Just over a year ago, we began encouraging lodging establishments to participate in our project to repurpose hotel textiles. Today—one year later—we offer a glimpse into the project’s progress and results.
In Switzerland, approximately 110,000 tons of used textiles are generated annually—about half of which is disposed of. At the same time, the global textile industry accounts for around 10% of worldwide CO₂ emissions. While EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) regulations are being discussed at the political level, we have already taken concrete action: We have brought the hospitality industry and the textile circular economy together.
When “end-of-life” doesn’t mean “worthless”
In hotel operations, large quantities of textiles are used daily—from bed linens to table linens and curtains, to terry cloth items and uniforms. Due to intensive use, these materials regularly reach a point where they can no longer be used for their original purpose.
Too old, too worn out, no longer suitable—for hotel operations.
And yet: far too good to throw away.
Instead of throwing them away, we give them a second life
Following the successful onboarding of the Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora, Hotel Rigi Kaltbad, and Hotel Einstein St. Gallen, as well as the Bâle Hotels Group and EHL last fall, these establishments provided us with their end-of-life textiles. The fair fashion factory (fff) in Basel used them to carry out two successful projects:
On the one hand, high-quality designer pieces were created and presented this spring in a pop-up store in collaboration with Coop City Basel. On the other hand, the fff worked together with the hotels to develop new product ideas for hotel operations: tablecloths were transformed into stylish beach bags, while other textiles were turned into practical and durable everyday items for guests.
Particularly encouraging: The hotels are thrilled and would like to include the products in their assortment in the future.
Now the next phase begins for the fff—the search for local producers who can efficiently and sustainably process these textiles in larger quantities.
And our collaboration with the fff isn’t quite over yet—they can still be found at HotellerieSuisse as a Trusted Start-up within the Trusted Network.
Circular Economy – Experience It Firsthand
The project aims to make more targeted use of existing resources and reduce waste. At its core is the concept of the circular economy: materials should be used for as long as possible and retain their value.
Specifically, this means:
- Reusing existing textiles
- Reducing waste volumes and disposal costs
- Promoting local processing and regional value creation
And the hotels are thrilled because products with character are being developed from end-of-life textiles that not only create direct added value for the business but also open up new opportunities for storytelling. They appeal to guests on an emotional level while simultaneously providing innovative marketing content—making sustainability an immediate, tangible experience.
At the same time, the project offers a low-barrier entry into sustainable business models: hotels can experiment with integrating circular approaches into their daily operations without significant risk, gaining valuable experience for future solutions in the process.
Last but not least, this initiative helps conserve resources and demonstrates a visible commitment to responsibility. Waste and disposal costs are reduced, materials are reused in meaningful ways, and a clear signal is sent for greater sustainability in the industry.
True sustainability begins when processes become transparent and decisions are made consciously. This project is a step in that direction.
By paying attention to such details—even as a guest—you help make projects like this possible.
You help inspire new approaches.
And you help turn old materials into new favorite pieces.
Further links if interested: