WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revised its Energy Star requirements for residential refrigerators and freezers. The updated requirements raise the bar for energy efficiency in these products and, for the first time, encourage manufacturers of Energy Star appliances to include optional “connected” features. These features would offer consumers more ways to reduce the energy consumption of their refrigerators and freezers, help lower their utility bills, and better protect the environment and the climate. Under the new standards, Energy Star certified refrigerators and freezers will use at least 10 percent less energy than models meeting 2014 federal...

RIPON, WIS.—UniMac, a leading provider of on-premises laundry equipment, introduces new OPTispray Rinsing Technology and ECO Cycles to the UniLinc control system. These new features reduce water use and improve time and energy savings on the UW45 and UW65 machines while producing a superior rinsing result. OPTispray is a state-of-the-art spray rinse technology that allows OPL operators to minimize water use with highly effective rinsing. The exclusive technology delivers optimized rinsing through unique bath and spray rinse intelligence, which can provide a 12 percent faster cycle rinse time and increased throughput. Superior to bath rinsing alone, OPTispray’s spray...

As someone who’s been in the laundry equipment business for more than 30 years, I can say without any doubt, that these are the most exciting times I’ve experienced. Technology in this industry has progressed to a level where it’s no longer just about throughput. Programmability and engineering have made the machines immensely important management tools. Automatic weighing systems are now adjusting water fill levels and chemical dosing to match the loads. Residual moisture technology can continually measure the dryness level of the load and step down the heat, before shutting the tumbler off when the preset moisture level has...

TOLEDO, OHIO—Betco Corp. announces the launch of Green Earth Devour Drain Gel. Green Earth Devour Drain Gel is formulated for naturally maintaining drains and odors typically found in food service applications as well as other commercial areas. The thickened gel formula clings to vertical surfaces providing better contact time than thin formulas. The pH neutral formula is safe for use on all drain pipe materials and fittings. Devour Drain Gel’s proprietary blend of natural microbes work together to digest odor causing bacteria in drains. With an easy to use applicator lid, the gel coats the pipes to prevent buildup...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Green Bull Products, Inc. as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. The Green Bull Drain Maintenance System provides a highly effective, non-toxic, biodegradable, bacterial grease-digesting treatment. Green Bull puts to work billions of colony-forming bacteria to digest fats, oil and grease (FOG), leaving behind water and inert carbon. Green Bull helps avoid drain back-ups and reduces build-ups in grease traps, interceptors, and sewage ejectors. Odors are neutralized at the source by reducing grease. Green Bull refills contain naturally occurring bacteria designed to treat drains on a...

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN—Food waste from restaurants accounts for a large proportion of a hotel’s waste in total. Leftovers from buffets, kitchen scraps, bread and what guests leave on the side of their plates all add up to hundreds of kilos every day. Much of this food waste is thrown away unnecessarily and Scandic is now taking the next step in its work on sustainability by actively working on waste management at all its hotels. A recently completed pilot shows that, with know-how and planning, the hotels can reduce breakfast waste by more than 30 percent.By training staff, controlling purchasing and...

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.—The industry’s first extensive, independently conducted study to determine the ability of cold-water ozone laundering to extend the useful life of linens—a major expenditure among hospitality, healthcare and numerous other institutions—reveals a resounding advantage versus traditional hot-water methods.California-based ClearWater Tech LLC recently released the results of a six-month study conducted by North Carolina State University’s Physical Testing Laboratory—College of Textiles. Dr. Jan Ballard, extension specialist and supervisor of the Physical Testing Laboratory, directed study procedures.Testing utilized EcoTex ozone technology and its application format in comparisons with traditional laundering of pillowcases and terry towels. EcoLab supplied chemicals...

NEW YORK—The Trump Hotel Collection announced that its comprehensive Trump Wellness triad of programs, designed to support each guest’s healthy lifestyle, debuted on June 17.“Trump Wellness is another important step for the Trump Hotel Collection in our effort to create exceptional personalized experiences and options for our guests that are reflective of their lifestyle,” said Jim Petrus, COO. “With the Trump Wellness program, we are effectively eliminating the challenges that can interrupt a healthy lifestyle when you’re away from home. Working with our food and beverage departments and fitness leaders like Technogym and Under Armour, Trump Hotel Collection is...

IRVING, TEXAS—Darling International Inc. and Griffin Industries LLC recently announced the launch of DAR PRO Solutions, A Darling/Griffin Brand. DAR PRO Solutions was an exhibitor at the recent National Restaurant Association Show offering premium recycling services to the food service and restaurant industries in all 50 states, repurposing inedible meat and cooking oil by-products into globally-marketed animal feed nutrients, renewable fuels, and ingredients used in a diverse range of commercial and industrial applications.In addition to announcing a new brand, DAR PRO Solutions is also introducing the BOSS Fresh Oil Management Solution—a fresh and used cooking oil management solution. This...

NEWPORT NEWS, VA.—The Magnuson Hotel & Convention Center at Oyster Point, a JSK Motel Management property, celebrated the grand opening of its new restaurant and bar, Green House. It features modern American cuisine with an emphasis on the finest, seasonal ingredients from local farmers. The restaurant supports several local food sources, including Rain or Shine Greenhouse Gardens, Oliver Farms Produce, Whitener Farms, Dave and Dee’s Mushrooms, and Sam Rust Seafood, Inc.“Green House is a great addition to our current hotel model and will fit well with the development initiatives planned for the near future,” said Ray Patel, president, JSK...