Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives has announced the launch of an innovative eco-friendly initiative to recycle used bed linen into hand towels in public restrooms. The move marks a significant step in the resort’s ‘recycle-reuse’ initiative, part of its wider Sun Siyam Cares programme, and reflects the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
A recent initiative by Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s housekeeping team has seen previously discarded bed linen given new life by being transformed into hand cloths for use in the resort’s public areas. This not only minimises waste but also aligns with Olhuveli’s commitment to environmental responsibility, ultimately saving money that would have been spent on paper tissues.
The step-by-step recycling process begins with collecting damaged bed linen and bringing it to our in-house tailor. Each king-size bed sheet is carefully cut into approximately 60 10×10 inch wash cloths. Our tailor cuts the bed sheets to 11×11 inches, folds over 1 inch on each side, and sews the edges together to prevent fraying. This ensures that every piece of fabric is used to its full potential without the use of chemicals, and only needs to be thoroughly washed before being placed in the bathroom. Bed linen is highly absorbent, making it ideal for this recycling process. The only equipment needed is a sewing machine and the skilled hands of our tailors, making this initiative extremely efficient and sustainable. To maintain health and safety standards, each store carries new and soiled wash cloths in separate bags to prevent cross contamination. The laundry department has a dedicated 8kg machine for washing these fabrics and ensures they meet hygiene standards before use.
This initiative significantly reduces textile waste as discarded linen does not go to waste – instead, the linen is converted into wash cloths, wiping cloths and dusters, completely eliminating textile waste from the resort’s operations.
Hassan Adil, General Manager, Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives said, “This initiative is in line with global sustainability standards and practices in the hospitality industry. By reusing towels, Sun Siyam Olhuveli will reduce the number of loads of laundry and significantly cut down on water consumption. This is in line with the goals of the Sun Siyam Cares programme, which focuses on reducing energy and water usage, managing waste and supporting community development alongside investing in renewable energy.”
Sun Siyam Olhuveli invites guests to join in celebrating this important step towards sustainability, as through initiatives such as these the resort continues to lead the way in responsible tourism and preserve this natural paradise for future generations.
San Siyam Resorts strives to operate sustainably and responsibly in the Maldives and Sri Lanka to deliver authentic guest experiences. The group-wide San Siyam Cares program prioritizes sustainability through initiatives such as reducing energy and water use, managing waste to reduce plastic use, supporting community development and investing in renewable energy. There is also a strong focus on conservation activities, working to protect local heritage and cultural practices. By following these sustainability practices, the resorts aim to minimize their environmental impact and carbon footprint and contribute to the socio-economic wellbeing of the communities in which they operate.
