Join Ben Bryden, Global Specifications Director at RAK Ceramics, as he discusses why ceramics could be the sustainability game-changer your hotel needs….
From boutique retreats to international hotel chains, operators and investors are under continuing pressure to demonstrate their commitment to reducing environmental impact; guests too are increasingly making choices based on ethical and ecological considerations.
For hotel specifiers, this means carefully balancing luxury, durability, and cost with environmental responsibility. The goal is to deliver outstanding experiences for guests today, while protecting resources for tomorrow.
The evolving sustainability imperative
Hotels are high-intensity environments. They consume significant water and energy, generate waste, and rely on vast quantities of materials for construction and refurbishment. According to the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the global hotel industry must cut its carbon emissions by 66% by 2030 to align with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Image credit: RAK Ceramics
This requires decisive action not just in operations, but at the very heart of building design and specification. Selecting products that embody circular economy principles, minimising waste, conserving natural resources, and lowering embodied carbon is one of the most powerful tools specifiers have.
Sustainability is also now a key element of brand storytelling. Guests increasingly expect to see authentic evidence of green credentials, from the choice of materials to visible certifications. In this context, every surface, fixture, and fitting can contribute to a hotel’s sustainability narrative.
RAK Ceramics: surfaces for the future
With a strong reputation for combining design excellence with technical innovation, RAK Ceramics are setting new benchmarks in sustainable manufacturing.
The recently launched Re-Use tile collection is a striking example. It is the world’s first porcelain tile range made entirely from 100% pre-consumer recycled materials. By repurposing waste from tile production processes, RAK Ceramics has created a product that embodies circularity without compromising on style or performance.
How Re-Use tiles make an impact
Re-Use tiles are produced by transforming surplus materials from existing manufacturing processes into new, high-quality tiles. This approach drastically reduces the need for virgin raw resources, protecting natural habitats and cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.
Image credit: RAK Ceramics
Water used during production is also treated and recycled, further optimising resource use. This end-to-end commitment means specifiers can be confident that the tiles they choose actively support more sustainable building outcomes.
What’s more, the Re-Use tiles carry SCS certification, independently verifying that they are manufactured using 100% pre-consumer recycled content; a tangible credential that can be showcased to guests and stakeholders alike.
Versatility and performance
Sustainability need not come at the expense of aesthetics or durability. Available in versatile formats (58×58 cm and 58×116 cm) and four sophisticated finishes — including elegant tones of Grey, Light Grey, and Beige — the Re-Use range suits a variety of hotel environments.
These tiles are not only hardwearing and low maintenance, but their stylish matt soft rustic surfaces allow specifiers to achieve seamless, contemporary looks that delight guests.
Committed to a greener future
For hotel operators, designers, and specifiers, working with suppliers like RAK Ceramics ensures that sustainability ambitions are fully supported by product choices that meet the highest design standards. As guest expectations continue to rise and regulatory requirements tighten, investments in circular, resource-efficient products like Re-Use tiles will help hotels stay ahead — protecting brand reputation and the planet.
RAK Ceramics is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: RAK Ceramics
