For many years, coated fabrics have been defined as either Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Polyurethane (PU) textiles. They are two different polymer-based platforms—which have their own strengths and weaknesses. Both platforms are used in upholstery applications from residential to contract, and hospitality to healthcare. PVC has long been recognized as the go-to workhorse for extreme use conditions, especially in public spaces. Polyurethanes are recognized for their soft hand, unique surface feeling, and versatile design options. Both continue to thrive and offer robust options to the end-users. However, new to our industry are silicone coated textiles. Silicone has been around for...

JASPER, IND.—In living up to one of its core values, Create a Safe and Healthy Work Environment, Indiana Furniture has achieved Indiana Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (INSHARP) certification for its Plywood manufacturing facility, located in Jasper, Ind. Less than 45 Indiana businesses have achieved INSHARP certification and they are recognized as workplace safety and health leaders. “Our goal every day is to put safety first,” stated Greg Hildenbrand, Safety and Industrial Engineering Manager for Indiana Furniture. “Receiving this certification is a testament to the focus and dedication of our employees. Creating an ongoing safe and healthy mindset throughout...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton announced the signing and groundbreaking of Curio Collection by Hilton’s debut property in the Dominican Republic, Hotel Santiago, with the presence of the country’s president, Danilo Medina Sánchez. Set to open in late 2022, the modern hotel will form part of Santiago Center, an upscale mixed-use development offering a variety of entertainment including more than 15 dining options, shopping mall, local artisan market and children’s play area. “Welcoming more than 6.5 million visitors in 2018, the Dominican Republic has shown steady growth as a tourist destination in the Caribbean—with travel and tourism accounting for more than 17 percent...

NATIONAL REPORT—More and more companies are trying to find ways to reduce their impact on the environment. Some decide to focus on their energy consumption, or the amount of waste they’re producing. In many ways, lean offices are also eco-friendly since they minimize waste in processes, which then trickles down and reduces the amount of energy a company is consuming. But one area that many businesses still ignore is furniture. The furniture we buy can make a huge difference to our carbon footprint, and it’s essential that you have an eco-friendly approach when looking at your options. Here’s a quick...

MENOMONEE FALLS, WIS.—Bradley Corp., an industry leader in providing state-of-the-art hand washing solutions, introduces a new line of matching Verge soap dispensers and faucets. These complete sets offer cohesive and striking designs that further enhance the sophisticated look of Verge washbasins and work seamlessly with any other basin. With advanced sensing technology for reliability and durability, the Verge soap and faucet pairs come in four styles and six finishes. “Specifying the Verge family of soap dispensers and faucets harmonizes designers’ looks and adds a beautiful and unified design element to washbasins,” says Laura Stang, Senior Product and Portfolio Manager, Bradley Corp....

NEW YORK—The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has announced that it has passed the 500-million-square-foot mark of buildings registered and certified under the WELL Building Standard (WELL). The milestone quickly follows this month’s earlier announcement that the number of WELL Accredited Professionals (APs) and registrants has exceeded 10,000, further evidence of the accelerating growth of the global movement to help people thrive through better buildings and communities and stronger organizations. “With more than 4,000 projects in nearly 60 countries and spanning all space types—offices, schools, hotels, residences and more—it’s clear that this second wave of sustainability has gathered powerful momentum,” said IWBI Chairman and...

CLEARWATER BEACH, FLA.—Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), Page Development Group and Choice Hotels’ Ascend Hotel Collection announced the first ever Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club Hotel. With the conversion expected to be unveiled in the spring of 2020 and sitting on America’s number one beach with 91 rooms, this eco-friendly hotel will be dolphin and marine life themed, featuring the inspiring dolphin made famous by the Dolphin Tale movies—Winter. “The opportunity to partner with Clearwater Marine Aquarium is unique and special,” said Page Development Group President Steve Page. “Our eco-friendly hotel will not only provide a great guest experience, but will...

ATLANTA—LG Hausys’ HI-MACS solid surface is introducing 10 new colors across its Aurora and Terrazzo collections. Aurora’s calming palette and Terrazzo’s nostalgic designs draw inspiration from nature to create a serene backdrop. The new colors reflect the latest industry trends and provide versatile design options for corporate, education, healthcare and hospitality environments. The Aurora Collection is inspired by Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights) and embodies a low-contrast, organic swirling movement throughout its designs. Blanc is a white marble with subtle and soothing gray veining, while Pavia’s pristine soft-white offers elegance with translucent properties. Warm tones shine through Cream with subtle...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Registration is now open for HD Expo + Conference 2020, North America’s largest event for hospitality design. A bold, experiential showcase of products, services, and industry thought leaders will return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from May 5 to 7, 2020, setting the stage for never-before-seen innovations, interactive experiences and insightful educational programming. “HD Expo is the stage for next-generation product innovations shaping the hospitality design industry,” said Kevin Gaffney, Vice President and Group Show Director for HD Expo. “It is a must-attend event that creates long-lasting professional connections, sparks ideas and inspiration, and pushes...

WILMINGTON, MASS.—In the heart of the fashionable Garment District in New York City, LEDVANCE LLC, the makers of SYLVANIA general lighting, announced its new SYLVANIA Natural Series of LED lighting products with TruWave Technology. This LED portfolio offers the best alternative to natural light by mimicking the natural light spectrum to deliver Natural Light for Natural Living. In addition to supporting an improved sleep/wake cycle, this robust industry-first LED portfolio delivers superior dimming and less intense blue light for reduced eye strain. It also helps you see realistic vivid colors and enhance your color experience with high CRI and...