Cleaning Products
The hotel industry has already made meaningful progress in responsibly sourcing cleaning products, with many properties adopting safer formulations, reducing harmful chemicals, and improving operational efficiency. Building on this strong foundation, there is an opportunity to go even further—enhancing environmental performance, supporting human health, and advancing circularity across the value chain.
While conventional cleaning product formulations can release harmful chemicals, affect indoor air quality, and contribute to environmental impacts such as water contamination and excess resource use, the industry is increasingly addressing these challenges through innovation, supplier engagement, and thoughtful procurement practices.
Hotel Action
Hotels are already taking important steps toward responsible sourcing. To build on this momentum and further strengthen impact, consider the following opportunities:
- Continue transitioning away from products made entirely from virgin materials by prioritizing those with recycled content
- Expand use of reusable packaging
- Increase adoption of refillable or bulk-dispensing systems to reduce waste
- Prioritize packaging with recycled content of at least 15–30%, with a goal of 50% or greater where feasible
- Select lightweight packaging to reduce overall material use and transportation emissions
- Choose concentrated formulas to minimize packaging and shipping impacts
- Favor packaging that is recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable
- Continue shifting toward non-toxic formulations and products free from harsh chemicals such as PFAS and high-VOC ingredients
- Partner with suppliers that offer take-back or closed-loop recycling programs
- Prioritize products with third-party sustainability certifications (e.g., EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal, EcoLogo) to validate environmental and health attributes
Click on the following areas to learn more about advancing responsible sourcing for cleaning products.
Key Impact Areas
Cleaning products require energy and water throughout their lifecycle—from production to transportation to use. When not properly managed, certain chemical ingredients can impact water systems and ecosystems. The hotel industry’s continued shift toward safer formulations and more efficient systems is helping reduce these impacts while supporting healthier indoor environments for guests and staff.
Public Policies – Passed and Proposed (as of January 2026)
Additional Resources
Product Alternatives
Hotels today have access to a mature and expanding market of high-performing, more sustainable cleaning products. Many properties are already leveraging:
- Non-toxic and biodegradable formulations that are safer for guests and staff
- Concentrated and bulk products that reduce packaging waste and transportation emissions
- Packaging with recycled and recyclable materials
- Products designed for effective performance in cold water, reducing energy use
Continuing to evaluate and adopt these solutions can further enhance both environmental outcomes and operational efficiency.
Third-Party Certifications for Cleaning Products
| Certification | Description | Certifying Body | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
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Evaluates products for material health, circularity, water stewardship, renewable energy use, and social fairness. |
Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute |
Multi-attribute certification applicable to cleaning products and packaging |
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Certifies natural and organic ingredients |
EcoCert |
Common in personal care and household cleaning products |
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Verifies environmental and health performance |
UL Environment |
Covers toxicity, biodegradability, and packaging |
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Identifies products with safer chemical ingredients |
U.S. EPA |
Widely recognized in North America |
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Ensures rigorous performance and environmental standards |
Green Seal, Inc. |
Common in commercial cleaning |
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Recognizes safer chemistry and sustainability practices |
SDS Program |
Focused on formulations and biodegradability |
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Certifies low chemical emissions for indoor air quality |
UL Environment |
Emphasizes VOC limits |
Cost Considerations $-$$
Many hotels have already found that sustainable cleaning products can be cost-competitive, particularly when purchased through bulk or contracted agreements. While some products may carry a modest premium (typically 10–50%), others have reached cost parity.
To maximize both impact and efficiency, hotels can:
- Prioritize product categories where price differences are minimal
- Leverage supplier partnerships and bulk purchasing agreements
- Consider total cost of use, including reduced waste, lower energy consumption, and improved staff safety
Government Action
Programs such as the U.S EPA’s Safer Choice U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice help hotels identify products that meet high standards for human health and environmental safety. Many in the industry are already using these tools to guide procurement and can continue expanding their application.
Safer Choice is a U.S. EPA program that helps consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment.