Why Hotels Are Switching to Cornstarch, Wheat Straw & PCR in Amenities — And Why It Matters

The future of hospitality isn’t just about five-star service — it’s about five-star sustainability. As more hotels embrace the shift toward eco-luxury, materials like cornstarch, wheat straw, and PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastics are fast becoming the new standard in amenities.
But why the switch? And does it really matter to guests?

Understanding the Rise of Eco-Friendly Hotel Amenities

The move toward sustainable materials isn’t just a trend — it’s a response to a growing awareness among guests. Today’s travelers care deeply about their impact on the planet. When they walk into a hotel and see biodegradable combs or toothbrushes made from wheat straw, it sends a clear message: “We care, too.”

Partner with ethical suppliers like Kimirica to begin your sustainability shift today.

Cornstarch: Nature’s Packaging Solution

Cornstarch-based products offer a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastic. Unlike petroleum-derived packaging, cornstarch decomposes quickly and naturally, without leaching harmful toxins into the environment. For hotels, switching to cornstarch toothbrushes or combs is a low-cost, high-impact upgrade that makes a big statement.

Wheat Straw: Strong, Stylish, and Sustainable Eco-friendly Amenities

Wheat straw is not only biodegradable but also durable and lightweight. It’s crafted from agricultural waste — the stalks left behind after wheat harvest. When used for combs, razors, or soap trays, wheat straw offers an elegant, earthy aesthetic that guests immediately notice.

PCR: Giving Plastic a Second Life

PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic takes items like old shampoo bottles and repurposes them into new packaging. By using PCR in amenity containers, hotels reduce their carbon footprint, lower their demand for virgin plastic, and align with global recycling initiatives.

The Guest Perspective: What Do Travelers Think?

Travelers today are more informed and value-driven than ever. A recent survey by Booking.com showed that 76% of global travelers want sustainable travel options. Small details — like discovering a wheat straw comb or a PCR dispenser — don’t go unnoticed. These thoughtful choices shape guest perception, often leading to positive reviews and return bookings.

Kimirica’s Commitment to Sustainable Hospitality

Kimirica, a pioneer in hotel amenities, has led the charge in introducing eco-conscious materials across its product line. Whether it’s PCR packaging for bath gels or biodegradable accessories made from cornstarch, Kimirica ensures luxury meets responsibility. Their commitment goes beyond design. Every product is vegan, cruelty-free, and crafted with biodegradable material that reduces environmental burden, without compromising on aesthetic or function.

The Economic Case for Going Green

It’s not just the planet that benefits. Hotels see real returns:

  1. Reduced packaging costs in the long term
  2. Stronger brand reputation
  3. Higher guest satisfaction
  4. Alignment with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards

Benefits of Switching to Eco-Materials in Hotel Amenities

  1. Lower Waste Generation: Compostable and recyclable materials minimize landfill burden.
  2. Guest Loyalty: Sustainability initiatives resonate with millennial and Gen Z travelers.
  3. Global Recognition: Many hotel chains with eco-initiatives receive media coverage and awards.

How Hotels Can Begin the Shift

  1. Audit existing inventory for plastic-heavy items
  2. Partner with ethical suppliers like Kimirica
  3. Educate staff and guests through in-room collateral
  4. Monitor guest feedback and adjust offerings

A Sustainable Touch with a Luxurious Feel

What makes Kimirica stand out is its ability to combine sustainability with indulgence. We are not just offering eco products — We are offering an experience. A biodegradable toothbrush that feels premium. A wheat straw soap tray that complements the décor.

FAQs
1. What are cornstarch and wheat straw made from?
Cornstarch is derived from corn kernels; wheat straw is from leftover stalks after harvesting wheat. Both are biodegradable and safe for the environment.
2. How is PCR plastic different from regular plastic?
PCR plastic is made from recycled consumer plastics, reducing the need for new plastic production and lowering carbon emissions.
3. Do sustainable materials cost more?
Initially, they might carry a slightly higher cost, but long-term benefits like brand value and waste reduction outweigh the investment.
4. Are these materials safe for hotel guests?
Absolutely. In fact, they’re often safer, being free from toxins commonly found in low-grade plastics.
5. Why choose Kimirica for sustainable amenities?
Kimirica combines elegant design, ethical production, and eco-conscious materials, offering a complete sustainable luxury solution.

What do you think about the future of hotel amenities? Would you choose a hotel based on its sustainability practices? Share your thoughts or tag a hotelier who should read this.

How Hotel Amenities Influence Online Reviews and Guest Retention

Why Hotel Amenities Deserve More Credit

When guests check into a hotel, they notice more than the thread count or the skyline view. One of the most underrated yet powerful drivers of guest satisfaction? The amenities. Get eco-friendly hotel toiletries, these little luxuries create moments of comfort, indulgence, and — importantly — lasting memories. They don’t just clean. They connect. And in today’s digital-first world, these moments often spill over into online reviews — where your next booking is likely being decided.

The Direct Link Between Amenities and Online Reviews

Let’s get straight to it: guest reviews and hotel toiletries are more connected than most hoteliers realize.
In the age of TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Booking.com feedback, every detail matters. A single line like the lavender-scented body wash was divine can do more to attract guests than a thousand words on your brochure. On the flip side, generic, low-quality, or chemically harsh products often lead to underwhelming feedback — or worse, negative reviews.
Hotel amenity satisfaction is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Guests call out the little things: how the shampoo smelled, how soft the towels felt, or how the skincare packaging matched the room’s aesthetic. These are the emotional hooks that drive loyalty and word-of-mouth.

Guest Loyalty Is Built in the Bathroom

Strange as it sounds, many guests remember how they felt using your shower gel more than they remember the check-in process.
Why? Because bathroom rituals are personal. They ground us. Whether it’s a lavender lotion after a red-eye flight or a citrus shampoo that revives a tired business traveler, amenities offer daily moments of indulgence. And those moments create an emotional connection. That’s the foundation of loyalty.
Forget loyalty cards and email newsletters — your best retention tool might just be sitting in a ceramic tray beside the sink.

The Psychology Behind Amenity Satisfaction

There’s a science to this. Humans are sensory creatures.

  1. Texture and scent evoke memory.
  2. Aesthetics cues quality and trust.
  3. Ingredient transparency signals integrity and safety.

When your amenities align with a guest’s values — whether it’s cruelty-free formulas or glass dispensers — their satisfaction doesn’t just increase. It skyrockets. In fact, a 2023 survey found that over 60% of global travelers said high-quality amenities positively influenced their perception of a hotel brand.
That’s powerful.

Kimirica and the Amenity Experience

Trusted by top hospitality names in over 40 countries, Kimirica delivers vegan, paraben-free, and consciously formulated collections that elevate the guest experience — and match luxury with sustainability. Imagine stepping into a bathroom and discovering the Herbalist collection with calming green tea and rosemary extracts, or using a French Note lavender bath gel in a dispenser. These aren’t just products — they’re touchpoints of trust.

Hotels partnering with Kimirica often report:

  1. More 5-star reviews highlighting toiletries
  2. Higher guest retention and rebooking rates
  3. Improved amenity satisfaction scores in feedback surveys

Because with Kimirica, luxury isn’t loud — it’s thoughtful.

What Makes Guests Mention Amenities in Reviews?

Ever wonder why some products get mentioned, and others don’t? Here’s what guests notice:

Uniqueness: Locally inspired blends, artisan packaging, cultural stories
Scent: Fragrance has memory — a signature scent can become your hotel’s recall
Functionality: Gentle formulas, pH-balanced, kid-safe, travel-sized
Brand Familiarity: Recognizing a trusted wellness or skincare brand builds instant comfort.

Boost reviews & loyalty — Upgrade your hotel amenities now!

The Sustainability Factor: More Than a Trend

Today’s travelers — especially Millennials and Gen Z — care about the planet. And they want to see that you do too.

  1. Biodegradable packaging
  2. Natural, plant-based ingredients
  3. Plastic-free dry amenities with compostable wraps

When guests discover these eco-luxuries in-room, they’re more likely to mention them in reviews, because it resonates with their values. And when your sustainability efforts align with guest expectations, you don’t just earn praise. You boost guest loyalty.

Operational Benefits of Premium Amenities

Yes, great amenities delight guests, but they also deliver real business value:

Brand Differentiation: Stand out from generic chains
Upselling Potential: Curated amenity kits can be monetized or gifted
Cross-Marketing: Partner with Kimirica or similar brands for co-branded storytelling
Social Visibility: Amenities that look good get posted online

In other words, investing in premium toiletries pays off in both experience and revenue.

Tips for Improving Hotel Amenity Satisfaction

If you’re looking to level up your guest reviews and retention, start with your amenities. Here’s how:

Conduct short surveys: Find out which scents and formats guests prefer
Rotate seasonally: Offer limited-edition kits aligned with weather or festivals
Offer take-home options: Allow guests to purchase their favorite amenities
Personalize premium suites: Add extras like pillow sprays, bath salts, or spa-grade oils

A Final Word

The next time a hotelier wonders how to get more 5-star reviews or reduce guest churn, the answer might not lie in room upgrades or breakfast buffets. It could be right there — in the body wash. Guest reviews, hotel toiletries, and hotel amenity satisfaction are deeply intertwined. And when done right, these little luxuries become your strongest marketing tool.

FAQs

  1. Do hotel amenities really affect reviews?
    Absolutely. Many reviews directly mention the quality, scent, and feel of in-room amenities.
  2. How can I choose the right amenity supplier for my hotel?
    Look for trusted partners like Kimirica, who offer customization, sustainability, and global-quality formulations.
  3. What’s trending in hotel amenities in 2025?
    Natural scents, sleek dispensers, and eco-luxury collections with minimal packaging.
  4. How can I boost guest loyalty without major expenses?
    Invest in memorable details — like high-end toiletries. These often cost little more but make a massive emotional impact.
  5. Are sustainable amenities worth the shift?
    Yes. Guests notice. And they mention it. It’s a win for the planet — and your online reputation.

Your Turn: Let’s Reflect

Have you ever returned to a hotel just for the scent of their shampoo or the comfort of their slippers?
What’s one hotel amenity that stuck with you? Let’s talk in the comments — or share this with someone in hospitality who needs a reminder:
Small touches create big memories.