March 31, 2009 // Franchising.com // Parsippany, N.J. — Unique "green" programs introduced by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, including ecologically–friendly uniforms made with recycled plastics, have been recognized by Lodging Hospitality magazine with a Chain Leadership Award, which honors the best in innovation, creativity and business–building in the U.S. hotel industry.
The award, announced in the magazine's current issue, singled out Wyndham Hotels and Resorts as the leader in the category of Environmental Action. Lodging Hospitality editors annually solicit reader nominations, then select the "best of the best programs and strategies employed in the previous year."
Wyndham President Jeff Wagoner thanked Lodging Hospitality for the award saying, "We are honored to be recognized for programs that demonstrate leadership in the hospitality industry, add value to our properties and underscore operational excellence."
Fabric for the eco–friendly Wyndham hotel staff uniforms is manufactured using polyester fibers spun from post–consumer products, including recycled plastic beverage bottles, which are woven into very soft fabrics. By using recycled materials, the hotel chain helps to keep plastics out of landfills. Moreover, the uniforms, which do not require professional laundering, minimize the use of chemicals during cleaning and provide a cost savings to hotel operators.
"These trendy garments can be modified and mixed and matched for a more personal, fashionable suit that is cost–effective and extremely comfortable," said Faith Taylor, Wyndham Worldwide vice president of sustainability and innovation. "Sustainability has morphed from a 'nice have to a must have,' and we are committed to finding opportunities that drive innovation and deliver value to our guests and franchisees."
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts is the first national upscale lodging chain to implement the eco–friendly uniform initiative. Cincinnati–based Cintas Corporation was contracted to design and manufacture the uniforms and continue to introduce new eco–friendly fabrics for the Wyndham apparel program.
In addition to its ecologically–friendly uniforms, the Wyndham chain's green initiatives include installation of energy–efficient compact fluorescent lighting; low–flow water practices; an Earth Smart guest linen reuse program; and numerous recycling efforts.
In another major innovation, the chain launched the Wyndham ClearAirsm initiative last year, becoming the first national upscale lodging chain to feature allergy–friendly rooms. Following a system designed by New York–based PURE Solutions NA, Wyndham ClearAir rooms are designed to improve air quality following a multistep cleaning process to remove up to 98 percent of allergens.
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offers upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. All hotels are either franchised or managed by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts or an affiliate.
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