Forest Essentials, India’s leading luxury Ayurvedic skincare brand, has partnered with Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company to unveil a pioneering sustainability initiative that is redefining eco-conscious hospitality. In an industry-first move to significantly reducing plastic waste, the collaboration introduces refillable, biodegradable ceramic dispensers and bulk liquid amenities across all Taj properties.

A hero product in this initiative is the signature Aloe Vera & Neem blend, loved by guests for its soothing, purifying properties. In addition to this, five bespoke blends have been crafted for Taj’s historic Palaces, with each formulation tailored to the distinct identity, heritage, and sensorial experience of the palace it resides in.

Key Highlights of the Initiative: 

• Plastic Waste Reduction: Single-use plastic bottles have been replaced by refillable ceramic dispensers, resulting in a 61% reduction in plastic consumption and saving 3,787 kilograms monthly.
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• Sustainable Sourcing: All products used are crafted with ethically sourced Ayurvedic ingredients, ensuring traceability and eco-conscious cultivation.
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• Empowering Local Communities: The initiative supports Forest Essentials’ diversity-first supply chain, employing local women in Uttarakhand in soap, Ubtan, and oil production—fostering long-term self-reliance and economic empowerment.
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• Environmental Efficiencies: Additional resource savings include a 13% reduction in water use, 31% drop in electricity consumption, and significant cuts in packaging and label waste, collectively minimizing the initiative’s carbon footprint.

Taljinder Singh, Senior Vice President, IHCL, said, “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.”

Samrath Bedi, Executive Director, Forest Essentials, said, “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.”  

“Aligned with the ethos of IHCL’s Paathya, this partnership represents a scalable blueprint for the future of responsible luxury,” adds Neha Gadi, Head Institutional Sales, Forest Essentials.