HX (formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions), a leader in expedition cruising, has announced a strategic partnership with Ocean Bottle to intensify its efforts against plastic pollution. This collaboration underscores the cruise line’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, following its pioneering decision to ban single-use plastics back in 2018.
As a significant step in this new partnership, HX will provide every guest with a complimentary reusable water bottle at the beginning of each voyage, integrating this initiative into its new all-inclusive offerings. These high-quality reusable bottles are designed not only to reduce waste but also to support broader environmental conservation efforts.
Stefan Engl, vice president of hotel operations at HX, emphasized the critical need for action, stating, “Together, we recognize the urgent need to protect our oceans and combat the pervasive issue of plastic pollution in marine environments. We’re not only mitigating waste but also contributing to the preservation and cleaning up of our oceans, amplifying our impact.”
Each reusable bottle distributed by HX goes beyond just replacing single-use plastic bottles; it also contributes to the collection of equivalent to 1,000 plastic bottles in weight. This effort is part of a larger movement spearheaded by Ocean Bottle, which has already facilitated the collection of over 31 million pounds (14 million kilograms) of plastic through partnerships in countries like Indonesia, India, and Ghana. In these programs, local volunteers can exchange collected plastic for monetary compensation, creating economic incentives while cleaning up the environment.
This initiative by HX and Ocean Bottle represents a proactive approach to environmental stewardship, highlighting the cruise industry’s potential to lead in sustainability and ocean conservation. Through such partnerships, HX continues to set an example for integrating ecological responsibility with exceptional guest experiences.
