“Sustainability Is a Core Principle”
Interview with Lutz Hübner, CEO of ADA Cosmetics, on waste reduction, refill systems, and the future of hotel cosmetics.
In conversation with Hotel Management, ADA Cosmetics CEO Lutz Hübner shares insights on sustainable concepts in the hospitality sector, the pioneering ADA Cosmetics Refillution system, and how the industry is adapting to growing environmental and economic pressures.
Mr. Hübner, how can hotels cut waste and save money on cosmetics without making large upfront investments?
Lutz Hübner: Sustainability should be an integral part of any hotel’s overall concept. In hotel cosmetics, switching from single-use packaging to refillable dispenser systems can significantly reduce both waste and costs. Hotels can cut up to 85% of plastic waste and up to 30% of product loss—which usually happens when unused leftovers end up in the trash or down the drain.
ADA Cosmetics Refillution goes even further: it can reduce plastic use by up to 95% and product waste by up to 40%. That’s the equivalent of around 4.5 kilograms of plastic saved per room per year. For hotels, this means not only a clear environmental benefit but also quick and measurable financial advantages.
Your company is pursuing many sustainability initiatives. What is the guiding motivation behind them?
For us, sustainability is not a short-term trend—it’s a core principle. We take long-term responsibility for the environment, for society, and for future generations. That’s why we regularly publish a sustainability report to make our progress fully transparent.
Our core product portfolio is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver, and we also hold the EcoVadis Gold label, which ranks us among the top 5% of the most sustainable companies worldwide.
We are firmly opposed to greenwashing and rely exclusively on independent, audited certifications. Beyond that, we operate regional production sites across the globe to shorten supply chains and reduce CO₂ emissions.
Have there been major changes to your formulations in recent years?
Yes—deliberately, and out of responsibility to our users. Skin is the body’s largest organ, so safety and compatibility are our top priorities. All our products are dermatologically tested and pH skin-neutral. We proactively remove critical ingredients such as benzophenones or MIT from our formulas even before regulations require it.
We also prioritize natural ingredients—most of our products are over 90% naturally derived. Our Think, Act, Live Responsible line is fully certified as natural cosmetics. In addition, we work with Symrise on innovative fragrance technologies like Actimood®, which use scent components to promote wellbeing—calming in our new Yon-Ka spa line, or energizing in the new brand The Curious Botanist.
How is the hospitality sector responding to refill systems and eco-friendly packaging?
Acceptance is growing steadily. Hoteliers are actively looking for sustainable solutions that don’t compromise on quality. Our SmartCare dispenser, for example, is made from mono-material, is fully recyclable, and has been certified by the Hygiene Institute Rhein-Waal in Germany as particularly hygienic.
We are also making greater use of recycled plastics to foster circular material flows. With ADA Cosmetics Refillution, hotels can refill dispensers directly on-site, using durable and design-led materials like glass or aluminum. These systems combine sustainability with cost-efficiency, safety, and aesthetics—creating real added value for both operators and their guests.
Are there any new additions to your product portfolio?
Our portfolio is continuously evolving. This year, we introduced The Curious Botanist, a new brand defined by its natural approach, fragrance impact, and strong design. Our Naturals line has been visually refreshed and enhanced with Actimood® technology, while our premium Balmain range is now available in the SmartCare dispenser.
A particularly bespoke service is ADA Atelier, which allows hoteliers to create their own customized cosmetics line—from fragrance and packaging design to tailored dispensers. Even in accessories, we focus on sustainability: instead of plastic, we use bamboo, wood, cotton, or FSC-certified paper to create a coherent and eco-friendly look in hotel rooms.
Environmental protection plays a major role in your products. How does this extend along the production chain?
Sustainability begins with raw material sourcing. For instance, we use only RSPO-certified palm oil to help protect rainforests and biodiversity. All our core products are Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver, which obligates us to continuously optimize processes in line with circular economy principles. Our goal is to use resources as efficiently as possible and to minimize the need for new raw materials.
Competitive pressure and rising costs also present challenges in your sector. How is ADA Cosmetics responding?
The industry is undoubtedly under pressure—whether from rising energy prices, labor shortages, or material costs. But we see these challenges as opportunities to evolve further. For more than 45 years, we have been developing sustainable, efficient solutions for the hospitality sector.
With more than 700 employees worldwide, our own laboratories, and production facilities, we remain agile and close to the market. Our principle of being “glocal”—thinking globally, acting locally—guides our work. Most recently, we opened new offices with showrooms in Shanghai and Chicago.
Ultimately, our people remain our greatest asset. They drive innovation and maintain the close partnerships we value with hoteliers around the world.
For further information, please visit ada-cosmetics.com/sustainability