Waste to wonder, plastic bottles shine as X-mas tree

A Dhaka hotel has turned used plastic bottles into a radiant Christmas tree, transforming waste into wonder while championing a fruit-fresh message of renewal and climate-conscious celebration.

Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, unveiled today (8 December) Bangladesh's first Christmas tree crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottles, signalling a futuristic shift in sustainable hospitality and community-led environmental action.

Every bottle used in the vibrant installation was carefully collected by the hotel's senior leadership over several months, reflecting a belief that bold ecological change begins with small, intentional personal choices.

"This tree is more than a decoration, it is a statement," said Karthi VK, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan, while inaugurating the installation. 

"By giving new life to discarded plastic, we aim to inspire our guests and community to rethink their choices. When leadership unites with intention, creativity becomes a catalyst for change," he said.

He said transforming non-degradable bottles into a meaningful festive symbol underscores the hotel's leadership-driven approach to reducing plastic and nurturing environmental responsibility.

Conceptualised and assembled entirely by the hotel's leadership team, the structure embodies the theme "RRR – Reduce. Reuse. Revive", echoing IHG's global sustainability commitment, Journey to Tomorrow.

The initiative began in July when the leadership team pledged to eliminate single-use plastics in their workspaces, homes, and public engagements. 

Karthi The Christmas tree now stands as a vivid testament to that collective promise.

"In July, we challenged ourselves to stop using single-use plastics, not just at work but everywhere," Karthi added.

Today, he said this installation reflects the difference those choices made. 

"Meaningful change grows from consistent small steps and as leaders, it must start with us," he added.