The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), parent to the Taj brand, has joined forces with luxury Ayurveda brand Forest Essentials to roll out refillable, biodegradable ceramic dispensers and bulk-liquid amenities across its properties. The move, aimed at eliminating single-use plastic, blends eco-responsibility with high-end design.
Since implementation, the initiative has reduced plastic consumption by 61%, saving 3,787 kg per month, alongside a 13% cut in water usage and a 31% drop in electricity consumption. Packaging and label waste have also been significantly reduced, lowering the overall carbon footprint.
Forest Essentials products for the programme feature ethically sourced Ayurvedic ingredients with full traceability, produced using sustainable cultivation methods. Five exclusive blends have been created to reflect the distinct character of each Taj palace. Local women artisans in Uttarakhand are engaged in crafting soaps, oils, and ubtans, fostering livelihoods and preserving traditional skills.
IHCL sees the project as a scalable model for planet-friendly luxury, forming part of its ESG+ “Paathya” roadmap towards eliminating single-use plastics, without compromising the guest experience.
