Stayokay first hostel chain in the world to switch entirely to bamboo toilet paper from The Good Roll

07 February 2024

Amsterdam, 7 February 2024 - Stayokay, the largest hostel chain in the Netherlands, is taking another big step in sustainability by becoming the first hostel chain in the world to switch entirely to bamboo toilet paper from The Good Roll. This decision marks a progressive move in the hospitality industry. Stayokay positions itself as a pioneer and an example of sustainable business practices.

Stayokay, with a strong focus on sustainability, is always looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint. The switch to bamboo toilet paper is therefore a logical step in this pursuit of sustainability. Bamboo is a fast-growing renewable resource that has significantly less environmental impact compared to traditional toilet paper made from wood pulp.

Mirjam Kiestra, sustainability coordinator at Stayokay, says:

"In our 21 hostels, sustainability is a priority and we work hard for it every day. From separating waste and cleanups to reducing food waste and installing solar panels. Our goal is to offer our guests the most responsible stay possible. Collaborating with The Good Roll is a logical choice in this regard."

CLEAN AND SAFE TOILETS FOR ALL

There are 2.3 billion people worldwide who do not have access to safe and clean toilets, one-third (!) of the world's population. In addition, 270,000 trees are cut down every day for the production of toilet paper. Horrifying figures that inspired Melle and Sander to develop The Good Roll; an initiative that addresses both problems.

A unique Dutch win-win concept: a 100% tree-friendly toilet roll, made from recycled paper or bamboo, with which the company aims to give as many people as possible access to safe and clean toilets. The rolls bear the EU Ecolabel and are free of chlorine and colouring and fragrance. On top of that, The Good Roll is a brand that builds toilets. That is why 50% of net profits go towards building toilets in several countries in Africa.

Sander de Klerk, co-founder The Good Roll:

"We believe that every child should get a fair chance. By building safe and clean toilets, we lay the foundation for a healthy and happy life. A life that everyone deserves."

ADVANTAGES OF BAMBOO

Paper made from bamboo is not only soft and strong, but also has significant environmental benefits. Namely, bamboo grows 30 times faster, absorbs 35% more CO₂, and emits 35% more oxygen than trees. Moreover, growing bamboo requires no pesticides or fertilisers and requires less water, resulting in a lower carbon footprint. The Good Roll is known for their ethical and sustainable production processes, making Stayokay confident about making this switch.

With this move, Stayokay is taking the lead in reducing the environmental impact of the hospitality industry and hopes to inspire other players in the sector to make similar choices. By completely switching to bamboo toilet paper, Stayokay shows that it is possible to make environmentally friendly choices without compromising on comfort.


For press (not for publication)

For more information and/or images, please contact:

Stayokay
Naomi Aserraf
n.aserraf@stayokay.com
www.stayokay.com

The Good Roll
Melle Schellekens
melle@thegoodroll.nl
www.thegoodroll.com


About Stayokay hostels

Stayokay is the largest hostel chain in the Netherlands with 21 surprising locations, from Terschelling to Maastricht. Stayokay has been offering (inter)national guests the ideal place to stay since 1929; they can sleep in private or shared rooms. But Stayokay is also the right place for meetings, parties and business events. Stayokay provides almost 900,000 overnight stays annually and aims to be a pioneer in sustainable and social initiatives. Stayokay is a member of Hostelling International: a network of more than 2,600 hostels worldwide.

About The Good Roll

The Good Roll was born out of a shared frustration. There are 2.3 billion people worldwide who do not have access to safe and clean toilets, which is about 32% (!) of the world's population. In addition, 27,000 trees are cut down every day to produce toilet paper. The Good Roll addresses both problems by producing toilet paper made from 100% recycled or bamboo paper. The brand donates 50% of its net profits to The Good Roll Foundation, which sets up various social projects in developing countries. These projects include initiatives such as building toilets in developing countries, improving hygiene education and providing access to clean water. The brand encourages customers to participate in its mission to bring positive change.