Banyan Tree Samui takes sustainability practices to new heights

Edited by Travel Weekly

Banyan Tree Samui, often better known for its pool villas with infinity pools and stunning views has announced new sustainability initiatives.

While guests at the 5-star resort of enjoy exquisite dining and fine wines at its award-winning signature restaurant Saffron, they may yet be unaware of the current of care that flows beneath the surface, ensuring that maximum effort is made to prepare all dishes using ingredients sourced through the most rigorous sustainability guidelines.

The news follows the announcement of a new Angsana (a Banyan subsidiary) hotel in Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam, the first in the region.

Angsana to launch first island resort in Vietnam’s Bai Tu Long Bay

Banyan Tree Samui was recognised as a flagship of sustainability and eco-friendliness in Thailand when it was awarded the highest level of certification by global watchdog EarthCheck, the first hotel in the country to achieve this award.

Now it’s raising the sustainability bar even higher!

Cage-free eggs

In January 2024, just 2.75 per cent of all eggs purchased by Banyan Tree Samui were classified as “cage-free”, indicating that they were sourced from free-range farms, as opposed to caged chickens.

By May this year, that figure had leapt to more than two-thirds of the 17,402 eggs bought. Eggs from hens remain the most popular item in this category while the sourcing of cage-free quail eggs and duck eggs remains “a work in progress”, said Chef Rainer Roersch, the hotel’s director of F&B and cuisine.

Sustainable seafood

Sustainable seafood at Banyan Tree Samui. (Supplied)

Thailand’s fishing industry has undergone a radical rethink since it was issued a “yellow card” by the European Union in 2015, a warning that sanctions could be applied if the country did not sufficiently tackle illegal and unregulated fishing.

To protect biodiversity and support a sustainable supply chain, Banyan Tree Samui has now introduced a policy to purchase only sustainable seafood that is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Sustainability Council. Both standards are monitored by Bureau Veritas, the recognised world leader in testing, inspection and certification services.

While almost all seafood and fish are purchased locally on the tropical island, Banyan Tree Samui imports items such as salmon and snow fish. All 100kg of salmon purchased on a monthly basis meet the requirements of the international agencies overseeing sustainable seafood practices.

Coffee granules & capsules

In collaboration with Nespresso, in October 2023 Banyan Tree Samui began recycling and upcycling the discarded coffee capsules. The aluminium is upcycled into everyday products such as bicycles, chairs, pens and window frames, as well as recycled coffee capsules. As for the coffee grains, they are recycled as compost fertiliser and renewable energy such as biofuel.

Banyan Global Foundation

The Banyan Group has a longstanding commitment to sustainable practices, including numerous projects around the world concerning: waste management; water conservation; biodiversity; and a Climate Change project focused on green energy and waste-to-energy projects.

In 2019, the Banyan Tree Group (now the Banyan Group) implemented a Code of Conduct for suppliers to map a transparent supply chain for all its ingredients, and to promote socio-environmental practice. To date, more than 900 suppliers have registered worldwide.

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