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LAOS - The Academy Training Hotel and Restaurant goes plastic-freeA landmark achievement in sustainability!
In an inspiring stride towards environmental sustainability, The Academy Training Hotel and Restaurant in Vang Vieng has recently earned the coveted Plastic-Free Laos certification. This recognition is awarded to organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to eliminating single-use plastics from their operations, marking a significant milestone for The Academy and its dedication to eco-friendly practices.
A commitment to a greener future
Since its opening, The Academy has consistently implemented environmentally friendly practices by replacing plastic packaging with reusable alternatives. Butter and jam have been served on small plates instead of plastic packaging, stainless steel and paper straws were bought instead of single-use plastic straws, and refillable soap bottles have been used in guest rooms instead of small plastic packages. To further reduce plastic waste, water refill stations have been installed for guests, and meeting rooms offer drinking water in glass jugs instead of plastic bottles.
Building on these efforts, The Academy recently adopted additional measures to further minimise its environmental footprint. The sale of drinking water in plastic bottles has been discontinued in favor of glass bottles, while iced drinks are no longer served in plastic cups, encouraging guests to bring their own reusable bottles or cups. For takeaway, paper containers and wooden cutlery have replaced plastic packaging. Meeting room refreshments have also undergone a sustainable transformation, with individual sachets of tea, coffee, sugar, and cream being replaced with glass or ceramic containers, and fresh drip coffee is now being served instead of instant coffee packets.
Waste management practices have also been revamped to eliminate the use of plastic bin liners, replacing them with washable plastic buckets. Toilet amenities such as cotton buds, shower caps, and dental kits are now available only upon request at the front desk, reducing unnecessary waste. The Academy has also taken steps to minimise plastic waste in its laundry operations by using reusable fabric bags instead of plastic bags for sending linens to the laundry service. Similarly, suppliers are now asked to deliver food ingredients in large reusable baskets instead of plastic bags, a practice that Academy staff also follow when making purchases at local markets.
A learning opportunity for students
As a training facility for aspiring hospitality professionals, The Academy’s sustainability initiatives serve as a hands-on learning experience for students. Future chefs, hotel managers, and service staff are gaining valuable insights into how sustainable practices can be seamlessly integrated into daily operations. Beyond the classroom, The Academy actively fosters a culture of sustainability by providing staff training on reducing single-use plastics, encouraging them to apply these principles in their own homes. To support this effort, all staff members have been provided with reusable drinking cups to refill water instead of purchasing plastic water bottles.
The broader impact of going plastic-free
By achieving this certification, The Academy contributes to a broader vision of sustainability in Lao PDR, particularly in the tourism sector, where environmental stewardship is becoming increasingly important. Plastic-Free Laos’ initiatives address the challenges posed by plastic waste, promoting sustainable alternatives for businesses. Beyond environmental protection, the certification strengthens The Academy’s brand, appealing to eco-conscious travellers and clients while supporting the Government of Lao PDR’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production.
The Skills for tourism, agriculture and forestry programme is cofinanced by the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union. It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
All images belong to Plastic Free Laos
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Manuel TONNAR et Thorsten SCHÄFER-GÜMBEL
Matteo BANTI, head of cooperation at the EU Delegation to Costa Rica, Anna WITTENBORG, regional director for Central America at GIZ, Daniel KRIENER, German Ambassador to Costa Rica, Manuel TONNAR, Thorsten SCHÄFER-GÜMBEL and Galina KARAMALAKOVA, international relations officer, Americas Regional Affairs at the EU
