SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT.
The change represents a practical example of how procurement decisions, supplier collaboration, and operational leadership can deliver measurable environmental impact.
THE CHALLENGE? TRANSITION TO TIN.
Why? After calculating our run-rates we estimate that around 8.3 tonnes of glass moves through our supply chain and waste system each year. And this presents several environmental and operational changes:
👉 High weight (200g - 250g per bottle)
👉 High transport weights
👉Energy-intensive recycling
👉Breakage risks
👉 Lower real-world recycling rates compared to aluminium.
THE SOLUTION? COLLABORATION.
We worked with our beverage suppliers and Food & Beverage teams to transition key lines from glass bottles to aluminium cans. This required:
- Supplier engagement and packaging reviews
- Lifecycle comparison analysis
- Internal operational alignment
- Guest communication support
- Phased rollout across venues
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: MATERIAL & CARBON REDUCTION (ESTIMATED)
TONNES
of glass eliminated annually (actual run-rate since May 2025)
TONNES
Replacement packaging weight reduced to 0.56 tonnes annually.
REDUCTION
Reduction in packaging transport weight.
TONNES
Across our actual run-rate this equates to 6.6-7.9 tonnes CO2e reduction per year.
CARBON EXPLAINED.
Based on published lifecycle comparisons:
- Glass bottle: ~0.25 – 0.4kg CO2e per unit
- Aluminium can (highly recycled content): ~0.09-0..17kg CO2e per unit
Estimated net reduction per unit: ~0.15-0.18kg CO2e. Across our actual run rate of over 43,800 units annually this equates to an estimated 6.6 – 7.9 tonnes CO2e reduction annually, mainly driven by:
- Lower packaging weight
- Reduced transport emissions
- Higher recycling rates
- Lower breakage and waste losses.
THE NUMBERS SO FAR.
10.9 tonnes of glass eliminated and 8.7 – 10.4 tonnes CO2e saved.
PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION.
Waste & Circularity |
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Aluminium is infinitely recyclable with significantly lower energy demand when recycled. |
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UK recycling rates for aluminium cans exceed those for glass bottles. |
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Reduced breakage means less contaminated waste and safer handling. |
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Supports our Zero Waste to Landfill objective. The transition aligns with our broader Waste Management Plan and Supply Chain Resource Stewardship Policy. |
Supply Chain Engagement |
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Screen suppliers based on packaging impact |
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Collaborate to reduce waste at source |
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Prioritise recyclable materials |
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Embed environmental considerations into procurement decisions It also reflects active engagement between Operations, Sustainability, and Suppliers — showing how cross-functional collaboration can drive measurable change. |
Cultural Impact |
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Beyond the environmental metrics, the change generated strong internal engagement: |
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Teams embraced the shift |
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F&B outlets championed the transition |
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Sustainability became visible at point-of-service As noted by our Hotel Operations Manager: “It’s been great to see our F&B outlets get behind the change and make such a visible impact from such a simple decision.”KEY TAKEAWAY: MEANINGFUL IMPACT IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.
This case demonstrates that meaningful environment improvement doesn’t always require large capital investment. Instead, better data, strong supplier dialogue, clear environmental criteria in procurement and operational leadership can make the difference.
By removing over 57,952 glass bottles (May 2025 – August 2026), we have reduced waste, cut emissions, and strengthened our circularity strategy – one practical change at a time.
