Forest Essentials and IHCL Partners for serving Sustainable Luxury in Hospitality

In a landmark step for sustainable hospitality, Forest Essentials, India’s luxury Ayurvedic skincare brand, has teamed up with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) to launch a pioneering eco-conscious initiative across Taj Hotels. This industry-first move sees the introduction of refillable, biodegradable ceramic dispensers and bulk liquid amenities, setting a new benchmark for luxury with responsibility.

At the heart of this initiative is the brand’s signature Aloe Vera & Neem blend, cherished for its calming and purifying qualities. Alongside this, five exclusive formulations have been thoughtfully developed for Taj’s iconic Palace properties, each tailored to echo the unique heritage, ambiance, and sensorial charm of its location.

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.” 

The collaboration aims to drastically reduce the environmental impact of hospitality operations while preserving indulgence and heritage. Notably, the shift from single-use plastic bottles to reusable ceramic dispensers has already led to a 61 per cent drop in plastic usage, saving 3,787 kilograms of plastic every month.

Beyond packaging, the initiative underscores sustainable sourcing, with all Ayurvedic formulations crafted from ethically harvested ingredients. Each botanical is traceable, responsibly grown, and aligned with eco-friendly cultivation practices.

Importantly, the programme also focuses on community empowerment. Forest Essentials has embedded a diversity-first supply chain, employing local women in Uttarakhand to produce handcrafted soaps, oils, and Ubtans. This initiative fosters economic self-reliance and supports long-term livelihoods in rural India.

The environmental gains are equally compelling. The programme reports a 13 per cent reduction in water usage, a 31 per cent drop in electricity consumption, and significant savings on packaging and label waste—all contributing to a lower carbon footprint and more sustainable hotel operations.

Together, Forest Essentials and IHCL are not only elevating the guest experience but also reshaping the future of luxury hospitality—where eco-conscious living and holistic wellness go hand in hand.

“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.

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.”