The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, the owner and operator of The Peninsula Hotels, announced a ban on plastic straws by Nov. 1, replacing them with paper straws that meet sustainable paper considerations. These straws will only be served upon request.

The company is moving away from single-use plastic usage, planning to ban water bottles, packaging and bathroom amenities by 2020 through reduction, replacement with sustainable alternatives and increased recycling.

“The issue of single use plastics is incredibly concerning and one that clearly requires global commitment and collaborative action,” said Janice Lao, director of corporate responsibility and sustainability, HSH. “We have been exploring different options for the past year and through the enormous efforts of our operations teams around the world, we are pleased to be able to implement this global approach. We hope that other organisations will be inspired by our actions and we look forward to sharing out learnings and experience as we work to make this commitment a reality.”