FORMIA’s first-ever Sustainability Report: Pioneering eco-friendly practices in the travel industry
FORMIA's Senior Sustainability Manager Freddie Rollason (left) and Jane Hobson, Managing Editor, PAX International at FORMIA's Hong Kong headquarters
International airline amenity specialist FORMIA published its first Sustainability Report recently, showcasing the substantial strides the company has taken toward its core sustainability goals, along with the key initiatives and advancements implemented to drive its sustainability journey forward.
In November, PAX International received a preview of the report while interviewing Senior Sustainability Manager Freddie Rollason, Founder and CEO Roland Grohmann and CCO Niklas Sandor at FORMIA’s headquarters in Hong Kong.
“The inaugural Sustainability Report is a milestone that reflects FORMIA’s dedication to creating sustainable solutions for the travel industry. It demonstrates not only the progress we’ve made but also our unwavering commitment to leading the way in environmental and social responsibility,” Roland says.
The report highlights FORMIA’s sustainability journey from 2020 to 2023 and outlines future focus areas through detailed roadmaps. This initiative reflects FORMIA’s commitment to enhancing transparency and fostering trust with its stakeholders.
An interesting aspect of the report is that Hong Kong does not require companies to publish such reports, positioning FORMIA as a pioneering leader once again.
The report reveals five main focus areas for the business: net zero, sustainable materials, circularity, stakeholder & community engagement and communication and enhanced transparency.
Each focus area outlines two associated targets that FORMIA uses to track progress at an organization level. For example, under Sustainable Materials, the two targets are: Increase the percentage of sustainable materials that are used in FORMIA’s products each year up to 90 percent by 2030, interim target of 50 percent by 2025, and; support the scaling up of innovative materials as opportunities arise.
The Missoni amenity kit for Delta Air Lines
Notably, the report highlights the milestone introduction of the industry’s first certified carbon-neutral amenity kits in 2023.
Over the years, FORMIA has made significant strides in transforming airline amenity kits to align with its sustainability goals. From introducing kits made with recycled materials to incorporating reusable and refillable elements, the company works closely with its airline partners to deliver solutions that prioritize sustainability without compromising on quality or luxury. Through collaborations with iconic brands, FORMIA develops kits that not only enhance the passenger experience but also reflects its shared commitment to a more sustainable future.
Additionally, the report provides an in-depth look at FORMIA’s CSR initiatives, detailing the company’s efforts to support the communities where it operates, foster internal awareness and promote social advancement.
As part of its ongoing sustainability journey, FORMIA’s Hong Kong head office recently earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council—a milestone highlighted as a future priority in the report. Earning Gold with 77 points, FORMIA is one of less than 200 sites in Hong Kong to achieve Gold level certification. The building is equipped with LED smart lighting, water-saving and efficient water heating features, high-performance HVAC systems and more.
FORMIA's new Hong Kong headquarters earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it one of less than 200 sites in Hong Kong to achieve Gold level certification
“Receiving LEED Gold certification for our Hong Kong head office is a tremendous achievement that underscores FORMIA’s commitment to sustainability at every level of our operations. This milestone reflects our dedication to creating an environmentally responsible workspace while setting a standard for sustainable practices within the industry,” Rollason says.
FORMIA has also elected to pursue the WELL office certification and has implemented several policies and features to support and improve the well-being of staff and visitors to the new office.
The Sustainability Report also highlights a range of airline customer case studies, interviews with leadership and strategic insights. It showcases the collective efforts of FORMIA’s global teams, suppliers and partners over the past three years to operate with a focus on creating a more positive impact on the world.
“At FORMIA, we believe that true sustainability goes beyond environmental responsibility—it is about creating a balance that also prioritizes the well-being of our team. By fostering a workplace that supports both the planet and our people, we ensure a holistic approach to our values, enabling us to innovate and thrive while contributing positively to the environment and the communities we serve,” Sandor concludes.
