Shangri-La Hotels has announced that it has partnered with UNISOAP UAE, a Goumbook-powered soap recycling campaign, to recycle soaps in its flagship properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
It was shared that UAE hotels discard approximately 16 million bars of soap each year, contributing to landfill waste and environmental degradation. Meanwhile, 2.3 billion people worldwide still lack access to a basic handwashing facility with water and soap at home.
Aimed at countering this waste and serving vulnerable communities, with its partners, the campaign will collect these soaps, recycle them and redistribute them to those in need.
Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder and Managing Director of Goumbook, commented: “UNISOAP UAE is proud to expand its reach in a nation rapidly embracing sustainable solutions in every sector, including hospitality,”
Adding: “Our partnership with Shangri-La Hotels represents a significant stride in environmental conservation, climate action, and global hygiene awareness.”
Nicholas Smith, VP of F&B at Shangri-La, commented: “At Shangri-La, our mission is to be the best-loved hospitality group, hosting people to the colorful joys of life in a sustainable manner. This commitment empowers our people, uplifts local communities, nurtures the planet, and celebrates Asian heritage.”
Other partners involved in the soap recycling campaign include Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Residence Inn by Marriott Al Jaddaf, and Atlantis Hotel – Dubai, among others, with campaign partners ReLoop and The Camel Soap Factory.