Helping to reduce environmental impact across hotel operations often starts with small, practical changes delivered at scale. Across the UK, IHG Procurement has been working closely with laundry suppliers to help improve the sustainability of linen deliveries by replacing single‑use plastic wrapping with reusable crates and fabric bags. 

Following early adoption by suppliers in Scotland, reusable linen delivery methods have since been introduced more widely in England, with several suppliers incorporating them into their standard operations. The initiative demonstrates how responsible sourcing can sometimes be embedded into everyday supply chain activity in a way that helps to support sustainability objectives while remaining grounded in operational efficiency. 

Making everyday deliveries more sustainable 

Linen delivery is a critical service for hotels, supporting guest comfort and brand standards. Traditionally, clean linen has been wrapped in disposable plastic for protection during transport, contributing to waste across the delivery cycle. 

Through engagement with suppliers, IHG Procurement explored alternative delivery methods that could help to reduce plastic use while continuing to meet hygiene, quality, and service expectations. Reusable crates and fabric bags offered a practical solution, allowing linen to be delivered securely without relying on single‑use packaging. 

The approach was intentionally designed by suppliers with hotel operations in mind, helping to enable sustainability improvements to be introduced while minimizing changes to existing handling processes or additional burden for hotel teams. 

Expanding adoption across the UK 

Today, reusable crates and fabric bags are being used across a growing number of IHG hotels in Scotland, with similar approaches continuing to gain momentum across England. 

This shift demonstrates how practical sustainability improvements can be embedded into day-to-day operations while maintaining the service levels hotels rely on. As uptake grows, more suppliers can help to lessen  reliance on single-use plastic packaging while helping hotels minimise waste without disrupting day-to-day operations. 

What this means for hotels and owners 

For hotels, the change can potentially be seamless. Linen continues to arrive ready for use, with the added benefit of reduced plastic waste on site and minimal process change required for hotel teams. As the operational change sits with the laundries themselves, hotels can maintain consistent service levels while benefiting from a more sustainable delivery model. For owners, the initiative highlights how responsible procurement can help to support environmental priorities while remaining firmly aligned to operational practicality. 

More broadly, the expansion reflects IHG Procurement’s approach to responsible sourcing - identifying opportunities within routine supply chain activity and working with suppliers to deliver improvements that help support long‑term value for hotels, owners, and the wider environment.