How Sands is Ramping up its Sustainable Sourcing Efforts

Sands is the world's preeminent developer and operator of world-class integrated resorts.

Its portfolio of properties includes Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, as well as The Venetian Macao, The Plaza and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, The Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao and Sands Macao – all in Macao SAR, China, through majority ownership of Sands China.

In keeping with one of four core priorities falling under the planet pillar in its corporate responsibility programme, Sands is working to incorporate environmentally-friendly materials and resources into business operations.

Global collaboration driving eco-friendly solutions

Through stewardship of the Sands ECO360 global sustainability programme in collaboration with departments company-wide, Sands is committed to avoiding and eliminating materials and resources that may negatively impact the environment and is working to increase overall use of sustainable goods and services.

Katarina Tesarova, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Sands, says: "Our desire to use sustainable materials and resources touches every part of the business, from procurement to food and beverage services, resort operations, engineering, development and more.

"The challenge in the hospitality industry is balancing selection of goods and services that are better for the environment with guest expectations for a high-end travel experience. That's why system-wide collaboration among our teams is key."

From sustainable seafood to chopstick upcycling

A regular evaluation from Sands examines the sourcing it undertakes in key areas such as food and beverage services, hotel operations and business and marketing materials to introduce or increase sustainable products and services, with emphasis on addressing sustainability at restaurants and catering operations.

Providing outstanding food and drink options is a vital aspect of creating that industry-leading experience, but should not come at the expense of sustainability. 

Efforts have included promoting sustainable sourcing to chefs and eliminating or reducing certain types of seafood from company-owned restaurants and food service operations. The company also targets the sourcing of seafood products that are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

There is also a global target dictating 100% of its eggs are sourced from cage-free chickens by 2028. As well as committing to sourcing environmentally-responsible products and services, Sands also strives to upcycle materials to avoid sending items to landfills.

For example, Marina Bay Sands partnered with ChopValue, a company that turns chopsticks into stylish products, to repurpose one million of these used utensils into cube-shaped menu displays for Sands Expo and Convention Centre events and banquets. Some of the chopsticks were sourced from the resort's Wakuda restaurant.

Ambitious targets for plastic reduction and beyond

Sands also has initiatives relating to plastic and packaging, with a particular focus on single-use items. Notably, it is looking to move 100% of its branded water bottles to reusable solutions or products made from sustainable materials by the end of 2025.

Marina Bay Sands achieved 100% sustainable solutions for branded water bottles as of 2023, while Sands China continues to address applications that have been challenging for the incorporation of sustainable solutions. One area is on casino floors, which use smaller bottles with limited supply options for sustainable products. The company has undertaken various trials such as use of water dispensers to overcome this challenge.

Another effort is around replacing the plastic and packaging at Sands China, which includes replacing single-use bathroom amenity bottles with bulk products at The Venetian Macao, Sands Macao, The Parisian Macao and The Londoner Macao.

In addition, Sands China has targeted reducing plastics and single-use disposables in its laundry operations. The team at Marina Bay Sands is addressing laundry-related plastics by eliminating single-use plastic covers for team member uniforms. Another focus is on eliminating plastic cling wrap in its kitchens, which uses an average of 19,000 rolls annually.

Efforts have included identifying plastic wrap applications to establish new processes and solutions, engaging with food and beverage leaders to address changes, initiating a phased approach to plastic wrap elimination across the resort and setting up monthly scorecards to track plastic wrap purchases and use.

Sands' commitment to using sustainable materials and resources is one of four core environmental stewardship priorities, which also include transitioning to low-carbon operations, reducing waste and responsibly managing water.

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