, general manager, Kudos International: “Environmental issues are very important to hotels and one example of this comes from Atlantis on The Palm, which reduced its laundry needs dramatically after purchasing umbrellas from Kudos, as guests had shade under which they could sit instead of having to use double the number of towels to provide them with shade by draping them over the hoods on their sun loungers. All Teak products are made from plantation-grown teak, all wicker products are made from aluminium and polyethylene, which are both recyclable.”
Cathy Di Savino, marketing manager, Intermetal: “One trend that will definitely continue is the trend towards procuring from eco-friendly outdoor furniture manufacturers. Intermetal is currently working on eco-friendly polyresin products to give the functionality of teak and other wood-based furniture taking into consideration the ecological benefits.”
Roberto Garcia, area manager for Andreu World: “The Ecolignus wood employed in the Andreu World Outdoor collections is 100% recyclable and is obtained from reforested forests and the chain of custody throughout the entire production process is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, thus guaranteeing the excellence of the wood, from its origin to the final product.”
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