Audley Travel launches a ‘Responsible Packing Guide’ to mark World Ocean Day

Over 20 per cent of UK holidaymakers believe it is essential to consider the sustainability credentials of the items they pack.

To mark World Ocean Day (8 June), tailor-made and B Corp™ certified tour operator Audley Travel has curated a new ‘Responsible Packing Guide’ which highlights fellow B Corp™ businesses focusing their operations on purpose as well as profit to do their bit to preserve the planet.

From a purchase to replace a worn-out travel accessory or replenish sunscreen to choosing new clothes ahead of a trip, the guide helps travellers select products that will have less impact on the environment.

Sustainability matters to holiday makers when packing

The launch of the guide follows research conducted by Audley that found that 21 per cent of people consider that the sustainability of items they take on holiday (such as reef-friendly suncream or responsibly produced clothing and accessories) is an essential part of their purchase decision, with a further 40 per cent saying this is quite important.

A similar number (22 per cent) say this focus on the environment extends to the holiday itself, considering the carbon footprint or sustainability credentials of their chosen accommodation is essential (with 40 per cent feeling this is quite important).

This is most important to 25-34s, with 45 per cent of this age group saying sustainability was an essential part of their purchase decision for items to take away, and 44 per cent for the holiday itself.

Only 10 per cent of all respondents say they don’t consider sustainability when making travel decisions and 11 per cent when purchasing items to take with them.

The recommended B Corp™ products

With products ranging from sunglasses and travel accessories made from recycled marine plastic, clothing made-to-order to reduce waste, reef-safe suncream and an electric toothbrush with recyclable plant-based heads, buying from these B Corp™ businesses helps travellers make a positive choice for the planet.

• This Way — Skincare products designed for travel that are cruelty-free and use natural ingredients and eco-certified materials whenever possible, as well as prioritising ethical manufacturing practices.
• Sea2See — Sunglasses made from 100 per cent recycled marine plastic collected by local fishing and coastal communities in Africa. Each frame recycles 1kg (2.2lbs) of marine plastic and gives local collectors a source of income.
• TWOTHIRDS — TWOTHIRDS combats fashion overproduction through its PRE ORDER-System initiative, which makes sure items are created only when they are needed. Garments are made from eco-friendly materials, which use less water, produce less CO2, and are less toxic for the environment than conventional cotton.
• SURI — An electric toothbrush with a 40+ day battery life, featuring plant-based heads which can be recycled for free.
• Bitmore — Power banks, charging cables and earphones made from recycled plastics and a neck pillow made from recycled plastic bottles collected from the oceans.

The guide also includes tips on how to travel sustainably from taking used batteries home to recycle and having a reusable coffee cup and cutlery set handy on excursions, to declining offers of unnecessary items such as duplicate gifts of reusable water bottles.

Nick Longman, CEO at Audley Travel, said: “Being a responsible tour operator is part of Audley Travel’s DNA, as we continue our long-term commitment to ensuring our business operates ethically and with the preservation and restoration of the communities our clients visit at its core.

“The new Responsible Travel Guide is an extension of Audley’s sustainable travel ethos, and the brands we’ve selected meet strict criteria as fellow B Corp™ companies. This is not about promoting buying new, but inspiring travellers to source holiday necessities in a mindful way.”

More information on the brands can be found at www.audleytravel.com/about-us/responsible-travel/responsible-packing-guide and a high resolution version of the guide can be downloaded here.

Notes to Editors

Research — The research was conducted by Kantar with a sample of 1,267 UK adults (18 plus) between 09/05/2024 - 13/05/2024.

Criteria for inclusion — in addition to being B Corp certified, brands selected for the guide needed to sell environmental conscious product, have a focus on plastic reduction, make community or environmental donations and match Audley's sustainability ethos.