What materials has Silk Sense used to replace plastic to become Vietnam’s pioneering Green Resort?

As global tourism increasingly shifts toward sustainability, protecting the environment is no longer a temporary trend but a core mission for many hospitality brands. In Vietnam, Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort stands out as a pioneer with its Zero Plastic Waste Resort model, offering guests an eco-friendly yet fully 5-star luxury experience that stays close to nature.

To fulfill this commitment, Silk Sense has taken bold steps to eliminate single-use plastics, actively seeking and applying environmentally friendly alternatives. This article will help you understand: What has Silk Sense replaced plastic with, and why do these choices matter for the environment? It also redefines what quality hospitality in Hoi An can mean in the era of sustainable travel.

Why replace plastic in the tourism and hospitality industry?

For years, global tourism has been facing one of its biggest challenges: plastic waste. At many popular destinations, including Hoi An, tons of single-use plastics from travelers and hospitality services have been leaving a severe impact on the environment, especially the oceans. Faced with this reality, moving toward sustainable operations and reducing plastic waste has become an urgent requirement for the modern hospitality industry.

In Vietnam, Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort is among the very first to pursue a “plastic-free” model. Since 2023, the resort has been officially recognized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam Province as the first in the region to achieve a zero plastic waste operation, reaffirming its commitment to environmental protection and green tourism. Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort has also been honored with prestigious awards and recognitions from both international and domestic organizations, such as the World Luxury Hotel Awards, World Travel Awards, and the highly respected Travelife Gold Certification for Accommodation Sustainability from the international body Travelife for Sustainable Tourism.

What has Silk Sense replaced plastic with?

Concrete changes at Silk Sense in the effort to completely eliminate non-biodegradable plastic waste, replacing it with organic and recyclable materials.

Inside guest rooms

Right from the moment guests step into their rooms at Silk Sense, the difference is clear. Plastic water bottles have been entirely replaced with glass bottles of Kangen alkaline ionized water healthier for guests and better for the environment. Personal care items such as toothbrushes, combs and razors are made from wood or bamboo, and come packaged in recycled paper bags. Even minibar packaging uses biodegradable materials, with absolutely no single-use plastic in sight.

At restaurants and dining services

At dining venues like Areca Restaurant and Nipa Bistro, plastic straws are replaced with paper straws and takeaway boxes are made from wood or kraft paper. Instead of plastic cups, guests are offered paper cups or reusable glass bottles, with free refills available to encourage the use of personal water bottles. Even during takeaway services or special events, Silk Sense avoids plastic wraps, opting instead for reusable lids and eco-friendly alternatives.

At events and cultural activities

Every event at Silk Sense follows strict green principles. Name tags, event cards, and printed materials are produced on kraft or recycled paper. Guest gifts are thoughtfully chosen, local handicrafts and canvas bags instead of plastic. At workshops and eco-activities such as gardening, participants are encouraged to reuse jars and bottles for planting, taking them home as a reminder to continue spreading the spirit of sustainability long after their holiday ends.

The green ecosystem and long-term initiatives of Silk Sense

Replacing plastic is only one part of the broader sustainable development strategy that Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort has been pursuing. To truly become Vietnam’s pioneering “plastic-free resort”, Silk Sense has built a holistic green ecosystem: balancing nature, people, and operations.

Caman Village organic garden reducing supply chain waste & plastic from food sources

Located within the resort grounds, Caman Village is not just a vegetable garden supplying the restaurants, but also a symbol of the farm-to-table model. Vegetables, herbs, and a variety of produce are cultivated naturally, with no chemicals and no plastic packaging in the transport process, significantly minimizing waste from raw ingredients. The garden is also a favorite spot for international guests, especially during traditional cooking classes.

Modern waste treatment technology

Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort sets a clear long-term sustainability roadmap based on the 5R model (Refuse – Reduce – Reuse – Recycle – Rot), with two main focuses: rejecting single-use plastics and treating waste through natural decomposition.

A major milestone was the collaboration with AutoTech Vietnam JSC to implement the Waste2Green (W2G) organic waste treatment system. This technology decomposes organic waste and converts it into natural fertilizer on-site, reducing the amount of landfill waste. In 2024 alone, nearly 24 tons of organic waste were successfully treated through this system.

In addition, Silk Sense integrates other green technologies into daily operations, such as: optimized waste management, energy-saving air conditioning systems, a mineral salt swimming pool instead of chlorine, and on-site organic herb and vegetable gardens. All of these efforts aim to create a resort environment that is not only comfortable but also responsible toward the planet.

Spreading the green message to guests and the local community

Silk Sense is always proactive in spreading the message of sustainability to both guests and the local community.

With the desire for more travelers to experience the “plastic-free hotel” model and gain a deeper understanding of its environmental efforts, Silk Sense provides detailed information through its website, social media channels, and in-room guides. The resort also collaborates with travel agencies and online booking platforms (OTAs) to promote the image of a green destination, helping to drive sustainable tourism trends in Hoi An.

For in-house guests, green-themed experiences at Silk Sense are designed for all ages. Visitors can join activities such as Green Cup tree planting in recycled cups, making candles from natural ingredients, learning how to prepare herbal drinks, or painting and decorating fabric tote bags. Each small activity carries a meaningful message, sparking greater awareness of personal responsibility toward the planet.

Beyond guest engagement, Silk Sense supports the local community by prioritizing clean produce from local farmers, collaborating with small businesses, and showcasing OCOP (One Commune One Product) items at the resort. This connection between tourism and local production not only strengthens sustainable economic growth but also allows travelers to discover authentic cultural values.

On its journey to shaping a benchmark green resort in Vietnam, Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort constantly asks: “Can we live, serve, and grow without sacrificing the environment?” From this question, a sustainable operating philosophy was born not from slogans, but through tangible daily actions.

With its waste-reduction initiatives and inspiring green lifestyle activities, Silk Sense has proven that tourism development does not have to come at the expense of environmental preservation. On the contrary, true hospitality is built on harmony between nature, people, and local culture, creating travel experiences that are not only memorable but also deeply meaningful.

At Silk Sense, we believe that sustainable tourism is not only the future of hospitality, but also the responsibility of the present. We look forward to welcoming nature-loving guests, Hoi An enthusiasts, and global travelers ready to help create a greener, more human-centered world starting from the smallest choices made today.

For more information and advice, please contact us via:
(H) +84 96 126 6363
(E) info@silksenseresort.com
(F) https://www.facebook.com/silksenseresort
(IG) @silksenseresort
(A) 01 Dong Da Street, Hoi An Tay Ward, Da Nang City, Vietnam