Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts records a milestone in eliminating 65% of single-use plastic usage across its portfolio

Leads sustainability in Sri Lanka with NORDAQ Patented Water Filtration Solution at two properties

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 9 November 2023: In its commitment to eliminating single-use plastics from its operations, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts records a total reduction of 65% single-use plastic usage across its hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. With that same goal in mind, Cinnamon Bentota Beach and Cinnamon Grand Colombo will be eliminating 100% of its PET water bottle usage with reusable glass bottles. This latest partnership with NORDAQ, an internationally patented water filtration system, the two properties would be the first in Sri Lanka to include patented filtration technology to provide mineral water, through an in-house purification and bottling facility.

Since the launch of its sustainable journey in 2020, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has made significant strides in reducing plastic waste across its properties. These efforts include the implementation of glass bottles instead of PET bottles at all its Maldives properties, the use of ceramic bathroom amenity bottles, wooden cutlery, cloth laundry bags, cloth wristbands and eliminating plastic pens in guest rooms offering numerous environmental benefits, including recyclability and reducing landfill waste.

Commenting on the milestone of reducing single-use plastic and its commitment to sustainability, Chief Executive Officer of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Mikael Svensson, said, "This is a remarkable milestone for the company and as one of the leading hospitality brands in the Country, this establishes our unwavering commitment to sustainability, guest satisfaction and environmental responsibility. This industry-first partnership with NORDAQ demonstrates that sustainability is not just a goal but a continuous journey at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, in ensuring an exceptional and responsible hospitality experience for our guests."

In its initial implementation phase with NORDAQ, Cinnamon Bentota Beach targets to eliminate 92% of single-use plastic and another 59% at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. This initiative eliminates the use of more than 300,000 PET water bottles annually. To further sustain the environment-friendly bottling process, the reusable glass bottle is made with 80% recycled glass and the aluminum cap with 100% recycled content. NORDAQ’s patented water filtration system purifies tap water into a perfectly neutral result, without taste, smell, or impurities. It removes unwanted flavours while retaining the water’s natural salts and minerals – an environmentally friendly solution for premium water. In compliance with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Health & Safety practices, the water is tested periodically through independent testing laboratories, adhering to international standards.

"NORDAQ is delighted to partner with Cinnamon Bentota Beach and Cinnamon Grand Colombo in their quest for environmental sustainability. Our innovative technology aligns perfectly with their vision of delivering exceptional guest experiences while reducing their environmental impact. Together, we are raising the bar for sustainability in the Sri Lankan hospitality industry," commented Chief Executive Officer of NORDAQ, Johanna Mattsson.

For media enquiries and more information, please contact:

Sheranga Rajasuriya

Director Corporate Communications
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
Email: sheranga@cinnamonhotels.com 

About Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is a diverse chain of hotels spanning Sri Lanka and the Maldives and a member of John Keells Holdings PLC, one of the largest listed conglomerates in Sri Lanka, with diverse interests in sectors ranging from Leisure, Transportation, Property, Consumer Food & Retail, Financial Services, Information Technology, Business Process Operations to Plantations.

This pioneering hotel chain was launched at The World Travel Market in London on 14 November 2005. Since its launch, it has come to represent a uniquely Cinnamon experience and has steadily risen to become the leading choice for travellers in Sri Lanka. The Cinnamon brand boasts a portfolio of vibrant and modern hotels, colourful and inspiring, unswervingly hospitable and committed to satisfying our patrons’ varied and discerning needs.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is the pinnacle of Sri Lankan hospitality through comfort, creativity, discovery, and inspired living. Each property is designed to showcase and complement the local environment, character, culture, and traditions of the area it serves. From Jungle cabanas to city luxury, water villas in the Maldives to beach chalets in Sri Lanka, each resort is designed to take you on a memorable journey into discovery. With three City properties in Colombo, eight Resort properties around Sri Lanka and four Resorts in the Maldives, and a host of new and exciting projects on the horizon, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is your partner and faithful guide to ‘The Jewel of the Indian Ocean’ and its timeless and fascinating ‘Emerald Isle’.

About NORDAQ

Nordaq began with a desire to deliver tasty, clean and fresh water that is also good for the environment. A completely new water filtration system was developed and patented. Several tests showed that the water had exceptionally favourable flavour properties with a unique ability to enhance other raw materials rather than affect them. The insight was clear and the impact powerful, Nordaq had created a product that would become loved by world-class gastronomic restaurants and hotels. Word of the innovation spread and Nordaq was soon approached by star chefs from all corners of the world. Nordaq is now established at a large number of restaurants and hotels around the world, including some of the most famous in the industry. And the expansion continues! For the world's leading hotels and restaurants, Nordaq delivers an environmentally sustainable and profitable premium product that also offers a sensational taste experience - an unbeatable combination. Please visit: http://www.nordaq.com