Noel Asmar, founder of premium designer Noel Asmar Uniforms, has a message for health and wellness professionals: “Sustainability is good for business.”

According to the UN Economic Commission for Europe, 85 per cent of textiles - 21 billion tonnes - are sent to landfill each year.

As a provider of luxury uniforms to the world’s top spas and hotels, Asmar recognises her company’s role in the environment, and has recently launched a collection of uniforms made from recycled plastic, which won the iSPA 2019 Innovate Award, as well as spearheaded Hospitality Lifecycle, a global recycling initiative that prevents uniforms and textiles from ending up in landfills.

But Asmar says this is just the start. She cites three reasons why we should all be eager to lead the way.

It’s profitable

When travelers are deciding where to stay, they’re including sustainability initiatives in their consideration set—particularly the younger guests. And it isn’t just customers; your next star employee might be drawn to your company based on your sustainability programs.

It’s a competitive edge

The world’s top companies have all adopted some type of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, recognizing that CSR isn’t just an ethical choice; it’s something their shareholders and customers demand, and it sets them apart from the competition.

Customers expect it

Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario agrees, telling Business Insider: “I think companies are realizing that their customers and employees expect them to take a stand."

"You can't live in the gray area anymore. There's too much at risk right now."