Learn how this luxury Melbourne hotel proved sustainability can be achieved without sacrificing the guest experience.
Back in 2019, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins led the way by removing single-use plastic bottled water from all guest rooms, encouraging guests to embrace Melbourne’s award-winning tap water.
But while the intention was clear, the guest response was mixed. For many, complimentary bottled water felt like a minimum standard of luxury. Listening carefully to this feedback, the hotel set out to find a solution that could meet guest expectations – without compromising its environmental strategy.
Initially, small glass bottles of local mineral water were offered upon request. Yet this still relied on single-use packaging, falling short of the hotel’s vision for a fully sustainable experience.
In 2024, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins partnered with MODA Water to install an on-site bottling system. This new circular model replaced thousands of single-use glass bottles annually, complementing the hotel’s broader sustainability initiatives across its outlets and conference and events operations.
Today, guests enjoy premium still and sparkling water in reusable glass bottles – replenished daily and refilled by housekeeping on a biweekly schedule. Each bottle is sealed with a single-use pull cap, preserving freshness while maintaining the luxurious in-room experience guests expect.
“Every detail, when done with purpose, adds to the impact” says Michael Robertson, Quality, Coaching and Compliance Manager at Sofitel. “With the help of MODA, we’ve created a closed-loop solution that reinforces our sustainability ethos, and not at the expense of the guest experience.”
This initiative is part of the hotel’s broader Green Globe–certified environmental program and reflects a growing operational shift in hospitality: sustainable solutions must also deliver on cost, quality, and guest satisfaction.
“This isn’t just a feel-good initiative,” says Robertson. “It had to align with our environmental goals, complement the room’s aesthetic, and remain operationally viable. MODA worked with us to deliver on every front.”
MODA Water supports hotels and hospitality venues across Australia with bespoke water solutions – from in-room bottling systems and refill stations on guest floors, to F&B tap units and reporting tools. Their systems allow venues to elevate the guest experience, reduce waste, and monetise premium water – without the environmental burden of imported disposable bottles.
“More hotels are searching for scalable ways to meet sustainability goals,” says Kye Greenacre, General Manager at MODA Water. “When you rethink water across your entire property, you unlock meaningful opportunities to reduce waste, improve margins, and elevate your brand.” For Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, the results are already tangible: a reduced environmental footprint, operational consistency, and a guest experience that truly reflects the hotel’s values of eleelegance, innovation, and care for the planet.
Visit modawater.com or call 1800 003 834 to speak with the team.