Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour has diverted almost 3,000kg of waste soap from landfill since 2018, through its Soap Aid Hotel to Hands program.
Soap Aid is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to saving children’s lives through improved hygiene.
The waste soap from Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour alone has been re-processed and recycled into 29,140 brand new bars of soap, providing 2,428 children with a 12-month supply of soap.
The new soap bars are distributed free of charge, alongside hygiene education materials to vulnerable communities in Australia and around the world.
The program estimates that 1,068 lives have been saved as a result of improved hygiene, noting a 44% reduction in fatalities from preventable, hygiene-related diarrheal and respiratory diseases.
 “We have been proud partners with Soap Aid for the past six years, with only a brief interruption during the pandemic,” said Sofitel’s Executive Housekeeper, Karolina Sadalska, who leads this sustainability initiative within the hotel.
“Over the years, our team has remained deeply committed to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.”
The program also helps reduce environmental impact, in this case, preventing 4.24 tonne of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere.
“As part of the Accor group we believe it is our role to help shape a more sustainable future”, said Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Acting General Manager, Robert Gauer.
“As one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks and a leader in the luxury tourism sector, we believe it is essential that we take a lead in this area.
“Soap Aid is just one element of our program to deliver a better future.”