VISTA, CALIF.—Nearly 100 commercial, educational, and government building facility managers, who have installed waterless or no-water urinal systems in their facilities, were asked their thoughts on waterless or no-flush urinals. “This is one of the few surveys taken on the subject,” says Klaus Reichardt, founder and managing partner of Waterless Co. LLC, the oldest U.S. manufacturer of waterless urinals. “However, with the growing interest in greening building operations, the systems are becoming quite common and are now found in many locations.” As to overall opinions, when asked if they had a choice between installing conventional or waterless urinals again, 60 percent...

BERKELEY, CALIF.—VASKA, Inc., a Berkeley, Calif.-based manufacturer of botanically-based commercial laundry care products, is pleased to announce it has been awarded the Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment (DfE) certification for four of VASKA’s laundry care products. This certification allows the business community to identify and choose products that protect the environment and are safer for workers. VASKA submitted its product formulas to the EPA which reviewed the chemical background of each ingredient for its effects not just on the environment, but also on workers’ health and safety. Julia Fry, founder of VASKA, has worked to create a trustworthy...

DUNEDIN, FLA.—Mintek Mobile Data Solutions, one of the lodging industry’s leading providers of automated asset management and preventive maintenance (PM) systems, will unveil WinTrack PMnet at HITEC (booth 823). The annual technology event will be held at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, from June 16 to 19. “WinTrack PMnet is a Web-based system that enables hotel owners and operators to manage five important processes: preventive maintenance, asset management, capital expenditure (CAPEX) planning, work orders, and document and contract management—all from one online tool,” says Lind Hutton, president of Dunedin, Fla.-based Mintek. WinTrack PM, the cornerstone of Mintek’s suite of...

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—Pineapple Hospitality announces the addition of four new products to its repertoire of products: EcoSmart Pillows; Green-Key keycards; Buffet Burners; and Zero Odor. Either individually or as a part of a larger greening process, these four products demonstrate to guests a commitment to clean, green operations and, in most cases, end up saving a lot of money. “As the premier distributor of green products and marketing programs to the hospitality industry, Pineapple Hospitality is proud to serve as a conduit for bringing fresh ideas to the market,” says Ray Burger, president of Pineapple Hospitality. “With the green trend...

WINCHESTER, VA.—Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), a leader in durable facility maintenance solutions, introduces its all-new line of commercial vacuums. With this entry into powered equipment, Rubbermaid continues to deliver on the commitment to help professionals Work Smarter. This line offers key user-desired features that help them improve productivity, protect worker well-being, and facilitate green cleaning. The product line includes 12 new models (seven uprights, three backpacks and two wet/dry vacuums). Rubbermaid’s flagship upright models provide dual motor strength for one pass cleaning (PH15 & PH12 models). Both feature automatic carpet height adjustment which improves worker efficiency and well-being...

NAPLES, FLA.—Winning Brands Corp. announced that its new KIND Laundry Products line has been approved for listing and distribution through PRO Group Inc., America’s largest independent hardlines group. The mechanism of this approval is the addition of KIND Laundry Products to PRO Group’s ExtraNet Access system for its 40 participating distributors who supply thousands of independent retailers and utilize the ExtraNet system for product ordering purposes. The listing will become operational with Winning Brands’ imminent initial manufacturing of KIND Laundry Detergent, KIND Fabric Softener, and KIND Laundry Stain Remover in sufficient quantities to supply national demand. This production will...

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc. announced the publication of its 2007 Sustainability Report, which details the corporation’s efforts in the areas of economic progress, environmental stewardship and social responsibility; and provides data on related activities for 2007. “Sustainability is a critical part of our business at Ecolab, from new product development to the efficiency of our daily operations and those of our customers,” says Dr. Bruce Cords, vice president of Environment, Food Safety and Public Health. Highlights of the report include: • Continued advancements in the sustainability of products and services. From solid formulations to innovative packaging and dispensing methods, Ecolab is a leader...

PLYMOUTH, MINN.—The new Razor 20 and 20T walk-behind scrubbers from Kent offer ECO System solution control and a choice of two pad pressure settings—features that lead to maximum cleaning performance and productivity. The ECO System precisely controls solution flow to deliver more than a full hour of cleaning on a single tank. The result is fewer dump and refill cycles, which lowers costs for labor, water, wastewater and detergent. Depending upon the soil level, operators can easily switch between the light-duty “float” setting for extended run time and the heavy-duty “locked” position for tackling heavier soil. “The Razor...

MIAMI—MTech, a leading innovator in developing solutions to help hotels improve communications, increase productivity, and maximize guest satisfaction, has been selected by Greenville, S.C.-based JHM Hotels to provide the company’s 30 U.S.-based full- and limited-service properties with PMWorks, the first ASP specifically designed to handle the day-to-day needs of hotel maintenance. “At JHM Hotels, we are committed to providing 101 percent guest satisfaction as we consistently exceed guest expectations,” said Darwin Brumley, corporate director of engineering for JHM Hotels. “At each property, a team of highly motivated, empowered, guest-sensitive associates truly wants to help and welcome each traveler into their...

SCHAUMBURG, ILL.—The Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center has announced the conversion of its chlorine recreation facility into an eco-friendly mineral pool. As the first hotel in Illinois to replace chlorine with a mineral-based formula, the hotel’s new pool will contain fewer waterborne irritants and no strong chlorine odor. “We are excited to be the first hotel in Illinois to offer guests a mineral-based pool experience that is gentler on the skin and eyes,” said Thomas Robertson, general manager. “These environmental benefits further our operational goal to implement conservation and environmental practices while delivering a superior guest experience.” The mineral pool...