Nicolet on Her Role as Head of Procurement and ESG Manager at Blycolin
At Blycolin, quality and sustainability come together every single day. For Nicolet, Head of Procurement and ESG Manager, this is more than just a job description; it is a mission. After working in various departments within the organization for ten years, she has now spent the past fifteen years with her team focusing on the purchasing and development of linen products, where every decision matters for people, the planet and the future of the hospitality industry.
“Today, sustainable purchasing is the standard,” she says. “But ESG goes beyond just the products. It’s about the entire company and the whole supply chain.”
ESG with a Personal Drive
For Nicolet, ESG is not an abstract policy framework. Her motivation is personal and tangible.
“In the supply chain, I often see how significant the social impact of our sector can be. In countries such as India and Pakistan, women have fewer rights and opportunities. Through conscious purchasing decisions, we strive to work with companies that pay attention to these issues and make a real difference.”
From vision to action
No two days are the same. Nicolet safeguards Blycolin’s ESG ambitions, translates them into concrete actions and constantly seeks to connect with colleagues. Many ideas arise directly from daily practice. Still, she remains mindful of potential pitfalls.
“We must always stay critical and avoid greenwashing. Our goals must remain sharp.”
This approach delivers tangible results. For example, the share of recycled materials in new container covers has increased from zero to fifty-one percent. In addition, Blycolin is working on circular product lines and reducing textile waste in collaboration with partners such as CIBUTEX.
The challenge of whiteness
In the hospitality industry, the guest experience is key. Guests often associate bright white linen with freshness and luxury. However, achieving that level of whiteness requires large amounts of water, energy and chemicals.
“Whiter is not always better,” Nicolet says. “It is about clean and comfortable without unnecessary environmental impact.”
Circular products may be less bright white, but that does not diminish their quality or lifespan. They offer the same softness and comfort while significantly reducing environmental impact. In 2024, Blycolin reduced water consumption to an average of 4.49 liters per kilogram of linen, a remarkable achievement.
Closing the loop
One of the main priorities for the coming years is linen reuse.
“We want textiles to flow back into our organization. Recycling should never come at the expense of durability, but we do need to close the loop.”
Nicolet also sees a role for the government, for example in encouraging chemical recycling and setting clear guidelines.
Ambition for 2030
The vision for the future is clear. By 2030, ninety percent of textiles must be sustainable, and one hundred percent of rejected linen must be recycled.
“In just a year and a half, we have achieved a great deal. From new environmental policies on water and CO₂, to more transparent reporting. My dream is for sustainability to be so deeply woven into our work that my role as a dedicated ESG Manager becomes unnecessary.”
An opportunity, not an obligation
Nicolet’s message to clients is clear:
“Do not see sustainability as an obligation, but as an opportunity. Less transportation, longer product lifespans, and full transparency in the supply chain. We all benefit from it.”