The hotel industry, a cornerstone of global tourism, is undergoing a significant transformation driven by growing awareness of its environmental and social responsibilities. The sector’s footprint is considerable, with high levels of water and energy consumption, waste generation, and chemical pollution. Textiles—including bedding, towels, upholstery, and staff uniforms—form a major part of a hotel’s operational and environmental costs.

The traditional linear model of ‘take-make-dispose’ is being challenged by rising demand for sustainability, compelling hotels to rethink their textile choices. This shift is fuelled by multiple factors: increasing guest expectations for eco-friendly accommodations, stricter environmental regulations, and the potential for long-term cost savings. Procurement decisions are now strongly influenced by textile lifecycles.

A 2023 report by the World Tourism Organization revealed that 73 per cent of global tourists prefer to stay in hotels with established sustainable practices, highlighting the commercial imperative of this transition.

This article explores the latest trends in sustainable textiles within the hotel industry, examining the shift away from conventional fabrics towards innovative, eco-conscious alternatives. It looks at the rise of novel materials, the adoption of circular economy principles, the growing emphasis on transparent supply chains, and the integration of smart, sustainable textile technologies.

Textile Items used in Hotels
Textiles are fundamental to the hotel experience, creating comfort, functionality, and ambiance at every touchpoint. From cosy linens to durable cleaning cloths and elegant draperies, hotels rely on a diverse fabric portfolio to meet guest comforts, operational essentials, and decorative or protective elements.

1. Guest Room & Bedding Textiles

  • Fitted sheets, flat sheets, and pillowcases
  • Duvet covers, blankets, bedspreads, and mattress protectors
  • Decorative touches such as bed runners, throws, and accent cushions

2. Bathroom & Spa Textiles

  • Bath towels, hand towels, face towels (washcloths)
  • Bathrobes, bathmats, bath rugs, and shower curtains
  • Slippers, shower caps, laundry bags

3. Pool, Beach & Spa Treatment Linens

  • Pool/beach towels, sauna kilts
  • Spa linens such as plush spa towels, treatment room sheets, and high-quality spa robes

4. Dining & Banquet Linens

  • Tablecloths, napkins, placemats, and table runners

5. Window & Soft Furnishings

  • Curtains, drapes, and blinds
  • Upholstery fabrics on furniture, including chairs, sofas, and headboards

6. Kitchen & Service Textiles

  • Kitchen towels, dishcloths, and oven mitts
  • Aprons—protective wear for kitchen staff

7. Housekeeping & Maintenance Textiles

  • Cleaning cloths, dusters, utility towels

8. Protective & Disposable Linens

  • Disposable nonwoven pillowcases, bed covers, blankets
  • Protective covers for mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture

9. Decorative & Specialty Textiles

  • Decorative throws, accent pillows, and soft furnishings
  • Technical textiles, such as antimicrobial and stain guard upholstery

Criteria for Sustainable Hotel Textiles
Textiles in hospitality must satisfy multiple demands—they should be durable, washable, comfortable, compliant with safety standards, and visually appealing. This may be approached in three core dimensions:

  • Material Origin: Use fibres from certified organic or recycled sources, as well as innovative alternatives like pineapple or mushroom-based materials.
  • Responsible Processing: Prioritise resource-efficient methods such as low-water dyeing, the use of natural or plant-based dyes, and reduced water and chemical usage.
  • Circularity: Ensure end-of-life recyclability or biodegradability to support a closed-loop textile economy.

Material Innovations

  • Cotton and Blends: Cotton’s softness, breathability, and durability make it the preferred material for hotel bedding. In contrast to pure cotton, a cotton–polyester blend is becoming more popular because it offers easier maintenance and strikes a balance between comfort and strength.
  • Organic & Natural Fibres: There is a growing demand for eco-friendly bedding materials like Tencel, bamboo, and organic cotton. Organic fibres that are grown without the use of pesticides improve the quality of materials while also lessening their negative effects on the environment.
  • Recycled & Regenerated Fibres: Hotel linens and curtains are starting to feature more environmentally friendly options, such as linens made from recycled PET bottles or Lyocell (made from wood pulp). Recycled polyester blends made from plastic bottles are becoming popular in upscale properties. These products are further guaranteed to meet strict environmental and safety standards by certifications such as OEKO-TEX and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).
  • Alternative Leather Materials: Innovative substitutes for traditional leather such as Pinatex (derived from pineapple leaf fibres), apple-based leather, and mushroom leather are being introduced for upholstery and decorative purposes.

The table below lists sustainable materials across each major hotel textile category, highlighting innovative alternatives for everything from bedding to décor.

Smart and Functional Hotel Textiles
The latest trend in sustainable textiles in the hotel industry combines smart technologies with eco-friendly design to enhance both functionality and sustainability.

In a post-pandemic world, hygiene has become paramount. Sustainable textiles with natural antimicrobial properties—often derived from bamboo or treated with safe finishes—are increasingly popular. Fabrics that regulate temperature and resist bacteria are central to the modern guest experience. Treatments using silver ions or plant-based additives not only improve hygiene standards but also reduce the need for frequent washing, creating better sleep environments and lowering resource consumption.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is also entering hotel textiles. Smart fabrics equipped with sensors can track room occupancy to optimise heating and lighting. IoT-enabled bedding is transforming guest comfort, with advanced sleep systems such as AI-powered mattresses and sleep pods monitoring movements, temperature, and sleep patterns. These systems adjust firmness, room climate, humidity, and lighting in real time to enhance rest quality and personalise the sleep experience.

Smart linens fitted with sensors or RFID tags are revolutionising inventory management. They allow real-time tracking of usage, washing cycles, and location, helping hotels cut waste and optimise energy use. For instance, RFID-enabled linens provide valuable insights to efficiently rotate or retire items, improving both operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Hotels Embracing Sustainable Textiles
Luxury chains in the US, such as Hilton, use GOTS-certified organic cotton sheets free from harmful chemicals. This practice reduces water and pesticide use in cotton cultivation. At Hilton Jaipur, plastic waste from dispensers and bottles is transformed into durable items like furniture and sheets.

Eco-resorts in Thailand use bamboo-based towels and bathrobes, while Renova SPA—present in over 30 Riu properties—provides smooth, eco-friendly bamboo fibre towels. It is because bamboo is a renewable resource that grows quickly without fertilisers, producing naturally soft, antibacterial, and moisture-absorbent fabrics.

The Hemp Hotel in Amsterdam incorporates hemp fabric for sofa covers and drapes. Hemp grows rapidly, requires little water, and produces durable textiles that reduce waste and the need for frequent replacements. Hotels in Berlin use curtains and decorative fabrics made from recycled PET bottles, cutting plastic waste while maintaining durability and style.

French hotels and restaurants often choose linen tablecloths and napkins made from locally grown flax. Linen is biodegradable, requires fewer resources than cotton, and adds a classic, elegant touch. In New Zealand, hotels use natural wool carpets that are durable, flame-resistant, and biodegradable.

Some US hotels repurpose old denim into wall insulation and decorative items like cushions. Luxury hotels in India feature Ahimsa silk (peace silk) for drapes and furnishings, where silk is harvested without harming silkworms, promoting sustainability and cruelty-free practices.

Japanese hotels are adopting curtains and blinds made from conductive fabrics that regulate indoor temperature, reducing air-conditioning needs and combining smart technology with sustainability.

Novotel offers its Live N Dream hybrid mattresses along with dual-sided ‘Smart Pillows’, which can be folded for personalised comfort and adjustable firmness. Luxury hotels such as Park Terrace, Park Hyatt New York, and Carillon Miami Wellness Resort feature the Bryte Balance smart mattress, equipped with adjustable firmness, in-bed massage, and app-based sleep coaching. Peninsula Hotels install AI-powered mattresses that adapt firmness, temperature, and elevation to individual sleep patterns, while IHG luxury properties integrate lighting and environmental adjustments to reduce jet lag and enhance rest.