On the United Nations’ World Environment Day, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced a significant stride in environmental stewardship with the goal of having Winnow’s food waste technology installed across all its hotels by the end of 2025. This initiative is a testament to Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to setting a new standard for sustainability in the luxury hospitality sector.
In a resounding endorsement of the effectiveness of Winnow’s AI technology, Mandarin Oriental has already observed a remarkable 36 percent reduction in food waste in four pilot hotels: Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong; Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London; Mandarin Oriental, Miami; and Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah, Dubai. These impressive results underscore the Group's dedication to operational excellence and environmental responsibility.
Implementing Winnow’s cutting-edge technology across all hotels has been core to the Group’s broader sustainability strategy. In the knowledge that food waste has accounted for up to 10 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions and that between five to 15 percent of the food purchased by kitchens is typically wasted, which has contributed to the Group’s goal to reduce waste intensity by 50 percent by 2030. This commitment is aligned with the United Nations SDG 12.3, which aims to halve global per capita food waste by 2030.
Winnow’s data will enable hotel teams to make informed decisions that positively impact both the environment and their bottom line, with kitchens typically saving between two to eight percent on food costs. Initiatives to manage food waste will expand upon existing ones, including colleague educational campaigns, overhauling buffet operations, donating excess edible food, and innovative composting programmes to improve soil conditions and support efficient absorption of rainwater.
With Mandarin Oriental restaurants holding 26 Michelin Stars around the world, including Michelin’s Green-star recognition at Amber, the signature French fine-dining restaurant at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, the Group has also looked forward to leveraging the creative platform of its chefs to raise awareness on the importance of tackling food waste. Looking ahead, chefs will be able to use insights from Winnow’s data to inform zero-waste menus and recipes.
Torsten van Dullemen, Group Director of Sustainability and Area Vice President of Operations, said this commitment to sustainability has gone hand in hand with Mandarin Oriental’s promise to deliver exceptional guest experiences. The integration of Winnow’s technology across the brand’s global portfolio has been a bold step towards reducing ecological impact and reinforcing its position as an industry leader.
“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,” said Marc Zornes, CEO & Co-founder of Winnow.
Successful pilot programmes at Mandarin Oriental hotels in Miami, Dubai, London, and Hong Kong resulted in annualised net savings of USD 207,000, 66 tonnes of food waste, and 289 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The Group will build on this success by rolling out Winnow’s technology to all 40 hotels by the end of 2025.
