Andy de Silva: Leading the Future of Sustainable Hospitality

Source: Ceylon Today

Sri Lankan-born entrepreneur Andy de Silva has carved a remarkable path in the global hospitality industry, earning the prestigious World’s Leading Sustainability Leader of Tomorrow 2024 award. His journey from growing up in a family with deep roots in the hotel supply business to building a globally recognised company exemplifies the power of innovation, sustainability, and perseverance.

Born into a business-oriented household, Andy’s father owned a hotel supply company in Sri Lanka, igniting his early passion for the industry. In the mid-1990s, he moved to the United States in search of new opportunities, working as a Guest Services Manager at Crowne Plaza in Irvine, California, and later at Wyndham Orange County Airport. These roles deepened his understanding of hospitality operations, setting the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.

A visionary in sustainable hospitality

Determined to make a difference, Andy co-founded Hotel Emporium Inc. with his uncle in the late 1990s. What began as a small, family-run business in a garage has now evolved into one of the most successful Sri Lankan-founded companies in the U.S., supplying over 20,000 hotels and resorts worldwide with eco-conscious and innovative hospitality solutions.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our mission at Hotel Emporium,” says Andy. “We’re not just providing luxury amenities; we’re redefining the industry’s environmental footprint by creating sustainable, high-quality alternatives that reduce waste and promote responsible consumption.”

Hotel Emporium’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its groundbreaking initiatives, such as:

LiquiFill: A hands-free, high-precision liquid dispenser system that streamlines hotel operations while reducing single-use plastics.

Refillable dispensers & bulk solutions: These stylish and durable dispensers are designed to pair with refilled gallon bottles and pouches, drastically reducing plastic waste.

Eco pod packaging: An award-winning, 100% plastic-free alternative made from bamboo, sugarcane, and wood fibres, setting new industry standards.

Sustainable personal care: Shampoo and conditioner bars that eliminate plastic packaging while offering a luxurious, water-free alternative.

Reusable bottles: Elegant glass and aluminium water bottles that replace single-use plastics in hotel rooms worldwide.

Driving global change through collaboration

Beyond its product innovations, Hotel Emporium actively partners with leading sustainability organisations to drive real impact. Collaborations with Plastic Oceans International, One Tree Planted, and Clean the World contribute to plastic waste reduction, reforestation, and global hygiene initiatives.

“Our goal is to create a circular economy within hospitality,” Andy explains. “By minimising waste, using sustainable materials, and educating stakeholders, we’re helping hotels transition from traditional operations to responsible, forward-thinking models that benefit both businesses and the planet.”

One of Hotel Emporium’s most significant contributions is its partnership with the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society, supporting the Ecoexist Project to promote human-wildlife coexistence. “Being Sri Lankan, I’m deeply committed to giving back to my roots and helping my country embrace sustainability in tourism,” Andy adds.

Challenges and milestones in building a sustainable empire

Despite its success, Hotel Emporium faced numerous challenges on its journey to becoming a sustainability leader.

“The hospitality industry has historically relied on single-use plastics, and changing mindsets was one of our biggest hurdles,” Andy recalls. “Many businesses viewed sustainable alternatives as an added cost, but we’ve worked hard to prove that eco-friendly solutions can be both cost-effective and luxurious.”

Through strategic partnerships, continuous R&D, and innovative packaging, Hotel Emporium has helped reduce plastic waste across thousands of hotels worldwide. “We tackled sustainability by addressing multiple pain points: waste reduction, cost efficiency, and guest experience. When hotels saw the benefits—financially and ethically—they were eager to join the movement.”

Sri Lanka’s untapped potential in eco-tourism

With Sri Lanka emerging as a prime travel destination, Andy believes the country has a golden opportunity to position itself as a leader in sustainable tourism.

“Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage make it an ideal hub for eco-tourism,” he notes. “However, transitioning to sustainable practices requires infrastructure, awareness, and investment—areas where collaboration is key.”

Hotel Emporium has actively engaged with Sri Lankan hotels to support this shift, offering customised sustainability solutions that balance luxury with environmental responsibility. By incorporating eco-friendly amenities, reducing single-use plastics, and implementing green operations, Sri Lankan hotels can enhance guest experiences while preserving natural resources.

Education and advocacy: Paving the way for a greener future

Hotel Emporium’s mission extends beyond business—it’s about education, advocacy, and systemic change. The company works closely with:

n Hotel operators to implement sustainability strategies and showcase data-driven insights on cost savings and guest satisfaction.

n Hotel staff through workshops on eco-conscious practices, ensuring effective adoption of sustainable solutions.

n Guests by promoting interactive sustainability initiatives, such as reusable water bottles and in-room signage explaining eco-friendly amenities.

“We want guests to feel empowered,” Andy states. “By making sustainability engaging and accessible, we inspire them to adopt these habits beyond their hotel stay.”

A future of innovation and impact

Looking ahead, Andy envisions a new era of sustainable hospitality, where technology and eco-conscious design go hand in hand.

“Our focus is on scaling sustainable solutions globally, particularly in developing tourism markets like Sri Lanka,” he says. “From expanding LiquiFill to developing next-gen sustainable packaging, our innovations will reshape the way hotels operate and guests experience hospitality.”

Through strategic partnerships, education, and advocacy, Andy de Silva and Hotel Emporium are leading a transformational shift in the hospitality industry that balances luxury, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

As Andy puts it, “Sustainability isn’t just a business choice; it’s a moral imperative. We owe it to future generations to create a sustainable hospitality industry.”