Interview

Balancing environmental consideration and ease of use. Hotel sustainability initiatives with LIMEX Bags.

導入事例一覧に戻る
【Challenge】 Considering changes to amenities to achieve a reduction in plastic usage It is necessary to achieve both ease of use and plastic reduction.
【Products Adopted】 LIMEX Bag

Laundry Bag
Sanitary Bag
Multi-Purpose Bag
Large Bath Bag

【Effect】 Switching to the “LIMEX Bag” reduces plastic usage by approximately 42% and greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 22% compared to existing plastic bags*1. Its high practicality—including flexible thickness adjustments, water resistance, and easy foldability—has earned high praise in the field.

*1 For multi-purpose bags, comparisons are made with typical LDPE products.
*2 This is an estimated value based on TBM projections and is not a guaranteed value. It may change depending on data acquisition status and other factors. The calculation of greenhouse gas emissions covers the period from raw material procurement to incineration disposal (excluding the processes of die-cutting and transportation).

Mitsui Garden Hotels
is a lodging-focused hotel brand operated by Mitsui Fudosan Hotel Management Co., Ltd. Beyond providing comfortable and enriching stays, it contributes to the sustainable development of society as a whole through environmentally conscious services.


he Mitsui Fudosan Group has positioned sustainability as a key pillar of its management strategy under its long-term management policy “VISION 2025.” With the goals of realizing a “sustainable society” and “continuous profit growth,” the Group is actively working to reduce environmental impact, including efforts to eliminate plastic use.


This time, we spoke with Mr. Hamada, who oversees branding and PR at the Hotel & Resort Division of Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., about the background leading to the adoption of LIMEX products and their effects.

Profile of Mr. Hamada

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. Hotel & Resort Division, Hotel & Resort Operations Department 1 Operations Planning Group Responsible for branding and PR.

To become a hotel chosen by our guests

Please tell us about the mission and initiatives of the department you belong to.

Mr. Hamada: Our division operates three hotel brands: “Mitsui Garden Hotels,” “Celestine Hotels,” and “sequence.” Within the Hotel & Resort Division where I work, we focus on branding and PR activities for each hotel while also actively promoting sustainability initiatives. In recent years, reducing plastic usage has become a major focus, and we are driving the implementation of environmentally conscious measures and the adoption of eco-friendly products across the entire hotel chain.

You're putting a lot of effort into promoting sustainability, aren't you?

Mr. Hamada: We believe environmental consideration is an essential element for our hotel to remain a choice for our guests over the medium to long term. For instance, we are taking steps starting with the basics, such as using cans made from recycled materials instead of plastic bottles for the drinking water provided in guest rooms.

LIMEX as an Option for Reducing Plastic

Please tell us what prompted you to consider introducing LIMEX products.

Mr. Hamada: As part of our efforts to reduce plastic use—such as installing amenity bars where guests take only what they need and switching to paper packaging for amenities—we wanted to tackle the plastic content within the amenities themselves. When we consulted our suppliers, they introduced us to LIMEX as a material suitable for the bagged amenities used in large quantities at hotels.

What impression did you have when you were actually introduced?

Mr. Hamada: First, I became interested upon learning that limestone, the primary raw material, is an environmentally conscious material. Furthermore, the sales representative provided a thorough explanation of the benefits of using LIMEX, backed by quantitative data such as reductions in plastic usage, which helped me understand its advantages. However, I had concerns about whether its water resistance and translucency would suit our intended application. Therefore, I requested a physical sample to examine it firsthand.

LIMEX also excels in functionality

What discussions took place within the company regarding the introduction of LIMEX products?

Mr. Hamada: Regarding this amenity change, three key points were considered: price, contribution to plastic reduction, and user convenience. Regarding price, the proposal showed that the cost increase remained within an acceptable range compared to other materials. Regarding contribution to plastic reduction, we compared it with other materials like biomass plastics, but concluded that LIMEX aligns with our company’s policy of reducing plastic usage.

Was it compared with other items as well?

Mr. Hamada: That’s right. When considering materials for the large bath bag, we explored options beyond the biomass plastic we discussed earlier, including reusable items like baskets and fabric materials. However, LIMEX stood out not only for its cost but also for its superior water repellency and foldability, offering comprehensive usability tailored to the application. Its ability to fold down for compact storage proved a significant advantage, especially in hotels with limited storage space.

Staff also praised its ease of use.

Regarding the adoption of the new product, we understand reliability was also a key consideration. What aspects of LIMEX gave you confidence in its reliability?

Mr. Hamada: During our preparations to secure internal approval for the adoption, your sales representative provided us with generous support, which reinforced our confidence in your company as a reliable partner. Furthermore, your existing track record of successful implementations at other well-known chain hotels allowed us to proceed with the adoption with peace of mind.

How has the response been since implementation?

Mr. Hamada: Employees have expressed positive feedback regarding the product’s water resistance, which allows wet items to be stored without issue, and its ease of folding, which eliminates storage space concerns. Given that ease of use for staff is crucial in hotel operations, we feel the introduction was a good decision. Furthermore, by actually calculating the LCA* for the introduced product and issuing a release announcing the reduction in plastic usage, we received positive feedback both internally and externally.

*Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A scientific and quantitative method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle or at specific stages.

Expectations for LIMEX, with its potential for diverse applications

How do you plan to utilize LIMEX going forward?

Mr. Hamada: While bagged amenities are our primary focus at this time, we also aim to replace other plastic items within the hotel, such as trash bags, signage, and cups. Additionally, we look forward to expanding into diverse products that can be utilized throughout the hotel, such as shatter-resistant vases.

Finally, could you share your expectations for LIMEX and your plans for future initiatives?

Mr. Hamada: I find this material to be highly versatile. While we introduced the LIMEX Bag this time, I’ve realized LIMEX has significant potential for application in other products, and my expectations continue to grow. I look forward to seeing flexible product development that not only advances sustainability but also meets the needs of the field.

Under the group’s “VISION 2025” framework, Mitsui Garden Hotels actively promotes environmental initiatives to achieve sustainability for both the company and society. This includes reducing plastic in amenities, such as through the use of LIMEX bags. TBM will continue to support Mitsui Garden Hotels’ efforts to advance societal sustainability within the hotel industry.

FAQ

I want a price list.

Please fill out the inquiry form and let us know the product you are looking for.

How long will it take to deliver?

Clear files and business cards can be delivered within the same delivery time as regular products. For more information, please contact us using our inquiry form.

I’d like to know how to dispose of LIMEX after use.

[For Businesses]

When disposing of LIMEX as business waste, please treat it as industrial waste. LIMEX products are flammable. Please dispose of them in accordance with your local municipality’s rules.

 

[For Consumers]

LIMEX products are flammable. When disposing of them, please follow your local municipality’s rules.

 

*Do not mix LIMEX products with recycled paper. For more information, please see here.

I’d like to receive a LIMEX sample.

Please contact us using this inquiry form.

I’m looking to be involved in the sales and development of LIMEX products.

TBM is always looking for partners to sell and develop LIMEX products. Please contact us using this inquiry form.

CONTACT

If you have any questions about LIMEX, please feel free to contact us.

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