Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and luxury Ayurvedic skincare brand Forest Essentials have launched a sustainability initiative at all Taj properties, replacing single-use plastic amenities with refillable ceramic dispensers and bulk liquid formulations.
The project features the signature Aloe Vera & Neem blend as well as five exclusive formulations designed for Taj’s palace properties, each reflecting the design ethos and heritage of its host hotel.
Hotel and skincare guests will now find biodegradable, refillable ceramic dispensers instead of disposable plastic bottles, a move aimed at reducing waste without sacrificing service quality.
The initiative has led to significant outcomes, including a 61 percent drop in plastic usage, which translates to nearly 3,787 kilograms of plastic waste being eliminated each month. It has also resulted in a 13 percent decrease in water consumption and a 31 percent reduction in electricity usage, along with major savings in packaging and labeling materials.
Forest Essentials supplies ethically sourced Ayurvedic ingredients with full traceability. Production of bath amenities—including soaps, oils, and traditional skincare preparations like ubtan—is handled by women in Uttarakhand, promoting economic empowerment and community development.
We are happy to extend our partnership with Forest Essentials to launch an exclusive line for the Taj portfolio. IHCL has always been at the forefront of pioneering initiatives that have become industry leading practices. In line with its ESG+ framework of Paathya and commitment to eliminate single use plastic across its hotels, this collaboration introduces sustainable materials into the design and packaging of the bath products. – Taljinder Singh, Senior Vice President at IHCL
This milestone is a testament to Forest Essentials’ long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and conscious luxury. Guests across Taj hotels have consistently lauded the signature Forest Essentials offerings, particularly the Aloe Vera & Neem blend. The new refillable format upholds the brand’s dedication to exceptional quality while elevating its sustainability credentials. – Samrath Bedi, Executive Director of Forest Essentials
Aligned with the ethos of IHCL’s Paathya, this partnership represents a scalable blueprint for the future of responsible luxury. – Neha Gadi, Head of Institutional Sales at Forest Essentials
As part of IHCL’s Paathya sustainability framework, the initiative reflects the group’s pledge to eliminate single-use plastics, reduce carbon footprint and promote eco-conscious consumer experiences across its global hotel network.
The program aligns with IHCL’s long-term sustainability goals. Multiple Taj and SeleQtions properties have previously achieved EarthCheck Platinum certification, and the company continues to extend renewable energy usage and waste reduction initiatives across its portfolio.
This collaboration delivers luxury hospitality with reduced environmental impact, showcasing how design, sustainability, and guest experience can intersect successfully in the Indian hospitality industry.
