Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is making a bold move towards environmental sustainability by committing to implement Winnow’s food waste technology across all its hotels by the end of 2025.
This initiative underscores the Group’s dedication to setting new standards for sustainability in the luxury hospitality sector.
The effectiveness of Winnow’s AI technology has already been demonstrated in four pilot hotels: Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong; Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London; Mandarin Oriental, Miami; and Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah, Dubai. These locations have achieved a remarkable 36% reduction in food waste, showcasing the Group’s commitment to operational excellence and environmental responsibility.
This initiative is a crucial part of Mandarin Oriental’s broader sustainability strategy. Recognising that food waste contributes up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and that kitchens typically waste between 5-15% of purchased food, the Group aims to reduce its waste intensity by 50% by 2030. This goal aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which seeks to halve global per capita food waste by 2030.
Winnow’s data-driven approach will enable hotel teams to make informed decisions that benefit both the environment and their finances, with typical savings on food costs ranging from 2-8%. The initiative will build on existing efforts such as colleague educational campaigns, revamping buffet operations, donating excess edible food, and innovative composting programmes to improve soil condition and water absorption efficiency.
Mandarin Oriental’s restaurants, which hold 26 Michelin Stars globally, including a Michelin Green-star for Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, will also play a significant role in this initiative. The creative expertise of their chefs will be harnessed to raise awareness about the importance of reducing food waste. Insights from Winnow’s data will help chefs develop zero-waste menus and recipes.
Torsten van Dullemen, Group Director of Sustainability and Area Vice President Operations, stated, “Our commitment to sustainability goes hand in hand with our promise to deliver exceptional guest experiences. The integration of Winnow’s technology across our global portfolio is a bold step towards reducing our ecological impact and reinforcing our position as an industry leader.”
Marc Zornes, CEO & Co-founder of Winnow, added, “Mandarin Oriental is at the forefront of sustainability in luxury hospitality. Our collaboration is already demonstrating the powerful impact of technology and data in reducing food waste. We’re honoured to support Mandarin Oriental in their ambitious goals, and together, we’re not only setting new industry standards but also making a tangible difference for our planet.”
The successful pilot programmes in Miami, Dubai, London, and Hong Kong resulted in annual net savings of USD 207,000, a reduction of 66 tonnes of food waste, and a decrease of 289 tonnes in CO2e emissions. Building on this success, Mandarin Oriental plans to roll out Winnow’s technology to all 40 of its hotels by the end of 2025.