How are Hong Kong’s 5-star hotels adapting to single-use plastics ban? Industry worries over ‘bad experience’ for guests

The Post finds many of city’s most luxurious hotels have not scrapped free plastic amenities for guests despite recent ban amid leeway offered during transition period

Sector leaders say many operators want to avoid upsetting guests, with move in stark contrast to some budget hotels, which drew ire from visitors over charges

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The hotel sector has called for an extension of a grace period due to difficulties in finding alternatives to plastic products. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 12:37pm, 11 May 2024Updated: 4:14pm, 11 May 2024

Many of Hong Kong’s five-star hotels continue to offer free plastic amenities for guests, with industry leaders saying the operators want to avoid upsetting tourists by charging them for the items despite a recent ban.

The approach differed greatly from arrangements put in place by some budget hotels, which the Post earlier reported were charging visitors varying prices for the amenities, sparking accusations the operators were simply trying to profit from the new rules.

The hotel sector also called for an extension of a grace period due to difficulties in finding alternatives.

Under the ban, which began on April 22, hotels and guest houses can only offer non-plastic alternatives for free or charge guests for all items in plastic containers ranging from toothbrushes, toothpaste and water bottles to shower caps and razors.

The half-year grace period runs until October 22, during which authorities will avoid taking enforcement action against non-compliant businesses.