Bernise, you say that sustainability is often not given enough consideration. What is SapoCycle Germany e.V.’s approach?

Bernise Rivière: Exactly. In the hospitality industry, we focus a great deal on water and electricity, but we often overlook the mountain of waste in the bathroom. Every year, tonnes of soap that have barely been used are thrown away. That’s a huge waste of valuable resources such as fats and fragrances. At the same time, there are people in Germany who lack access to basic hygiene. SapoCycle Germany e.V. closes this loop: we take what’s left over and turn it into something new and essential for daily life.

Many hotels are opting for dispenser systems. What do you think of this trend?

Bernise Rivière: Liquid soap consists of up to 80 per cent water. Preservatives and biocides are often needed to ensure this water remains stable. What’s more, plastic dispensers generate a huge amount of waste. Even refillable dispensers are problematic: we often see them being thrown away entirely after a few months for hygiene reasons and replaced with new ones. Is that really the solution to our current water crisis and plastic crisis? I say: No! Bar soap offers pure cleansing power without unnecessary chemicals and without the need to ‘haul water’ during transport. This also means significantly lower CO₂ emissions in logistics. In our Project 2 with Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences, we’re investigating precisely these connections. Watch this space!

Can you put SapoCycle Germany’s success into figures?

Bernise Rivière: Absolutely. The figures speak for themselves: since the launch of our project, we have already had more than 3,400 kg of waste recycled and used to make 15,000 Sapo soaps achieved. This clearly demonstrates the power of this simple concept. Through our recycling programme, we are turning the bar of soap into a champion of sustainability in the hotel bathroom.

What role does SapoCycle play in relation to the new ESG reporting requirements for hotels?

Bernise Rivière: Nowadays, hotels must demonstrate how they put social responsibility (Social) and environmental protection (Environment) into practice. SapoCycle Germany e.V. covers both areas. We help to reduce waste whilst at the same time promoting social inclusion in the workplace, as our soaps are produced in workshops for people with disabilities. We also contribute to global health. For hotels, partnering with us is a measure that can be implemented immediately, looks great in any sustainability report and boosts their appeal to investors.

Which hotels are already working with you in this way?

Bernise Rivière: We have some fantastic partners who demonstrate that small things can make a big difference – such as the Berghotel Rehlegg (GreenSign-certified), Elmau Castle, the Königshof Munich or that The Ritz-Carlton Berlin. My vision is that not a single bar of soap will ever be incinerated in Germany again. We want to make recycling the norm – for a hospitality industry that not only welcomes guests, but also makes the world a little cleaner.