Melco Resorts and Entertainment has published details of further progress in single-use plastics reduction, as it secured the achievement of “two important certifications” from the International Organization for Standardization.
Melco is the first integrated resort and hotel operator in the Macao SAR and Hong Kong SAR to receive ISO 41001:2018 for its efforts in facilities management system, as well as also attaining ISO 50001:2018 for effective energy management systems.
Both certifications cover the entire portfolio of Melco properties in Macau and Hong Kong, including City of Dreams Macau, Studio City, Altira Macau, Mocha Clubs and Melco’s Macau and Hong Kong corporate headquarter offices.
Lawrence Ho, chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts and Entertainment, explained: “We are thrilled to be the first integrated resort operator in the Macau SAR and Hong Kong SAR to attain ISO 41001:2018 for our efforts in facilities management, and to attain ISO 50001:2018 for effective energy management.
“Melco has adopted effective systems across our properties to provide service excellence to worldwide travellers and visitors in the most sustainable way. We thank our employees, especially our dedicated facilities management and energy management team who make this recognition possible.”
Furthermore, Melco also stresses that it has achieved several milestones in its long-term commitment towards reducing the use of problematic plastics and promoting circular economy across its global operations.
In March 2019, Melco became the first and only hospitality group and integrated resort signatory of New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, a global initiative to tackle plastic waste and pollution, led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with UN Environment.
To date, the company states that it has achieved four significant milestones to tackle single use plastic waste, including:
- Replacement of all SUP bottles in employee areas with refill water stations.
- Replacement of all plastic straws with sustainable alternatives including reusable metal straws and paper straws.
- Replacement of all SUP F&B containers and utensils with biodegradable, sustainable alternatives including cornstarch, bamboo fibre and paper.
- Trialling large shower amenities to replace small SUP amenity bottles at Countdown and Studio City hotels.
Denise Chen, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer of Melco Resorts and Entertainment, added: “As a leading integrated resort operator and responsible corporate citizen, we believe it is essential to take action on tackling the issue of plastics pollution.
“Being sustainable is core to our business strategy and we are making significant progress to reduce the use of problematic single-use plastic and packaging, as well seeking alternative solutions with a concrete roadmap.
“We strive to protect the environment for our future generations and sustainability will continue to be our key focus across our daily operations, in Macau SAR and beyond.”
