Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by enhancing waste management and plastic reduction initiatives on World Environment Day. This aligns with the United Nations’ theme of ‘Beat Plastic Pollution.’ IHCL continues to lead in sustainable practices through its ESG+ framework, Paathya.
Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources at IHCL, emphasized the importance of sustainability in their business strategy. “At IHCL, sustainability is integral to our business strategy and purpose. We recognize the urgency of the global plastic crisis and are committed to being part of the solution. Through Paathya, we are driving systemic change by eliminating single-use plastics and investing in long-term waste management solutions. As we continue to evolve, our focus remains on creating lasting impact within our hotels and across our communities.”
IHCL has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing single-use plastics across its operations. These include installing in-house glass water bottling plants at 64 hotels, introducing biodegradable materials for bathroom amenities, and transitioning to carbon-neutral bamboo key cards made from renewable resources—eliminating 623 tonnes of plastic. Waste segregation is practiced across all hotels with recycling conducted through authorized channels. To manage organic waste effectively, 101 hotels have installed organic waste composter or biogas systems that have prevented over 8,119 tonnes of organic waste from reaching landfills.
The company has partnered with United Way Mumbai for a community waste management program that collected over 112,000 kilograms of waste in six months; more than 41,500 kilograms were directed for recycling. This partnership also includes educational sessions on marine pollution and practical waste management strategies held across Mumbai’s colleges. Additionally, IHCL has adopted Mahim Reti Bunder and Mahim Causeway in Mumbai as part of a comprehensive approach to managing community waste.
IHCL was founded by Jamsetji Tata under the Tata Group umbrella and opened its first hotel—The Taj Mahal Palace—in Bombay in 1903. Today it operates a portfolio of 388 hotels worldwide including developments under brands such as Taj—the world’s strongest hotel brand according to Brand Finance—Claridges Collection, SeleQtions among others.
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