As environmental awareness grows, companies across industries are adopting more sustainable practices — and the travel sector is following suit. Starting this summer, several major travel brands have announced plans to eliminate single-use plastics from their guest services to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Airlines and hospitality providers are replacing disposable plastic items like straws, cups, utensils and bottles with reusable alternatives or products made from materials that break down more easily. These changes aim to cut plastic pollution while maintaining convenience and comfort for travelers.
Hilton Hotels has pledged to remove plastic straws from all its properties worldwide and to eliminate plastic water bottles from conference rooms and event spaces. Some Hilton locations in parts of Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji have already adopted this policy, using biodegradable paper straws as one replacement option.
Marriott is moving away from single-use toiletry bottles and installing refillable dispensers for shampoo, conditioner and body wash in guest rooms. This reduces plastic packaging waste and simplifies restocking while offering the same amenities to guests.
On Carnival cruise ships, plastic straws will not be automatically provided with drink orders; passengers will need to request a straw when they want one. Cocktails are an exception to this rule. This measure lowers the number of disposable straws used onboard while still accommodating guest preferences.
Alaska Airlines has introduced compostable birch stirring sticks in place of plastic stirrers and has switched to bamboo citrus picks. These natural-material alternatives are biodegradable and help lessen the airline’s reliance on petroleum-based plastics.
Across the travel industry, these initiatives reflect a broader shift toward reducing single-use plastics through practical substitutions and policy changes. By prioritizing reusable items, biodegradable materials and refillable systems, hotels, cruise lines and airlines can significantly reduce their plastic footprint while continuing to serve travelers’ needs.
Travelers can support these efforts by carrying reusable water bottles and utensils, requesting fewer disposable items when possible, and choosing companies that prioritize sustainable practices. Together, these small changes can make a measurable difference in reducing plastic waste linked to travel.