Most products essential to hotel operations carry some level of risk for the hospitality industry, including financial, regulatory, reputational, and operational risks due to the negative impacts linked to their production. Transitioning to more sustainable alternatives can help reduce these risks by supporting regulatory compliance, strengthening guest satisfaction, and improving supply chain resilience against potential disruptions.
Based on market research, and for purposes of these modules, we have focused on 4 Priority Categories.
The Priority Categories were chosen based on multiple considerations including:
- The extent to which products within these categories are subject to state-level regulations and public policy requirements.
- The significance of their environmental, social, and/or animal welfare impacts across the product life cycle.
- The purchasing volume and prevalence of these products within the hospitality industry.
- The availability of credible, sustainable alternatives that meet operational and performance needs.
- Additionally, consumer and investor demand for more sustainable options in these areas continues to grow
Additionally, consumer and investor demand for more sustainable options in these areas continues to grow.
Each Priority Category section covers the following:
- Hotel Actions
- Key impact areas
- State-level policies regulating purchasing in the category
- Consumer, investor and/or advocacy group demand for hotels to adopt more sustainable products
- Sustainable product alternatives
- Third-Party Sustainability Certifications
- Cost Considerations
- Government and/or corporate action
Hotels should consider the guidance outlined here, while also evaluating their own operations to determine the most relevant priority categories.
Each property should focus on actions that align with its business objectives, local market conditions, and guest expectations.
Targeting products and services that are most practical and impactful for the operation will yield the greatest long-term success.
Click on each Priority Category to learn more!
Animal Products
Current focus on eggs and pork
Cleaning Products
Includes cleaning solution and packaging
Single-Use Products and Packaging
Includes all plastics, paper products and packaging
Textiles
Includes linen/terry, bedding, napkins, tablecloths, uniforms, robes, slippers, other guest amenities
Public Policies - Passed and Proposed as of January 2026
*Public policies will be updated annually. Hotels should review applicable state and local regulations to ensure their operations remain in full compliance with current requirements.